Challenge: Catholic Theology 101 - For the Layman

[Alopen]

Ok, this is a challenge to the theologically minded of Catholic Answers.

Construct a list of books that you feel would adequately impart the basic understanding of Catholic theology to a layman (Catholic or otherwise).

Once you have the basics down, add a little more placing emphasis on whatever you feel: Historicism, Contemporary Issues, Dialog with modern Secular Philosophy, etc.

 

[JRKH]

Ok, this is a challenge to the theologically minded of Catholic Answers.

Construct a list of books that you feel would adequately impart the basic understanding of Catholic theology to a layman (Catholic or otherwise).

Once you have the basics down, add a little more placing emphasis on whatever you feel: Historicism, Contemporary Issues, Dialog with modern Secular Philosophy, etc.

I’m sure you’ll get many good selections for this.
Catholic Catechism. - The Old Baltimore Catechism might be easier to read for a beginner since it uses a question and answer format.

Peace
James

 

[rskempf]

I read this book about a year ago. I wish I had found it sooner. It explains the faith in a direct and beautiful way.

Title: The Faith Explained, Third Edition
Author: Leo J. Trese

This book has received the Nihil Obstat, and Imprimatur.

 

[Cajetan]

*The Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and a few other Q&A-format catechisms (the classic Catechism of St. Pius X and the relatively recent The Question and Answer Catholic Catechism by John A. Hardon, S.J., are invaluable).

*St. Thomas Aquinas’ Compendium theologiae. This 400-plus page work is currenly published by Sophia Institute Press under the title Aquinas’ Shorter Summa: Saint Thomas’ Own Concise Version of His Summa Theologica. (Note that this oft-neglected work is NOT an edited/abridged/condensed version of the Summa Theologica – as is often assumed, thanks to the aforementioned publisher’s chosen title – but rather is a wholly original work by Aquinas aimed at the laymen of his day.) I cannot think of a better book of Catholic theology for the average Catholic layman. You can buy it here:

sophiainstitute.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=254

Or here:

amazon.com/Aquinass-Shorter-Summa-Thomass-Theologica/dp/1928832431

*Another interesting lay-oriented title that I recommend highly – and which IS the product of heavy yet very good editing from various sources – is Sophia Institute Press’ The Aquinas Catechism: A Simple Explanation of the Catholic Faith by the Church’s Greatest Theologian. The work is culled from Aquinas’ sermons on the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, the Ten Commandments, and “the Articles of Faith and the Heresies Against Each.”

Buy it here:

sophiainstitute.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=232

Or here:

amazon.com/Aquinas-Catechism-Explanation-Catholic-Theologian/dp/1928832105/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212957583&sr=1-1

 

[Alopen]

Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut, now i know what to suggest!

 

[JonW]

Catholic Christianity by Peter Kreeft.
Exploring the Faith by Herbert McCabe, O.P.

Nihil Obstats and Imprimaturs all around.

God Bless

Jon Winterburn

 

[fellowChristian]

THEOLOGY
Main Section - Roman Catholic Books

DOGMATIC THEOLOGY FOR THE LAITY By Fr. Matthias Premm

FUNDAMENTALS OF CATHOLIC DOGMA By Dr. Ludwig Ott

LIBERALISM IS A SIN By Fr. Felix Sarda y Salvany

LIFE EVERLASTING By Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange

THE MOTHER OF THE SAVIOUR By Fr. R. Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.

SCIENCE OF HISTORICAL THEOLOGY By Msgr. John F. McCarthy

THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES Vol 1: Faith - By Garrigou-LaGrange

THE THREE AGES OF THE INTERIOR LIFE By Rev. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.

THREE WAYS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE By Fr. R. Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.

A TOUR OF THE SUMMA By Msgr. Paul J. Glenn

WHAT FAITH REALLY MEANS By Rev. Henry G. Graham, M.A.

 

[Cajetan]

FUNDAMENTALS OF CATHOLIC DOGMA

By Dr. Ludwig Ott

Insanely good book, and very important for our times.

I have to buy a copy for myself – the old volume I regularly borrow from my college’s library is starting to fall apart.

 

[Mekio]

THEOLOGY AND SANITY by Frank Sheed

THEOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS by Frank Sheed

I’m a Frank Sheed fan!

 

[SedesDomi]

Throw away all of your books.

All you need is The Spiritual Combat.

'Nuff said.