Looking for a no-nonsense, practical overview of Catholic teachings in a compact format? Then this might be the book for you.
Overview
“A Brief Catechism for Adults: A Complete Handbook on How to Be a Good Catholic,” by Fr. William Cogan, is available from Tan Books. I am not an affiliate of the publisher. I just really like many of their offerings.
The book is only about a couple of hundred pages long and it is broken up into various sections which make sense to be together. It’s presented in a question and answer format and it’s very succinct. It’s a book that can be read in order from start to finish or just one that can be browsed through for an answer to a specific item.
The book is meant for non-Catholics who are thinking of, or in the process of, converting to Catholicism. Even though it’s billed for adults, I think younger age groups would find this pretty accessible too, particularly if it were part of a classroom format.
From my perspective, I found it’s conciseness refreshing. Although I had to go to other resources to explores some of the answers further, I liked that I could be confident in that the answers provided by the author are in accordance with Catholic teaching.
Chapter 1: The Foundations of Catholicism
The book begins by delving into the fundamental tenets of Catholicism, exploring the core beliefs that have guided the Church for centuries. Topics covered include the existence of God, the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the significance of the Bible as the Word of God. Through clear explanations and scriptural references, readers gain a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith’s theological underpinnings.
Chapter 2: The Sacraments and Their Importance
Central to the Catholic faith are the seven sacraments, which are outward signs instituted by Christ to bestow grace upon the faithful. This chapter expounds on the significance of each sacrament, including Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The book emphasizes the transformative power of these sacraments and their role in nourishing the soul.
Chapter 3: The Moral Teachings of the Church
Catholicism is not merely a set of doctrines but also a guide for ethical living. This chapter delves into the moral teachings of the Church, addressing issues such as the dignity of human life, the sanctity of marriage, the call to social justice, and the pursuit of virtue. It provides practical advice on how to navigate moral dilemmas and live a life consistent with Catholic principles.
Chapter 4: Prayer and Spirituality
Prayer is a crucial aspect of a Catholic’s spiritual life, and this chapter offers guidance on various forms of prayer, including vocal, meditative, and contemplative prayer. The book also explores the importance of the Mass and the Eucharist as the central acts of worship in the Catholic tradition. It further delves into the lives of the saints and their examples of holiness, inspiring readers to follow their path.
Chapter 5: Engaging the Catholic Community
The Catholic Church is a vibrant community of believers, and this chapter stresses the importance of active participation in parish life. It discusses the role of the laity, the clergy, and religious orders in building a strong faith community. Additionally, the book encourages readers to engage in works of charity and service, highlighting the significance of outreach and compassion.
Conclusion
“A Brief Catechism for Adults: A Complete Handbook on How to be a Good Catholic” is a good resource for individuals who are not familiar with the basics and who are seeking to strengthen their Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with God.
If you are already pretty well versed in most catechetical teachings, then this book may not have a lot to offer. Although I say that, it would be great for Catholics to have a few copies on hand to distribute to friends, family, coworkers etc., who may be interested in exploring the faith more.
If you look at it from a “meat or potatoes” perspective, this book definitely leans towards “potatoes.” I have no idea why I used this metaphor but it’s been in my head since the start of this article. By “potatoes” I mean it will provide an answer that is in accordance with Church teaching but won’t delve into great detail on the “whys” of the answer. That being said, many of the answers would make a great springboard for further discussion and research (can potatoes dive?).
I’ll end this now before I mix any more metaphors.
Thanks for reading!
Feel free to check out some of my other reviews: