The Catechism Explained

By Francis Spirago, Richard F. Clarke, Spirago Franz

Book Overview

We already have so many catechisms, what do we need of another? We indeed have in abundance, catechisms and religious manuals which appeal only to the intellect; books that do not aim at the warmth of expression and the fervent, persuasive eloquence which appeal to the heart, the force and vivifying power which affect the will through the influence of the Holy Spirit.

This Catechism aims at cultivating all the three powers of the soul: the intellect, the emotions, and the will. It does not therefore content itself with mere definitions. The idea in it is not to teach men to philosophize about religion, but to make them good Christians who will delight in their faith. Consequently questions of scholastic theology, doctrines debated among theologians, are either omitted altogether or merely receive a passing mention.

In this catechism, Fr. Spirago has endeavored to divest religious teaching of the appearance of learning, and to present it in a popular and simple form. Technical terms, in which almost all religious manuals abound, even those intended for children, are carefully eliminated from his pages since, while useful and necessary for seminarians and theologians, they are out of place in a book intended for the laity. Popular manuals of religion ought to be couched in plain and simple language, like that used by Our Lord and the apostles, easy to understand. What we need is something that will touch the heart and influence the will, not merely cram the mind with knowledge.

Attention may also be called to the fact that the teaching of the Church is not presented in a dry, abstract form, but is rendered attractive and interesting by illustrations, comparisons, and quotations from well-known writers. It also has many extracts from the writings of the Father which are quoted mainly to elucidate and illustrate, not to prove the truths that are enunciated.

"The Catechism Explained by Spirago embodies the Catechism of the Council of Trent, yet contains fuller discussions for each point in the language that was developed by the Church, saints and theologians throughout time. Rather than being locked into a specific age or decade, this catechism is an explication of the faith in an almost timeless manner. It is a catechism that any subsequent generation could read and learn the essence of the Catholic faith."

-Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1735060100
• ISBN13: 9781735060101
• Release Date: May 2020
• Publisher: Mediatrix Press
• Length: 872 Pages
• Weight: 2.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Very thorough and comprehensive, but OLD

I think the last edition of this book was from 1931. I like reading through the text, but obviously some things in the Church have changed since 1931, and the book doesn't cover some contemporary issues. It is still thorough and enjoyable reading, although I'm not sure if everything is completely accurate.

Very comprehensive.

Although I wouldn't go so far as to say that it is the best catechism ever written, it is certainly one of the best. Hundreds of pages covering nearly every topic of interest to lay Catholics. A good reference for clergy too.

the best catholic catechism ever written

This excellent text was written by a proffessor of theology. It is not academic but clearly and easily understood. The author demonstrates why we are here on earth and quotes the bible along with numerous examples from the lives of saints, to prove his points. It explains in exhaustive detail the catechism point by point. This book can't be beat as an introduction to catholic teaching and practice.