How do you study the Catechism of the Catholic Church?

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I have recently purchased a copy of the catechism so that I can understand Catholic theology before I become a Catholic, but already feel overwhelmed. Each page I read is more knowledge of theology that I can use for myself and the people around me, so it fills me with joy that I can be more responsive to my militant-atheist friend’s questions. But I was wondering how you people of CAF study this wonderful book, do you read from cover to cover, or read selected pages and chapters?
 
when I was taking the course, over 3 summers, for DRE certification I read the entire book, and the supplement, but as matter for lectio divina. Where possible I looked also at the scripture citations for most passages. That means I read one or two pages a day, not more, slowly, prayerfully, meditating on the meaning.
 
This is a neat little download that I found a couple of years ago that I printed out and folded and use as a bookmark too. But this is very helpful to keeping track what you have read in the Bible and the Catechism. Enjoy.
 
puzzleannie said:
when I was taking the course, over 3 summers, for DRE certification I read the entire book, and the supplement, but as matter for lectio divina. Where possible I looked also at the scripture citations for most passages. That means I read one or two pages a day, not more, slowly, prayerfully, meditating on the meaning.
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please forgive me,I know I have no business commenting on this thread but you dont think its wrong to have to study for something thats free,salvation is free salvation is free its not through any church or denomination,theres nothing you can do,no amount of works can get you into the prescence of Jesus,Hes against this sort of indoctrination of religion,once again Im sorry and forgive me
 
Reading and studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a wonderful way to better understand the Church’s teachings and the reasoning behind them. I have never participated in a study group or anything like that for the Catechism. I simply purchased a copy at a point in my life when I wanted to know my faith better and slowly read the whole book. It’s amazing how everything fits together so well and it really helped reassure me of the correctness of Church teachings. I often go back to it and re-read certain portions to refresh my understanding and also find it useful when trying to explain to someone who is either not Catholic or uninformed about their Catholic faith what the Church really has to say about various matters.

Thanks for posting this thread, it’s given me the idea to also incorporate re-reading parts of the Catechism during Lent along with my planned readings of Scripture.

And as for discounting the value of good works I think more Protestants need to read the Epistle of James.
 
Linkthemissing said:
I have recently purchased a copy of the catechism so that I can understand Catholic theology before I become a Catholic, but already feel overwhelmed. Each page I read is more knowledge of theology that I can use for myself and the people around me, so it fills me with joy that I can be more responsive to my militant-atheist friend’s questions. But I was wondering how you people of CAF study this wonderful book, do you read from cover to cover, or read selected pages and chapters?
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When I returned to the Chruch after a nearly 20 year absence, I really had no idea what being “Roman Catholic” meant. My spiritual director at the time, a newly ordained priest, recommended that I read The US Catechism for Adults, before I tried to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It was the best advice I ever got !🙂

The US Catechism, I believe, gives a “newbie” an easy to read and understand summary of the catechism. There are footnotes & references to the actual catechism, and there are wonderful stories, prayers and a good commentary on how to live the faith in 21st century American society.

I still use the US Catechism for Adults section on the 10 Commandments, as a spiritual aid when preparing for confession. Reading this section really helps me to center in on the areas that I really need to work on!

I have found that I have a much better appreciation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and now, that I am more confident in my faith (and with 2+ years of graduate studies in theology & ministry ;))
I am no longer intimdated by Church documents! 😉
 
Linkthemissing said:
I have recently purchased a copy of the catechism so that I can understand Catholic theology before I become a Catholic, but already feel overwhelmed. Each page I read is more knowledge of theology that I can use for myself and the people around me, so it fills me with joy that I can be more responsive to my militant-atheist friend’s questions. But I was wondering how you people of CAF study this wonderful book, do you read from cover to cover, or read selected pages and chapters?
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I’d like to read it through someday but, so far, I’ve studied it topically, as questions come up. I’m continually amazed at the wisdom and insight into our faith it affords-I’m always finding new little gems.
 
jahluver said:
please forgive me,I know I have no business commenting on this thread but you dont think its wrong to have to study for something thats free,salvation is free salvation is free its not through any church or denomination,theres nothing you can do,no amount of works can get you into the prescence of Jesus,Hes against this sort of indoctrination of religion,once again Im sorry and forgive me
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I don’t know why you think you have no business commenting on this thread. Any CAF member can comment on any thread. I have a few questions for you though if you don’t mind.

