It contains the answers you need. It is a readable and concise summary of commonly misunderstaood Catholic beliefs --the teachings and pratices that often don't get much attention in Sunday sermons and in religious education. It contains the answers you need. It is a readable and concise summary of commonly misunderstaood Catholic beliefs --the teachings and pratices that often don't get much attention in Sunday sermons and in religious education.
Catholic and Christian: An Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs
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It contains the answers you need. It is a readable and concise summary of commonly misunderstaood Catholic beliefs --the teachings and pratices that often don't get much attention in Sunday sermons and in religious education. It contains the answers you need. It is a readable and concise summary of commonly misunderstaood Catholic beliefs --the teachings and pratices that often don't get much attention in Sunday sermons and in religious education.
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John Mellody –
What a wonderful book for those who love the scriptures and want to know how catholic beliefs are compatible with the bible. Answers about the pope, mary and why we believe what we do. As Catholics we believe we are on a journey to heavan, and have not arrived and need the sacraments to help get us there.
Katharine –
As a Christian who doesn't know a lot about Catholic-specific doctrines and beliefs, this was an incredibly helpful book. Schreck does an excellent job of outlining "controversial" Catholic beliefs and explaining them without getting bogged down in the details. While I can't say I agreed with all the Catholic beliefs presented, it did give me a deeper appreciation for all that Protestants and Catholics share. We agree much more than disagree, and often just use different approaches, tones and vo As a Christian who doesn't know a lot about Catholic-specific doctrines and beliefs, this was an incredibly helpful book. Schreck does an excellent job of outlining "controversial" Catholic beliefs and explaining them without getting bogged down in the details. While I can't say I agreed with all the Catholic beliefs presented, it did give me a deeper appreciation for all that Protestants and Catholics share. We agree much more than disagree, and often just use different approaches, tones and vocabularies in expressing our faith. I would definitely recommend this to anyone with a Christian background who wants to know more about Catholic-specific beliefs.
Jamie –
This book is alright - and probably best for people who are teaching RCIA (i.e., people who are already Catholic) rather than people who are attending RCIA sessions (i.e., people considering whether they want to become Catholic). I think perhaps my judgment of this book is skewed because of my opinion of the book I read prior to this (Why Do Catholics Do That?) that seems more accessible and understandable to the average layman. This book is alright - and probably best for people who are teaching RCIA (i.e., people who are already Catholic) rather than people who are attending RCIA sessions (i.e., people considering whether they want to become Catholic). I think perhaps my judgment of this book is skewed because of my opinion of the book I read prior to this (Why Do Catholics Do That?) that seems more accessible and understandable to the average layman.
Kathy –
I have resolved to learn more about the Catholic faith which I profess to believe in and this book was a great place to start my education. As a convert from a Bible quoting denomination, this book was valuable in giving me the biblical background for the beliefs we hold. I am finding the truth and now I can't get enough of it. The answers lie in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The same church that Jesus founded. The same church that the apostles lead and their followers carried on. "To k I have resolved to learn more about the Catholic faith which I profess to believe in and this book was a great place to start my education. As a convert from a Bible quoting denomination, this book was valuable in giving me the biblical background for the beliefs we hold. I am finding the truth and now I can't get enough of it. The answers lie in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The same church that Jesus founded. The same church that the apostles lead and their followers carried on. "To know history is to cease being a Protestant." I believe it.
Laura Westbrook –
I have been having problems with my faith recently, but this book really helped. I realized that I fully support everything the church teaches. I'm so glad I read this. I have been having problems with my faith recently, but this book really helped. I realized that I fully support everything the church teaches. I'm so glad I read this.
Brianna –
To me, this book was fairly comprehensive look at Catholic theology and how it may differ from Protestant Christianity. I think it would be an interesting read for all Christians. I've been Catholic all my life, and there was so much learned that I didn't know about my own religion. I appreciated the emphasis in the beginning of the book on Christian unity; that "what we have in common-our common Christian beliefs, heritage, and mission-is much greater and more important than what divides us". I To me, this book was fairly comprehensive look at Catholic theology and how it may differ from Protestant Christianity. I think it would be an interesting read for all Christians. I've been Catholic all my life, and there was so much learned that I didn't know about my own religion. I appreciated the emphasis in the beginning of the book on Christian unity; that "what we have in common-our common Christian beliefs, heritage, and mission-is much greater and more important than what divides us". I think that message of respect and understanding is so important, especially in today's polarized and divided world. There were some passages that were a bit dense and wordy, and could have been more concise. Yet there were other passages and explanations that I felt were a bit incomplete, using circular logic such as "it is this way because that's the way it is and has always been," and were therefore a bit unsatisfying. Overall, though, a very worthwhile and edifying read!
