Not Sure About this Website

[peary1]

I have seen several links provided (by non-Catholics) to the following website:

newadvent.com

Usually “facts” are taken from this website and used to “prove” various non-Catholic and anti-Catholic views. The following quote is from the website:

"The Encyclopedia bears the imprimatur of the Most Reverend Archbishop under whose jurisdiction it is published. In constituting the Editors the ecclesiastical censors, he has given them a singular proof of his confidence and of his desire to facilitate the publication of the work which he has promoted most effectively by his influence and kindly co-operation. "

I checked the website out and discovered that it is maintained by a (self-identified) Catholic layman. I also noticed that on one page Asians are referred to as “Orientals.” I know this is not a mistake in theology; however, I also know that it is considered an insult to most Asians to be called “Orientals.”

This small error makes me doubt the veracity of everything that is presented on this website.
One more thing bothers me - the “information” on this website is available for anyone willing to cough up $29.99 (it’s on sale and shipping is free).

Does anyone know anything about this website? Does it contain an accurate, comprehensive, and unbiased view of Catholic theology? Is it appropriate to use as a reference?

New Advent is a Catholic website that has an old edition of the Catholic Encyclopedia, from the early 1900s. It’s still adequate as far as what is contained in it, sometimes more adequate than the newer CE which has left out pertinent historical information in some subjects and taken liberties with others.

I don’t know where you are getting $29.99 from - the website is free. Maybe you are looking at the set of DVDs which has the entire encyclopedia on it.

 

[LittleSoldier]

New Advent is a Catholic website that has an old edition of the Catholic Encyclopedia, from the early 1900s. It’s still adequate as far as what is contained in it, sometimes more adequate than the newer CE which has left out pertinent historical information in some subjects and taken liberties with others.

I don’t know where you are getting $29.99 from - the website is free. Maybe you are looking at the set of DVDs which has the entire encyclopedia on it.

I apologize - my OP was not worded properly. Yes, the website is free and I have been using it today to check words and terms I’m not familiar with.

I also PM’d an apologist re the website and he responded, explaining (as others in this thread have) that the website is old (just about one hundred years old) and that word meanings change.

I wanted to be positive that the website (which, BTW refers people to CAF in places) is OK - if it’s legitimate and gives an accurate representation of Church teaching. The encyclopedia is only part of it - the entire website is huge and I got lost while trying to ascertain if it was an appropriate website to use for reference purposes. It appears that it is and the encyclopedia certainly is, although it may express some ideas in archaic language.

I didn’t know and I didn’t know how to find out, except to state my misgivings (which were really small and got blown out of proportion via my poorly worded OP) and ask. I received several responses, including yours, and I thank you and everyone else who responded to me.

Apologetics is new to me. I’ve been a member of CAF for several years but only just recently became more than a “once-in-awhile lurker.” Now I debate but I’ve just started learning apologetics (I usually debate abortion and it’s easy to find out what the Church teaches because it’s covered so well in the CCC).

Anyway, thank you for your response. So far everyone has agreed that it is a good website - at least the encyclopedia part, which is the part I am using at this time.

Yours in Christ,
Christina

 

[japscarousel]

I’m an Asian, but I never thought the term ‘Orientals’ are an ‘insult’ for us. The site has helped me a lot, especially it has included a version of the holy bible, with greek and latin text and the writings of great people.