Books or Websites explaining Christianity/Christian Basics (Anglican & Catholic)?

[GCMac87]

Growing up, I was raised in a rather non-religious family, we stopped attending church (a Disciples of Christ church) when I was very young. Nevertheless, I was always drawn to the Christian faith and taught myself over the years about Christianity. Just over a year ago prior to graduating from college, I finally felt compelled to attend church (most churches I had been to in my life made me feel extremely uncomfortable) and began attending an Anglo-Catholic Episcopal parish and was baptized and confirmed.

While my father was raised in a very religious family (charismatic & evangelical), I don’t think he ever felt comfortable nor was he ever instructed in the faith to any degree. My mother was raised in a non-religious household and was never told much of anything about Christianity and was never baptized. Nevertheless, while going through catechesis prior to baptism and confirmation, my mother would always ask me to teach her what I was learning. She has always wanted to know more about Christianity, and wishes to join the church but is very fearful because of her lack of basic knowledge about Christianity. She had asked my father before, but as I stated previously, he was not able to explain much to her.

I have told her that she should speak to my priest as he would be better able to instruct her than I would, but again, she is afraid of “sounding stupid.” Furthermore, she (and my father would as well) want to go to my church because it is the closest Episcopal parish and they felt comfortable when they attended mass there, but they live an hour away so I am hoping to be able to give her enough background information to help increase her confidence so she can begin Christian instruction.

That background information may have been excessive, but this is my current problem, I have been looking for books and/or websites that effectively explain the basics of Christianity (basic history and theology). After looking around, it seems that many of the resources that I come across are evangelical in nature, which I believe would be problematic as these sources deny things like the necessity of baptism, Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, the sacraments in general, etc. Does anyone know of any resources that provide basic instruction in the Christian faith that are from a more Anglican or Catholic understanding? I have seen “Christianity for Dummies” but am unsure if it is written from an evangelical standpoint or not; does anyone have experience with this book?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Jean_1958]

The best book explaining Christianity from the Catholic viewpoint would be the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

 

[GCMac87]

The best book explaining Christianity from the Catholic viewpoint would be the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The Catechism is over 800 pages, I was looking for something a bit more condensed. Moreover, what I’m looking for would serve as more of a primer for the Christian faith, somehow I doubt you’d give someone who is devoid of even most of the basic tenets of the faith the Catechism. There is a very small catechism in the back of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, but it still would not serve to adequately explain the faith to someone without even a cursory background in Christianity.

 

[LuckyOle]

Catholicism for Dummies has good reviews.
The Dummies series will try to present an objective and introductory view. Usually they are done with some humor, which I like.

In addition to finding the right book, EWTN has some great programs, including one on the catechism

 

[MarkBrown]

GCMac87,

Your first stop should be your priest.

Most of my books and the books etc I studied on my journey to catholicism were long, say 500+ pages. Mostly theological and commentary. But then again I am an Anglican priest with advance degrees in theology. My first recommendations were nixed by the wife as too long winded and “I thought they were laity, what are you doing to them?!”

Try these suggestions.

In His Light isbn 0-697-17853-6. Used for RCIA classes.

Re-Discovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly isbn1-929266-08-1. A laymans work on presenting the Catholic faith.

Website www.catholicity.com free cd’s etc on The Mass etc.

also check this site as there are books etc offered here explaining Christianity and Catholicism.

Hope this helps get you started.

Fr. Mark

 

[waxwing]

The Catechism is over 800 pages, I was looking for something a bit more condensed. Moreover, what I’m looking for would serve as more of a primer for the Christian faith, somehow I doubt you’d give someone who is devoid of even most of the basic tenets of the faith the Catechism. There is a very small catechism in the back of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, but it still would not serve to adequately explain the faith to someone without even a cursory background in Christianity.

Hello,

When I read your post the first book that came to mind is Basic Christianity by John R.W Stott. Its a Protestant explanation of Christianity so some may have a issue with this recommendation on this basis alone, I have read it a couple times and found it enriching and faith building so thats my book suggestion