Where to begin when wanting to learn more about Catholicism

[itsjustdave1988]

I recommend the *Summa Theologica *of St. Thomas Aquinas as a good first “summary” of Catholic teaching…just kidding.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a good Q&A reference if the Catechism itself is not you cup of tea.

http://www.aquinasandmore.com/images/items/30793sm.jpg

Some people I know have liked the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults. I have only browsed through it, but what I skimmed wasn’t my style. I’ve also heard some portions are a bit questionable as far as congruency with Catholic doctrine.

http://www.usccbpublishing.org/client/products/ProdimageLg/5-450.jpg

One book I really enjoyed is The Faith Explained*, *by Fr. Leo Trese. It was first printed before Vatican II but its 3rd ed. incorporates many teachings expressed by Vatican II.

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[yinekka]

I second what everyone said about the Catechism or the Compendium of the Catechism. *Catholicism For Dummies *gives a good, simple overview of the Faith.

The first book I read when I returned to the Church was “Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine” by Archbishop Sheehan, edited by Fr Michael Joseph

The chapter on the proofs for the existence of God I found very difficult. In hindsight I would have been better to leave that chapter until last.

Frank Sheed’s *Theology For Beginners *or *A Map Of Life *are also good. His *Theology and Sanity *is best kept for when you have a good understanding of the Faith. I think that *A Map Of Life *is available online - just Google the title.

Thomas Howard’s *On Being Catholic *is wonderful. He is a convert and was an English professor. He writes with love about the Church in beautiful prose.