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United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
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Top positive review
210 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsNot Your Father's Catechism!
ByCarol Blankon September 6, 2006
A few weeks before this catechism was released, one of our parish priests said, "We read The DaVinci Code, but we don't have time to study the catechism. There's something wrong with that." He also said every family should own a copy of the catechism. For adults, this new offering from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops would more than fill the bill. While the underlying doctrine of the catechism remains unchanged, this version, like others published since 1992, goes beyond a stripped down question and answer format. As an adaptation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this adult edition is arranged in four sections: creed, sacraments, moral life, and prayer.
Each chapter contains seven elements that bring depth to the material and also allow for flexibility of study by individuals and groups: Story or lesson of faith, foundation and application, sidebars, relationship to culture, discussion questions, doctrinal statements, and meditation and prayer. For example, in the chapter on the second commandment, Reverence for God's Name, the story is about Job's unshakable faith. Foundation and application reviews what the second commandment calls us to do and not do. The sidebar lists three questions and answers on the second commandment from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The relationship of the second commandment to culture reviews scripture passages on the importance of God's name in our faith life; we are reminded to model and encourage proper use of God's name and to discourage others from improper use. The discussion questions relate to practices in the family and workplace. Doctrinal statements encompass blasphemy, baptismal names, and using God's name to witness a perjury or false oath. The chapter closes with a meditation based on scripture and the Divine Praises prayer.
The book also contains a glossary, traditional Catholic prayers, reading list, scriptural index, and general index. It is a superior resource for clergy, pastoral leaders, catechists, faith sharing groups, and individuals who would like to know more about the Catholic faith.
Each chapter contains seven elements that bring depth to the material and also allow for flexibility of study by individuals and groups: Story or lesson of faith, foundation and application, sidebars, relationship to culture, discussion questions, doctrinal statements, and meditation and prayer. For example, in the chapter on the second commandment, Reverence for God's Name, the story is about Job's unshakable faith. Foundation and application reviews what the second commandment calls us to do and not do. The sidebar lists three questions and answers on the second commandment from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The relationship of the second commandment to culture reviews scripture passages on the importance of God's name in our faith life; we are reminded to model and encourage proper use of God's name and to discourage others from improper use. The discussion questions relate to practices in the family and workplace. Doctrinal statements encompass blasphemy, baptismal names, and using God's name to witness a perjury or false oath. The chapter closes with a meditation based on scripture and the Divine Praises prayer.
The book also contains a glossary, traditional Catholic prayers, reading list, scriptural index, and general index. It is a superior resource for clergy, pastoral leaders, catechists, faith sharing groups, and individuals who would like to know more about the Catholic faith.
Top critical review
38 people found this helpful
3.0 out of 5 starsGood for RCIA
Byjobon December 31, 2007
I used this book last year for an R.C.I.A. class. The students found it easy to understand. I would assign a chapter each week and would discuss what was read at the next class. I would recommend this book as a "springboard" into a rich and deep discussion of the Catholic faith with intelligent and question adults. If you are look for an in depth theology behind the creeds and beliefs this is not the book for you.
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ByCarol Blankon September 6, 2006
A few weeks before this catechism was released, one of our parish priests said, "We read The DaVinci Code, but we don't have time to study the catechism. There's something wrong with that." He also said every family should own a copy of the catechism. For adults, this new offering from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops would more than fill the bill. While the underlying doctrine of the catechism remains unchanged, this version, like others published since 1992, goes beyond a stripped down question and answer format. As an adaptation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this adult edition is arranged in four sections: creed, sacraments, moral life, and prayer.
