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CWBetts
Guest
I don’t read mine streight through. I think of it as reading through a dictionary. Waht I prefer to do is use the index to look up specific topics.
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PJM
Guest
Having read {twice} both the 92 and 94 Catecheisms, the Conpendemium and the nearly 4,000 page comentary that provides all the information of the footnotes, I can’t recomment the compendium for any serious Catholic study. It is FAR too condensed to be of serious use.
Their is a web site that you can do word and phrase searches on:
444.scborrowmeo.org/ccc.htm
The Conpendiium is fine for limited knowledge.
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MDK
Guest
Yes, the soft cover is only about $10. It’s a good investment.
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puzzleannie
Guest
I recommend searching the abridged Catholicity catechism to find your topic, that will give you the citations so you can go right to the full articles in the CCC on the bishop’s site, otherwise finding a word or phrase on the full CCC can be a very frustrating search. I am still old enough to prefer holding an actual book, but when I have to cut and paste or print something (yes, I have permissions) I sometimes find it easier to search this way.
the compendium is meant to be exactly what it says, a short statement of the teaching, not a full explanation of the topic. it also is cross referenced to the longer articles. if you just want the plain statement of the fact, use the compendium. If you want the fuller development, reference the related sections in the CCC. If you want a “reader’s version” in prose [rather than by paragraph numbers like a government document], get the US Catholic Catechism for Adults (the red book, on the usccb site).
if you are embarking on a serious academic study suggest the companion to the CCC with the citations from scripture and church documents
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Mark77
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i recommend reading it from cover to cover (i have done it twice!).
While it is an easy reference document, it is not like a dictionary at all. The Catechism is laid out in a logical and easy to read fashion, taking you through all of the teachings of Jesus Christ with detailed Scriptural and historical references.
While you can access it online when needed for reference, all serious Catholics and those considering the Faith must own a copy and read it several times.
It was overseen by Pope Benedict XVI (then Cardinal Ratzinger) at the direction of Pope John Paul II!
i truly believe that if every Catholic read the Catechism they would know their Faith more completely and clearly.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus!
mark
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mlouise007
Guest
I’ve gotten used copies to use in classes both the pocket book size and the full size paperbaks. The last pocket book size I got I paid $0.03 plus $3.99 shipping and the full size I paid $0.98 plus shipping, so about $3.00 pocket size and $4.00 full size and both were in excellent condition, really looked like new. (Helps keep these book dealers in business, too. My neighborhood second hand book store stays in businees due to his on line sales, not his in store sales.)
I love the CCC. People need a little intro to understand how it’s organized. I do like the Compendium very much also. It’s a very different tool from the CCC.
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Filioque
Guest
Or you can look in a Thrift Shop. I go to the local St. Vincent de Paul Thrift shop on a weekly basis. You can find the Catechim and other good Catholic books at thrift shops, (As well as Protestant and Jewish books. I even see “Modern Hebrew”, the book I used in Hebrew School when I was young. “My” St. Vincent’s sells hardbacks for Two Bucks, and paperbacks for $1.50.
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MDK
Guest
Protestant books should be recycled.
Life is too short to read Protestant books, when there is so much good Catholic material out there. For example, CS Lewis got his ideas from GK Chesterton. So, why not just read GK Chesterton?
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MDK
Guest
Whether $4, $10, or more, it’s an incredible value. I can’t put a price on the value of the teachings that are in it. The Catechism is the greatest companion to the Bible ever written. It makes the Bible come alive. If the Catechism sold for $1,000 or more per copy, it would still be a bargain. We are so fortunate in this way, since the time of the printing press, books have increasingly become more affordable and available, and continue to do so. Before that time, a Bible itself might have been valued in today’s dollars around $100,000 due to the manual labor, etc. involved. Today, we don’t really even have to go to the library that much, as we can have wonderful books in the convenience of our own homes… some for as low as a few dollars, which fasting from a meal such as a hamburger would provide the funds for, and which does one good as well.
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CWBetts
Guest
“protestant” does not mean “worthless” There is nothing wrong with reading CS Lewis. To suggest Lewis is not worthwhile simply because he wasn’t Catholic is wee bit on the arrogant side.Protestant books should be recycled.
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MDK
Guest
CW,
Settle down a bit, relax and understand what was said in the spirit in which it was written without getting carried away by a misunderstanding. From what I’ve seen, you’re smarter than that.
For starters, did I or anyone say that the word Protestant means worthless? I didn’t see that. Did you?
Likewise, did I or anyone say there was anything morally wrong or that it’s “not worthwhile” at all to read CS Lewis simply because he was not Catholic? I didn’t see that. Did you? For consideration, there are those who call their self Catholic, whom I regard as less Catholic than CS Lewis.
For additional consideration, my wife and I have enjoyed the Narnia movies. They’re pretty entertaining, and they include natural law, a Christ like figure, various other good things, and it’s good that they do not denigrate Catholicism, but definitely leave out things Protestants disagree with like Mary and the Pope. Perhaps what I’m saying is that even someone as good as CS Lewis was in writing, still must nod to the Catholic Church and Catholicism which has the fullness of revealed truth.
I had hoped Catholics would be able to understand hyperbole and a little tongue-in-cheek way to make a point, with the use of hyperbole, as Christ did. To spell it out more clearly, is that the source of all revealed truth is in the Catholic Church, and we must keep that in mind when reading or looking at Protestantism. To the extent it has truth, it is worthwhile. Protestantism is not devoid of truth, but definitely does not have the fullness of revealed truth, like the Catholic Church does. Catholic Church is right where Protestants are right, and the Catholic Church is right where they are wrong. It is certainly more important to have the full and correct picture, than part of a distorted picture, isn’t it?
It’s no fun when I have to explain it.I forgive you. So, no need to apologize.
(But, you were interpreting literalistically, like a Protestant!)
I don’t think that you also become upset when you read Christ’s use of hyperbole, as in Matt 23:9 regarding calling no man on earth father. This thread has been one where Catholics have responded, and so why would I not feel free to use hyperbole among Catholics, like the Head of our Church had done?
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PhilotheaZ
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MDK
Guest
I suppose that’s why it’s difficult to get people to “see what we mean” and “listen to us.” Yes, I’m fully aware of these hardships. The idea is that someone is a little more understanding and has the proper mindset to understand, in this case among Catholics. I can typically pick these things up pretty easily, even not having seen or heard the person, and even with these difficulties, it’s certainly not impossible from reading.
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