Compendium : Catechism of the Catholic Church Paperback – March 31, 2006

In its question and answer format, the newly published Compendium of the Catechism is a simple, clear, and precise dictation of the truth (that is to say God Himself).Having ordered this book long before the English translation was complete, I was delighted to finally see it in my mailbox. In little less than a week, the Compendium took its place among my three most cherished books - The Bible, The Catechism, and now the Compendium. In addition to the question and answer format, which is very appealing to lay people and those who studied the Baltimore Catechism, the book has plenty to offer, such as:1. The Size: The book is small enough to accompany anyone in their everyday activities, and throughout life's journey.2. The Approval: Pope Benedict's letter of approval offers a clear synthesis of the origins of the Compendium, a promulgation of its content, and a petition to Our Lady.3. The Icons: Perhaps the most noticed addition in the Compendium is the use of Icons (displayed in full color). Fifteen to be exact, starting with Christ the Pantocrator - a mirror to the Compendium because this Icon is described as "an invitation to contemplate and to follow the Lord Jesus through the Church His bride and His mystical body." Additionally, Pope Benedict describes the potency of the Icons with these words: "The sacred images, with their beauty, are also a proclamation of the Gospel and express the splendor of the Catholic truth."4. Concordances: The Compendium contains concordances to similar topics in the larger Catechism. This is handy for those wishing to delve deeper into a given subject.5. Common Prayers and Formulas: At the end of the book, the Church presents the faithful a summary of the common prayers in both English and Latin, and the formulas of the Church - especially helpful to me since I haven't memorized them all!If I was asked to concisely describe the benefits of reading the Compendium to a faithful Catholic, my reply would be that it enlightens the soul to the eternal ways of the ever living God; and likewise, to the inherent truths of Humanity. Considering that the price is equivalent to 4 gallons of gasoline - most likely covering production and distribution by a small margin - the Church is practically giving us this gift.And to that I say, Gratias Tibi Ago Benedictus PP. XVI!

This book is perfect for a person who is Catholic and wants to know more about the Church. It is great for people interested in converting. It gives questions along with the answers to make it a lot easier and less stressful. However it is best to go through this book on a slow and even level to allow yourself to reflect upon the answers. It defines terms (i.e. canon law, the nicene/apostolic creeds, the resurrection,original sin etc.) in a very short yet concise fashion.It is a very good way to get a firm grasp on the Catechism. I realize that I really didn't know enough about the faith to answer questions from people who were interested in Catholicism. If a person was condemning the Church I didn't know enough to defend it on a calm, objective and informative manner. This book is allowing me all of that.This book is the laymans option to a degree in theology. I will be reading this a second time and this time I will try to come up with my own added answers to some of these questions. This is a must have for evangelizing in this Year of Faith. I am doing this alone but I think working in a group would be a much better alternative.

For those who remember the Baltimore Catechism, the question and answer format provided an easy way to explore questions of Catholic Faith, Morals and Doctrine. Although the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH provides the most comprehensive exposition of matters of faith and is the standard for study and inquiry, its sheer depth and breadth often intimidated many who sought to develop a greater understanding of the faith. Recognizing this, Pope Benedict worked with his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, to develop this compedium in which essentials are once again communicated in a well-written, thorough-yet-direct question and answer format.The COMPENDIUM follows the outline and meticulously references the CATECHISM. Yet, the topics address specific questions in easy to understand language. It is an excellent tool for RCIA and catechesis for both lifelong Catholics or those who are just entering into the faith.I recommend that this be added to every Catholic family's library!

I purchased the complete version of the Catholic Catechism from Amazon and wanted to supplement it with this concise version which is written in a Question-Answer format. (It might even remind one of the former Baltimore Catechism.) Bishop Fulton Sheen said that those who criticise the Catholic Church do not understand the truths of her teachings. I have found that to be accurate. Many people make false statements about our beliefs and theology. If they read the Catechism, they will know what we believe. It is true. It is good. Most of all, the teachings of the Catholic Church are from God with no distortions. Our church has not changed our doctrines for 2000 years. Our dogmas will stay in place because they are based on God's Word. This is an easy to follow book of the doctrines of the Church.

Affordable

I recently ordered a copy of the "Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church" from Amazon.com. As usual, the process was flawless and I received the book in short order! As anyone who has perused a full rendering of the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" can tell you, it is very thorough, and wonderfully readable and interesting, but somewhat daunting when it comes to looking up material. The "Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church" is a faithful rendering of the original in a booklet containing all the important information but none of the myriad details in the full version. I have found it to be great for quickly looking up information and not really losing any important information. It is definitely worth having a copy in your spiritual library.