Each chapter contains seven elements that bring depth to the material and also allow for flexibility of study by individuals and groups: Story or lesson of faith, foundation and application, sidebars, relationship to culture, discussion questions, doctrinal statements, and meditation and prayer. For example, in the chapter on the second commandment, Reverence for God's Name, the story is about Job's unshakable faith. Foundation and application reviews what the second commandment calls us to do and not do. The sidebar lists three questions and answers on the second commandment from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The relationship of the second commandment to culture reviews scripture passages on the importance of God's name in our faith life; we are reminded to model and encourage proper use of God's name and to discourage others from improper use. The discussion questions relate to practices in the family and workplace. Doctrinal statements encompass blasphemy, baptismal names, and using God's name to witness a perjury or false oath. The chapter closes with a meditation based on scripture and the Divine Praises prayer.
The book also contains a glossary, traditional Catholic prayers, reading list, scriptural index, and general index. It is a superior resource for clergy, pastoral leaders, catechists, faith sharing groups, and individuals who would like to know more about the Catholic faith.
Each chapter contains seven elements that bring depth to the material and also allow for flexibility of study by individuals and groups: Story or lesson of faith, foundation and application, sidebars, relationship to culture, discussion questions, doctrinal statements, and meditation and prayer. For example, in the chapter on the second commandment, Reverence for God's Name, the story is about Job's unshakable faith. Foundation and application reviews what the second commandment calls us to do and not do. The sidebar lists three questions and answers on the second commandment from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The relationship of the second commandment to culture reviews scripture passages on the importance of God's name in our faith life; we are reminded to model and encourage proper use of God's name and to discourage others from improper use. The discussion questions relate to practices in the family and workplace. Doctrinal statements encompass blasphemy, baptismal names, and using God's name to witness a perjury or false oath. The chapter closes with a meditation based on scripture and the Divine Praises prayer.
The book also contains a glossary, traditional Catholic prayers, reading list, scriptural index, and general index. It is a superior resource for clergy, pastoral leaders, catechists, faith sharing groups, and individuals who would like to know more about the Catholic faith.
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I just received my copy of the United States Catholic Cathechism for Adults and am looking forward to studying my way through it in greater detail during the coming months.
The book's layout and design are very "user friendly" and promote an immediate interest. The biographical vignettes at the beginning of each segment of the book offer unique and realistic role models for American Catholics.
The primary parts of the book are 1) the Creed; 2) the Sacraments; 3) Christian Morality; and 4) Prayer. Additonal and very helpful components of this book as a resource are the scriptural index and the very detailed alphabetical index, which make finding information on specific topics very simple.
The book also includes all of the traditional Catholic prayers and a complete glossary. Each chapter also includes discussion questions, doctrinal statements, an inspiring meditation and a closing prayer.
The book description notes that this would be an excellent resource for RCIA candidates and those exploring the faith, but I also feel it is a great tool for those, like myself, looking to learn and grow in our own commitment to our Church.
The book's layout and design are very "user friendly" and promote an immediate interest. The biographical vignettes at the beginning of each segment of the book offer unique and realistic role models for American Catholics.
The primary parts of the book are 1) the Creed; 2) the Sacraments; 3) Christian Morality; and 4) Prayer. Additonal and very helpful components of this book as a resource are the scriptural index and the very detailed alphabetical index, which make finding information on specific topics very simple.
The book also includes all of the traditional Catholic prayers and a complete glossary. Each chapter also includes discussion questions, doctrinal statements, an inspiring meditation and a closing prayer.
The book description notes that this would be an excellent resource for RCIA candidates and those exploring the faith, but I also feel it is a great tool for those, like myself, looking to learn and grow in our own commitment to our Church.
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By34345568on December 11, 2006
The long-awaited national catechism by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is now available as an unabridged audio book. This audio version of the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults brings to life an exciting combination of the seven basic elements that make up the print version:
* Stories of Catholics, most from the United States relating the Church's teaching to the culture of the United States;
* Clear presentations of Catholic Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer;
* Sidebars within the doctrinal sections in each chapter to help the listener explore the teaching as stated in the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church;
* Reflections on the relationship of each particular Catholic Teaching to the diverse U.S. society and culture;
* Questions for Discussion;
* A Review of points of doctrine contained in each chapter;
* A Concluding Meditation and Prayer for each chapter.
