The Catholic Catechism: A Contemporary Catechism of the Teachings of the Catholic Church (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

By a noted Catholic scholar, this volume answers the need for an up-to-date and concise source book on the principle teachings of the Catholic Church.

From the Publisher

By a noted Catholic scholar, this volume answers the need for an up-to-date and concise source book on the principle teachings of the Catholic Church.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 624 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday (April 23, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038508045X
• ISBN-13: 978-0385080453
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #247,584 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, and very reliable., December 5, 1997

By	Edward Peters (Ann Arbor MI) - See all my reviews

I remember, more than 20 years after the fact, reading this book cover to cover while in college, and realizing for the first time that the whole thing made deep sense. I have recommended this book as a basic adult introduction to the teachings of the Catholic Church many times since, and continue to do so today.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Resource, September 6, 2001

By	Barry E. DeWalt (Redding, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Father Hardon has blessed the Church with this excellent catechism. Father Hardon writing style is conversational, and he is very thorough in his treatment.

Father Hardon strikes on the major topics (i.e., commandments, sacraments), but refrains from an overabundance of detail. In his treatment of the various subjects, Father Hardon frequently cites scripture and the early church fathers. His treatment of the early fathers and the general councils, as they relate to certain topics, is astounding.

In comparison to the new catechism, Father Hardon's catechism is much easier to understand and read, but it lacks the detail of the new catechism. If those two qualities suit you, purchase this catechism before diving into the new catechism. Father Hardon's presentation of the Catholic faith is orthodox.

Any person who reads this catechism will come away with an informed appreciation of the Catholic faith. As compared to some catechisms, Father Hardon explains the faith by demonstrating why the Church professes what it does, not just what it professes. I'm sure that was Father Hardon's goal, and he achieved it marvelously.

A fine catechism written by a fine Catholic gentleman!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to the Roman Catholic Church, January 9, 2008

By	Robert Badger (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

When I was looking at Catholicism in the early 1990s, this was the only book available to me on Catholic doctrine in my public library. I lived in a very small, mostly Mormon town.

This book was a huge influence on my life. I ended up becoming Catholic after my move to Salt Lake City. I have often referred back to this book. It is very clealy written and quite useful to the ordinary Catholic.

You won't find anything in here that is contrary to Catholic teaching. It is a faithful and sure exposition of the Catholic faith.