Susan –
I have long wanted a good book that explained the Catholic position on beliefs that many Protestants find controversial, so I could make my own decision after hearing properly from both sides. [Tried asking locally but that didn't work out.] This book comes highly recommended. Schreck's book answered a number of my questions, but not all of them. I would like to have seen all the sacraments listed and discussed. Also the basis for the Queen of Heaven thing. Did not agree with all arguments, but I have long wanted a good book that explained the Catholic position on beliefs that many Protestants find controversial, so I could make my own decision after hearing properly from both sides. [Tried asking locally but that didn't work out.] This book comes highly recommended. Schreck's book answered a number of my questions, but not all of them. I would like to have seen all the sacraments listed and discussed. Also the basis for the Queen of Heaven thing. Did not agree with all arguments, but I was happy to see much more support for my continued belief that Catholic doctrine is - mostly - the same as most Protestant positions on the points that matter most.
Ben Wenzel –
Absolutely wonderful (and I'm not a real avid supporter of very much religious literature and writings on spirituality). Respectful of protestantism and faithful to Catholicism. Really enlightening for those coming from a protestant background. Absolutely wonderful (and I'm not a real avid supporter of very much religious literature and writings on spirituality). Respectful of protestantism and faithful to Catholicism. Really enlightening for those coming from a protestant background.
Michael –
Really, really solid explanation of Catholic views on issues where there is debate with other Christian denominations. Not the usual aggressive or triumphal apologetic fare.
Claudio Laferla –
This seems to be a 'companion' to the other book by the same author 'the catholic challenge'. Written with the same simplicity and clarity, but at the same time, presenting the challenge. This seems to be a 'companion' to the other book by the same author 'the catholic challenge'. Written with the same simplicity and clarity, but at the same time, presenting the challenge.
Mike –
I enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the second half.
Cassi –
This helped me understand the reason behind certain things. A great read for anyone that wants to know more unbiased info.
Michael –
If you are wanting one book that just walks through an overview of Catholic beliefs, this is your book. It's a quick read in easy language. If you are wanting one book that just walks through an overview of Catholic beliefs, this is your book. It's a quick read in easy language.
Jeepster –
I liked this a lot. The author answered the most asked questions in a beautiful and tactful way.
Michael Goodwin –
If any non-Catholic wants to have their questions seriously addressed about the beliefs of the Catholic Church, this is an excellent place to start!
Marcia Otting –
Too many non-Catholic Christians have distorted or outright false views of what Catholic Christians believe. I was among them until I read this book. It is unfair and bears false witness to our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ to continue to perpetuate these views. This book gives a reasoned and measured view of Catholic beliefs and also where they originate. A great starting point for those wanting an introduction to the Catholic faith. You may be surprised, as I was, at how many points Too many non-Catholic Christians have distorted or outright false views of what Catholic Christians believe. I was among them until I read this book. It is unfair and bears false witness to our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ to continue to perpetuate these views. This book gives a reasoned and measured view of Catholic beliefs and also where they originate. A great starting point for those wanting an introduction to the Catholic faith. You may be surprised, as I was, at how many points of commonality there are between Catholic Christian beliefs and those of non-Catholic Christians.