Musical accents subtly underscore the beginning of each chapter and the meditation and prayer elements, and six different readers, both men and women, including Archbishop Donald Wuerl, bring the text to life in this special presentation. This audio CD version of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is an excellent resource for parish faith formation libraries and audio resource centers. This presentation would be extremely useful for commuters, those who are visually impaired, or those who prefer to listen rather than read. The lessons, stories, doctrinal summaries, sidebars and prayers are all presented in self-contained tracks as short as a minute and usually no longer than four or five minutes, which will also prove useful for RCIA groups, study groups, and other gatherings of believers.
* Stories of Catholics, most from the United States relating the Church's teaching to the culture of the United States;
* Clear presentations of Catholic Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer;
* Sidebars within the doctrinal sections in each chapter to help the listener explore the teaching as stated in the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church;
* Reflections on the relationship of each particular Catholic Teaching to the diverse U.S. society and culture;
* Questions for Discussion;
* A Review of points of doctrine contained in each chapter;
* A Concluding Meditation and Prayer for each chapter.
Musical accents subtly underscore the beginning of each chapter and the meditation and prayer elements, and six different readers, both men and women, including Archbishop Donald Wuerl, bring the text to life in this special presentation. This audio CD version of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is an excellent resource for parish faith formation libraries and audio resource centers. This presentation would be extremely useful for commuters, those who are visually impaired, or those who prefer to listen rather than read. The lessons, stories, doctrinal summaries, sidebars and prayers are all presented in self-contained tracks as short as a minute and usually no longer than four or five minutes, which will also prove useful for RCIA groups, study groups, and other gatherings of believers.
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Byjobon December 31, 2007
I used this book last year for an R.C.I.A. class. The students found it easy to understand. I would assign a chapter each week and would discuss what was read at the next class. I would recommend this book as a "springboard" into a rich and deep discussion of the Catholic faith with intelligent and question adults. If you are look for an in depth theology behind the creeds and beliefs this is not the book for you.
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Whereas the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) Catechism of the Catholic Church is a large book, more like a book of theology than what we have grown to expect in a catechism; this book, US Catholic Catechism for Adults selects material important to the Church in the USA and it is in the Question and Answer format. The Bishops have done an excellent job in their selection of material to put in the Q and A format we are comfortable with. It is attractively done and much easier to find the answers to questions anyone might have. As the title indicates the topics here are of more interest to adults and late adolescents than for children. Personally I like using this book rather than the CCC because the same material is more accessible and answers easier to find.
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This catechism is an "adaptation of the 'Catechism of the Catholic Church,' and is presented to Catholics of the United States, who are members of both Latin and Eastern Churches..." although this catechism is only intended to introduce Latin Christians to Eastern traditions, since it is expected that Eastern Rites will eventually develop their own catechisms. The arrangement of the U.S. Catechism follows that of the universal catechism: the Creed, the Sacraments, Moral Life, and Prayer. Like the universal catechism, it also specifically addresses major aspects of Catholic faith and morality.
So if this catechism is simply an adaptation of the excellent universal catechism, then why even bother with it? I think the best reason to get the U.S. Catechism is its helpful layout and user-friendly presentation. Rather than being a series of numbered points (like the universal catechism), the U.S. Catechism is laid out more like your average non-fiction book, making it possibly more approachable than other catechisms. There are helpful gray boxes spread throughout the book that highlight points from the regular text. Each chapter begins with a biography of a major Catholic figure, many which are important to the development of American Catholicism. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions, concise "doctrinal points" (i.e. what Catholics are expected to believe), meditations (from the Scriptures, Church Fathers, etc), and prayers. Appendix A is a helpful glossary of Catholic terms, and Appendix B is a collection of basic Catholic prayers. All of this means that the U.S. Catechism is a self-contained textbook, useful in a variety of Catholic adult education situations.
