The Catholic Catechism vs. the CCC

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I recently stumbled accross (and picked up) a copy of a book called The Catholic Catechism–a contemporary Catechism of the Teachings of the Catholic Church, by John A. Hardon, SJ., published in 1975. I’d like to hear comments about it, from anyone who’s read it–particularly vis a vis the Catehism of the Catholic Church (CCC)–'92/'97. (I’ve read the comments on Amazon book review, but I’d like to hear from members of this forum, if possible).

Also, if anyone happens to have any comments related to the Dutch Catechism (circa 1966), entitled “A New Catechims”, I’d like to read those as well (I know the CDF issued a statement against one section–maybe a couple…but I’d still like to read comments).

Thank you.
 
Goya said:
I recently stumbled accross (and picked up) a copy of a book called The Catholic Catechism–a contemporary Catechism of the Teachings of the Catholic Church, by John A. Hardon, SJ., published in 1975. I’d like to hear comments about it, from anyone who’s read it–particularly vis a vis the Catehism of the Catholic Church (CCC)–'92/'97. (I’ve read the comments on Amazon book review, but I’d like to hear from members of this forum, if possible).

Also, if anyone happens to have any comments related to the Dutch Catechism (circa 1966), entitled “A New Catechims”, I’d like to read those as well (I know the CDF issued a statement against one section–maybe a couple…but I’d still like to read comments).

Thank you.
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Venerable John Hardon’s catechism is an excellent catechism, absolutely orthodox in its content. It differs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church only in its mode of presentation and in some places it is more complete in explanation. I use both but primarily the CCC. I use Hardon’s mainly for reference but I love them both. Linus2nd
 
Linusthe2nd said:
Venerable John Hardon’s catechism is an excellent catechism, absolutely orthodox in its content. It differs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church only in its mode of presentation and in some places it is more complete in explanation. I use both but primarily the CCC. I use Hardon’s mainly for reference but I love them both. Linus2nd
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Thank you for your reply.

I just started reading it, and so far, I like Fr. Hardon’s writing style and approach. Seems like it flows more smoothly than the CCC. One of the reviews in Amazon pointed out that since the CCC wasn’t written in English (interestingly, if recollection serves I believe the original language was actually French–though one would figure it would have been written in Latin or Italian…)–it doesn’t flow as naturally as Fr. Hardon’s. I think this may be so. Another review pointed out that the CCC was written for the Bishops, while Fr. Hardon’s Cat. Catechism is written for the leity. I’m starting to pick up on that as well.

Though I think i like teh structure and navigability of the CCC a little better (of course, familiarity might have something to do with that).
 
Goya said:
Thank you for your reply.

I just started reading it, and so far, I like Fr. Hardon’s writing style and approach. Seems like it flows more smoothly than the CCC. One of the reviews in Amazon pointed out that since the CCC wasn’t written in English (interestingly, if recollection serves I believe the original language was actually French–though one would figure it would have been written in Latin or Italian…)–it doesn’t flow as naturally as Fr. Hardon’s. I think this may be so. Another review pointed out that the CCC was written for the Bishops, while Fr. Hardon’s Cat. Catechism is written for the leity. I’m starting to pick up on that as well.

Though I think i like teh structure and navigability of the CCC a little better (of course, familiarity might have something to do with that).
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Yes, those are about my thoughts too. I like the structure of the CCC better. Sometimes I do like the precise " formulas " of a specific doctrine. And for that I prefer " Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Dr. Ludwig Ott ( a bit pricy though ). Another source is available which continuously updates these things and which is used by the Vatican to keep things updated and that is enchiridion symbolorum abbreviated as DS in the Catechism and other sources. It is really priceless ( which is why I don’t have it ), as it is kept updated and is used primarily by Theologians and Philosophers. If you are ever tempted to put out the $$ ( @ $100.00 ), be sure you get the latest English translation. It is current through the Papacy of Blessed John Paul ll, and covers the entire history of Church documentation in these things. Linus2nd
 
Hi All,

The CCC is meant to be the source for all local catechisms.
This catechism is not intended to replace the local catechisms duly approved by the ecclesiastical authorities, the diocesan Bishops and the Episcopal Conferences, especially if they have been approved by the Apostolic See. It is meant to encourage and assist in the writing of new local catechisms, which take into account various situations and cultures, while carefully preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to catholic doctrine.
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Apostolic Constitution Fidei Depositum
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/aposcons.htm

Local Catechisms are meant to adapt the teaching of the faith to local conditions, especially taking into account the persons for whom they are intended. Assuming that they conform to the CCC, that is the principal criterion on which they shoud be judged.
 
Thanks for the Amazon link, just bought Father Hardon’s Catechism.
 
Miriam1947 said:
Thanks for the Amazon link, just bought Father Hardon’s Catechism.
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👍

My pleasure. Glad to hear you purchased a copy as well. Perhaps too soon for me speak with full knowldge since I haven’t read it–but so far, I like what I have read–and the reviews seem very solid as well.

God bless…
 
Verbum said:
Hi All,

The CCC is meant to be the source for all local catechisms.

Apostolic Constitution Fidei Depositum
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/aposcons.htm

Local Catechisms are meant to adapt the teaching of the faith to local conditions, especially taking into account the persons for whom they are intended. Assuming that they conform to the CCC, that is the principal criterion on which they shoud be judged.
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Thank you for clarification–but just to be clear wrt my post–I wasn’t suggesting one or the other (as title my be read), simply inquring as to preference, and juxtaposition for utility. Linus has spoken well to this, though I’d certainly like to hear from others.
 
Linusthe2nd said:
Yes, those are about my thoughts too. I like the structure of the CCC better. Sometimes I do like the precise " formulas " of a specific doctrine. And for that I prefer " Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Dr. Ludwig Ott ( a bit pricy though ). Another source is available which continuously updates these things and which is used by the Vatican to keep things updated and that is enchiridion symbolorum abbreviated as DS in the Catechism and other sources. It is really priceless ( which is why I don’t have it ), as it is kept updated and is used primarily by Theologians and Philosophers. If you are ever tempted to put out the $$ ( @ $100.00 ), be sure you get the latest English translation. It is current through the Papacy of Blessed John Paul ll, and covers the entire history of Church documentation in these things. Linus2nd
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Great recommendations. I’ll keep an eye out for them.
 
Interesting–just found this, while looking for something else:

*Prayer for the Glorification of
**Fr. John A. Hardon, S. J. **We thank you, O Lord! for having blessed your Church with the untiring service of your priest, John Hardon.

May he, from heaven, continue his mission and obtain for us the strength and the intelligence to proclaim and defend the truth with genuine fidelity to the Catholic Faith and the charity he drew from the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Grant us, we pray, the favors we ask through his intercession and raise him to the honors of the altar. Amen.

His Eminence,
Edouard Cardinal Gagnon, P.S.S. *​

therealpresence.org/
 
Goya said:
👍

My pleasure. Glad to hear you purchased a copy as well. Perhaps too soon for me speak with full knowldge since I haven’t read it–but so far, I like what I have read–and the reviews seem very solid as well.

God bless…
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I don’t even want to say how much I spent. Suffice to say it was an absolute bargain.
 
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