May I ask you, do you read or study the Bible at all? Or do you think studying the Bible is wrong and a hindrance to salvation?

And if you do read the Bible, would you please point out where it says that Jesus is against people learning religious doctrines? And where it says that salvation is not through any church? (You’re right though that the Bible says that salvation is not through any denomination.)
 
jahluver said:
please forgive me,I know I have no business commenting on this thread but you dont think its wrong to have to study for something thats free,salvation is free salvation is free its not through any church or denomination,theres nothing you can do,no amount of works can get you into the prescence of Jesus,Hes against this sort of indoctrination of religion,once again Im sorry and forgive me
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this study is not undertaken for the purpose of securing our salvation, and nobody here, at anytime, has suggested that we can save ourselves by such a study.

If you wish to know Catholic teaching on salvation, search threads under that heading on the apologetics forum, and specifically search the library on the CA homepage

If you think it is wrong to study God’s revelation as summarized in the book called the Catechism, then by definition you consider it wrong to study his revelation as summarized in the book called the Bible.
 
jahluver said:
please forgive me,I know I have no business commenting on this thread but you dont think its wrong to have to study for something thats free,salvation is free salvation is free its not through any church or denomination,theres nothing you can do,no amount of works can get you into the prescence of Jesus,Hes against this sort of indoctrination of religion,once again Im sorry and forgive me
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you’re forgiven-but it’d be even better if you were informed, then your contrition could be more perfect! In order to even know who Jesus is, we must first *hear *the gospel. (Rom 10:14-15) And that is the entire reason for the Catholic faith and any of her teachings.
 
Linkthemissing said:
I have recently purchased a copy of the catechism so that I can understand Catholic theology before I become a Catholic, but already feel overwhelmed. Each page I read is more knowledge of theology that I can use for myself and the people around me, so it fills me with joy that I can be more responsive to my militant-atheist friend’s questions. But I was wondering how you people of CAF study this wonderful book, do you read from cover to cover, or read selected pages and chapters?
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sounds like you need the penny catachism from
tanbooks.com/index.php/page/shop:flypage/product_id/617/keywords/catechism/

this is what it says about it:

300 questions and answers on all aspects of the Faith. Excellent basic class text and short summary of Catholic teaching for everyone. Easy to read, won’t overwhelm the prospective convert! Great for missionary work or apologetics. An official catechism. Impr. 72 pgs, PB

they sell other catechisms too but that one sounds just what you are wanting:thumbsup:
 
Paul2274 said:
This is a neat little download that I found a couple of years ago that I printed out and folded and use as a bookmark too. But this is very helpful to keeping track what you have read in the Bible and the Catechism. Enjoy.
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Excellent! Thanks so much!
 
I bought a copy and try and read a few pages a day(not going so well lately). By doing this you can read it in a years time. Ft. Coropi also has a great series on every Sunday night at 8 PM on EWTN where he goes through the Catechism page by page…its pretty good.
 
Linkthemissing said:
I have recently purchased a copy of the catechism so that I can understand Catholic theology before I become a Catholic, but already feel overwhelmed. Each page I read is more knowledge of theology that I can use for myself and the people around me, so it fills me with joy that I can be more responsive to my militant-atheist friend’s questions. But I was wondering how you people of CAF study this wonderful book, do you read from cover to cover, or read selected pages and chapters?
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In addition to the CCC I would also recommend Theology For Beginners by F.J. Sheed.
 
jahluver said:
please forgive me,I know I have no business commenting on this thread but you dont think its wrong to have to study for something thats free,salvation is free salvation is free its not through any church or denomination,theres nothing you can do,no amount of works can get you into the prescence of Jesus,Hes against this sort of indoctrination of religion,once again Im sorry and forgive me
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In John 17:3 (which also happens to be shared in the Prologue of the Catechism of the Catholic Church), we are taught that eternal life is realized through knowing God. And one of the ways through which we come to know God is through Scripture. So, I would ask you, through what means other than study would you suggest one come to understand Scripture?
 
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