Overall, this is a fine catechism that certainly meets its goal of being a local adaptation of the universal catechism. While in the past, the United States Catholic Bishops have been accused of watering-down Catholic Teaching, the U.S. Catechism does not contradict, or water down, what is taught in the universal catechism. Thus, I hope that the U.S. Catechism is used regularly in RCIA classes, marriage-preparation classes, and other adult education situations. While this catechism is excellent, I would still recommend owning both the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church and The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, since the U.S. Catechism is based on these works.
So if this catechism is simply an adaptation of the excellent universal catechism, then why even bother with it? I think the best reason to get the U.S. Catechism is its helpful layout and user-friendly presentation. Rather than being a series of numbered points (like the universal catechism), the U.S. Catechism is laid out more like your average non-fiction book, making it possibly more approachable than other catechisms. There are helpful gray boxes spread throughout the book that highlight points from the regular text. Each chapter begins with a biography of a major Catholic figure, many which are important to the development of American Catholicism. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions, concise "doctrinal points" (i.e. what Catholics are expected to believe), meditations (from the Scriptures, Church Fathers, etc), and prayers. Appendix A is a helpful glossary of Catholic terms, and Appendix B is a collection of basic Catholic prayers. All of this means that the U.S. Catechism is a self-contained textbook, useful in a variety of Catholic adult education situations.
Overall, this is a fine catechism that certainly meets its goal of being a local adaptation of the universal catechism. While in the past, the United States Catholic Bishops have been accused of watering-down Catholic Teaching, the U.S. Catechism does not contradict, or water down, what is taught in the universal catechism. Thus, I hope that the U.S. Catechism is used regularly in RCIA classes, marriage-preparation classes, and other adult education situations. While this catechism is excellent, I would still recommend owning both the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church and The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, since the U.S. Catechism is based on these works.
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3.0 out of 5 starsUseful tool for those coming into the faith or those who never learned it. Beware of some of the teaching on social doctrine
ByAdeste Fideleson November 23, 2010
I bought this book to help me understand the teaching of the Catholic Church while I go through the RCIA process. I found it to be a useful foundation for the teaching we get in RCIA and the readings that we are supplied with in that process. The information is concise and well written and is organized in such a way as to be useful to those who are reading it all the way through or those who wish to use it as a reference. I would strongly recommend anyone going through the RCIA process or, those from other faith backgrounds who are curious as to what the Church actually teaches, to read this book. I have to say that many of the things which are often portrayed as being taught by the Church are not accurate. Those who are interested should get it right from the source.
Furthermore, some of the less positive comments on this text have suggested that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops had no reason to develop this catechism and everyone could have just used the original. It is true that we could all use the original and it is a fantastic resource. However, it is completely false to suggest that there was no need to develop cultural specific catechisms. In fact, that is one of the stated purposes of the this catechism: [...].
"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". Blessed Pope John Paul II
So, you have heard the good, now for the bad. The section on Catholic Social doctrine is good for the most part, but there are some disturbing problems. For instance, the manner in which the doctrine of Subsidiarity is portrayed in this Catechism is as if it was of minimal importance, when the CCC and the Compendium for the Social Doctrine of the Church treat it as essential, and a major aspect of Catholic Social Teaching. This gives the impression that the Church is in support of governmental action in all parts of our lives, which is not remotely the case.
"CCC 1883 states:1883 Socialization also presents dangers. Excessive intervention by the state can threaten personal freedom and
initiative. the teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which "a community of a higher
order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but
rather should support it in case of need and help to co-ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always
with a view to the common good."7
You will need to look very carefully to see the difference. You will note that CCC 1883 talks about "in case of need" -- not mentioned in the USCCB Catechism. Also, note that the CCC talks about "a community of a higher order..." while the USCCB Catechism talks about "governments". We know that communities of higher order can talk about the immediate family, the extended family, the neighborhood, the town, the parish, the diocese, and so on..."communities of higher order" are not limited to governments. Yet, if you teach catechism based solely upon the USCCB document, you would not recognize that.
Next, on page 421ff, there is a presentation talking about the Reflections of the Catholic Bishops of the United States on the Church's Social Teaching: Major Themes.