Dr. Chad Newton, PhD-HRD –
I think that Alan's text is an extraordinarily insightful, informative, thorough, and rich set of chapters that fully validate the most commonly misunderstood practices of Catholics. If any Protestant desires fuller understanding about Catholic doctrines, history, beliefs, practices, or church designs, then he or she should absorb this book's contents. However, a nonbeliever or a non-Catholic Christian should heed the following caveat: beware thy beliefs which thou currently hold as true. You ma I think that Alan's text is an extraordinarily insightful, informative, thorough, and rich set of chapters that fully validate the most commonly misunderstood practices of Catholics. If any Protestant desires fuller understanding about Catholic doctrines, history, beliefs, practices, or church designs, then he or she should absorb this book's contents. However, a nonbeliever or a non-Catholic Christian should heed the following caveat: beware thy beliefs which thou currently hold as true. You may walk away deciding to convert from the denominational versions of Christ to the historical one!
Noah Thomas –
Fantastic read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. For Catholics it will be a wonderful gift for anyone starting RCIA, particularly converts. For non-Catholics and even non-Christians it's a great read to enhance your understand of Catholic beliefs and erase many common misconceptions. Schreck wrote this book in such a way as to be accessible for people just starting to read religious works and still captures the attention of those more experienced. If you're looking for a quick read on the m Fantastic read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. For Catholics it will be a wonderful gift for anyone starting RCIA, particularly converts. For non-Catholics and even non-Christians it's a great read to enhance your understand of Catholic beliefs and erase many common misconceptions. Schreck wrote this book in such a way as to be accessible for people just starting to read religious works and still captures the attention of those more experienced. If you're looking for a quick read on the most common sticking points for those looking into the Catholic faith, this is it.
Joan –
Very informative book. I am Catholic, but found it difficult sometimes to explain the scriptural basis for some of my beliefs on the spot. I found out about Church history as well as solid scriptures which can help anyone understand the Catholic Church; and I have had my faith enriched by reading this book. The author has put together a very cohesive and easy-to-read and well-researched handbook on Catholicism.
Maria –
Perfectly fine explanation of a number of specifically Catholic beliefs, but not as detailed as I would have liked.
LuAnn –
A great book that helped me understand the scriptural and theological bases for Catholic teachings when I was entering the Catholic Church.
Christoph –
Essentially a 'We're not so different, you and I' speech targeted toward Protestants or those who misunderstand Catholics. Definitely not written for a Catholic audience. Essentially a 'We're not so different, you and I' speech targeted toward Protestants or those who misunderstand Catholics. Definitely not written for a Catholic audience.
Danita –
Still my favorite short summary of Catholicism and why it is so different and wonderful.
Chris Theule-VanDam –
Very helpful.
Richard –
Well written book that overall gave a very balanced perspective of the Catholic faith. The book is not meant to be objective; however, my impression was the Catholic author worked hard to be fair when examining non-Catholic perspectives. With that said, I would say this is a fairly mediocre book overall. It covers the material in an approachable way, but that is about it. To really understand the topics discussed, I would recommend readers look through the Catholic Catechism. It is more of an "of Well written book that overall gave a very balanced perspective of the Catholic faith. The book is not meant to be objective; however, my impression was the Catholic author worked hard to be fair when examining non-Catholic perspectives. With that said, I would say this is a fairly mediocre book overall. It covers the material in an approachable way, but that is about it. To really understand the topics discussed, I would recommend readers look through the Catholic Catechism. It is more of an "official" source, and it is written in a clear and concise manner.
Oliver Schnusenberg –
I was highly impressed by both the use of scripture and logic to explain some of the not easily understood Catholic beliefs. For example, the analysis of Mary's unique position in the Catholic faith was particularly thorough and well-expounded. This book should be required reading for all Catholics and is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. Fantastic! I was highly impressed by both the use of scripture and logic to explain some of the not easily understood Catholic beliefs. For example, the analysis of Mary's unique position in the Catholic faith was particularly thorough and well-expounded. This book should be required reading for all Catholics and is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. Fantastic!
Brett Linsley –
As a Protestant exploring the Catholic faith. this was a really great read. Unexciting prose, but the material is wonderful. Would highly recommend to others who know nothing about Catholicism and would like to.
Rob –
Wonderful guide to understanding key elements and differences between Catholic & Christian beliefs. Very easy read and good reference source.
John D Moulton –
I have a deep faith and no religion. Fact is I want to understand various faiths and I found this book interesting and informative on the basics of the Catholic religion.
Tyler Hochstetler –
This book exposed many of my misconceptions of the Catholic Church. A good introduction to Catholicism.