This portion is a condensation of the USCCB "Pastoral Letter" Economic Justice for All. Economic Justice for All was written by Robert Weakland in 1986. To my knowledge, it did not receive unanimous consent by the US bishops nor did it receive a Recognito from the Holy See (ref CIC Can 455 and Motu Proprio Apostolos Suos). In other words, it is not Magisterial, but it is in the USCCB Catechism which gives the impression that it is authoritative, and this is a problem, a major problem.
The bottom line is that this text does a good job of presenting the Faith overall in a clear and direct fashion, something which cannot be said for the Universal Catechism (CCC). Unfortunately, the presentation of the Church's social teaching is significantly hampered by the presentation of a very socialistic view which is not in line with authoritative Church teaching on the subject. I wish I could say that this is surprising, but it is not considering some of the other things which have come out of the conference. In future editions, if the issues in this area were fixed, it would be an excellent text to use.
Having said all of that, I think people would be better served to pick up the wonderful Catechism by Fr. John Hardon, SJ. It is readable, faithful, clear and direct, etc.; all the things that a good catechism should be. The Catholic Catechism: A Contemporary Catechism of the Teachings of the Catholic Church
Good luck and God Bless...
Furthermore, some of the less positive comments on this text have suggested that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops had no reason to develop this catechism and everyone could have just used the original. It is true that we could all use the original and it is a fantastic resource. However, it is completely false to suggest that there was no need to develop cultural specific catechisms. In fact, that is one of the stated purposes of the this catechism: [...].
"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". Blessed Pope John Paul II
So, you have heard the good, now for the bad. The section on Catholic Social doctrine is good for the most part, but there are some disturbing problems. For instance, the manner in which the doctrine of Subsidiarity is portrayed in this Catechism is as if it was of minimal importance, when the CCC and the Compendium for the Social Doctrine of the Church treat it as essential, and a major aspect of Catholic Social Teaching. This gives the impression that the Church is in support of governmental action in all parts of our lives, which is not remotely the case.
"CCC 1883 states:1883 Socialization also presents dangers. Excessive intervention by the state can threaten personal freedom and
initiative. the teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which "a community of a higher
order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but
rather should support it in case of need and help to co-ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always
with a view to the common good."7
You will need to look very carefully to see the difference. You will note that CCC 1883 talks about "in case of need" -- not mentioned in the USCCB Catechism. Also, note that the CCC talks about "a community of a higher order..." while the USCCB Catechism talks about "governments". We know that communities of higher order can talk about the immediate family, the extended family, the neighborhood, the town, the parish, the diocese, and so on..."communities of higher order" are not limited to governments. Yet, if you teach catechism based solely upon the USCCB document, you would not recognize that.
Next, on page 421ff, there is a presentation talking about the Reflections of the Catholic Bishops of the United States on the Church's Social Teaching: Major Themes.
This portion is a condensation of the USCCB "Pastoral Letter" Economic Justice for All. Economic Justice for All was written by Robert Weakland in 1986. To my knowledge, it did not receive unanimous consent by the US bishops nor did it receive a Recognito from the Holy See (ref CIC Can 455 and Motu Proprio Apostolos Suos). In other words, it is not Magisterial, but it is in the USCCB Catechism which gives the impression that it is authoritative, and this is a problem, a major problem.
The bottom line is that this text does a good job of presenting the Faith overall in a clear and direct fashion, something which cannot be said for the Universal Catechism (CCC). Unfortunately, the presentation of the Church's social teaching is significantly hampered by the presentation of a very socialistic view which is not in line with authoritative Church teaching on the subject. I wish I could say that this is surprising, but it is not considering some of the other things which have come out of the conference. In future editions, if the issues in this area were fixed, it would be an excellent text to use.
Having said all of that, I think people would be better served to pick up the wonderful Catechism by Fr. John Hardon, SJ. It is readable, faithful, clear and direct, etc.; all the things that a good catechism should be. The Catholic Catechism: A Contemporary Catechism of the Teachings of the Catholic Church
Good luck and God Bless...
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ByMidwest Book Reviewon November 4, 2006
Approved and authorized for publication by the full body of The United States Conference of Bishops, United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is an in-depth reference text written especially to aid in the instruction of Catholic doctrine in general, and the preparation of catechisms in particular. From a straightforward profession of the faith's core tenets, to the sacraments that celebrate the faith, to the Christian morality principles that embody the practice of the faith lived and prayer as taught by Jesus Christ, United States Catholic Catechism for Adults thoroughly describes and explains the Catholic creed in terms accessible to readers of all backgrounds, including and lay followers and students. A solidly written, straightforward, and definitive reference.
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ByB. Liskaon February 13, 2007
This catechism has it all, stories of the saints, discussion questions, prayers. Written in a very readable format it would be a wonderful book to use for study, RCIA, or just personal information. This book should be read by every Catholic.
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ByRich Leonardion December 31, 2006
As other reviewers have noted, the bishops have produced a solid, reliable teaching tool with this new U.S. Adult Catechism. Were it to become the standard text in RCIA and parish-based faith formation programs, we might see a needed and much-desired renewal in catechesis.
There are a handful of drawbacks, however. (And since other reviewers have already highlighted the book's many virtues, I won't spend time repeating them here.) The bishops chose to include profiles of both Cardinal Joseph Bernardin and labor leader Cesar Chavez. Cardinal Bernardin is a polarizing figure, given his role in promoting the now-discredited "seamless garment" policy toward abortion and his questionable leadership in the Archdioceses of Cincinnati and Chicago. (Virtually all of Cincinnati's sexually-abusive priests were "Bernardin men.") And Chavez's liberal approach to labor relations is by no means a position Catholics are compelled to adopt.
The book has been embraced by the catechetical establishment in this country; that is not necessarily a good thing, since they are largely responsible for our current weak state of catechesis. The sections which encourage reflection and discussion could easily become excuses to conduct the sort of dorm-room bull sessions that have characterized all too many parish-based programs. That may not be the fault of the text, but it is nonetheless the context in which it finds itself. And at a hefty 664 pages, it's hardly much shorter than the supposedly too-long-to-read Catechism of the Catholic Church.
It's also unclear how this book ought to be squared with the new Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The USCCB claims that book is for younger readers, yet the Holy Father states that the Compendium is "for every Christian believer, regardless of age or nationality."
That said, the new U.S. Adult Catechism signals a welcome return of the bishops to sound catechesis. They -- and we -- have come a long way since the days of endless pastoral letters of dubious doctrinal value.
There are a handful of drawbacks, however. (And since other reviewers have already highlighted the book's many virtues, I won't spend time repeating them here.) The bishops chose to include profiles of both Cardinal Joseph Bernardin and labor leader Cesar Chavez. Cardinal Bernardin is a polarizing figure, given his role in promoting the now-discredited "seamless garment" policy toward abortion and his questionable leadership in the Archdioceses of Cincinnati and Chicago. (Virtually all of Cincinnati's sexually-abusive priests were "Bernardin men.") And Chavez's liberal approach to labor relations is by no means a position Catholics are compelled to adopt.
The book has been embraced by the catechetical establishment in this country; that is not necessarily a good thing, since they are largely responsible for our current weak state of catechesis. The sections which encourage reflection and discussion could easily become excuses to conduct the sort of dorm-room bull sessions that have characterized all too many parish-based programs. That may not be the fault of the text, but it is nonetheless the context in which it finds itself. And at a hefty 664 pages, it's hardly much shorter than the supposedly too-long-to-read Catechism of the Catholic Church.
It's also unclear how this book ought to be squared with the new Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The USCCB claims that book is for younger readers, yet the Holy Father states that the Compendium is "for every Christian believer, regardless of age or nationality."
That said, the new U.S. Adult Catechism signals a welcome return of the bishops to sound catechesis. They -- and we -- have come a long way since the days of endless pastoral letters of dubious doctrinal value.
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