The rich tradition of Catholicism is so vast that questions are bound to arise. This book will answer your questions on: Matters of faith, matters of practice and matters of curiosity. Offering wise, authoritative answers to common (and some not-so-common) questions about the faith, this book is an invaluable resource for parishes, laypeople, students and libraries.
Catholic Answers to Protestant Questions is a must read for those seeking to grow in their Catholic identity. Here are just a few of the questions that are covered in this book: Where did the Bible come from? Was Christ or Constantine the founder of the Catholic Church? Was Peter the first Pope? What do Catholics mean by being "born again" and why do they baptize children? Where do Catholics find the seven sacraments in the Bible? Why do Catholics believe in the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Christ? Why do we need a priest to forgive serious sins? What are indulgences and why are they needed? Where can we find a priest being referred to as "Father" in the Bible? Do Catholics worship saints? What is the communion of saints? Is Mary the Mother of God? Did Jesus have brothers and sisters? Was Mary assumed into heaven? Is there a purgatory? Is there a rapture? Is salvation assured? Are we justified by faith alone, or by faith and works? Do Catholics practice idol worship?
Jesus calls the church to be a sacrament to the world. Sadly, many women, LGBTQ persons, people of other faiths, and lay persons experience suffering due to certain words and actions of the Catholic Church. At times, the language and practices of the church leave some people feeling as if their voices have been silenced, their roles limited, and their vocations impeded. Some often feel underappreciated and disrespected. This work explores a vision for the future church which faces these challenges and illuminates possible solutions. Every person has gifts given by God for the building up of the church. Through a thorough exploration of biblical and church teachings, alternative views of these issues provide a path to inclusion for all. This book is intended to bring comfort, hope, and healing to those who have been marginalized. It also offers a map for the church as it journeys to be more of what Christ calls it to be. In a manner faithful to the gospel, reforms for the church are considered that open it to what the Spirit might be saying. When is the time for all persons to be valued, welcomed, empowered, and respected? Now.
Why do Catholics pray for the dead? ... Is there humor in the Bible? ... Is Purgatory painful? ... Is there a dispensation for missing Mass when traveling? ... Can human beings become angels after they die? ... Why is the color blue associated with Our Lady? ... Was the Catholic Church the first one to say no to contraceptives? Over 2,000 years of tradition can lead to many questions and misunderstandings about the Catholic Faith. You are not alone if you are confused, curious, or wish to have an answer for challenging questions others may confront you with. Catholic Answers to Catholic Questions provides solid answers to hundreds of common questions asked by people just like you -- questions both big and small regarding doctrine, history, morality, the pope, saints, the sacraments, the Mass, prayer, Scripture, and much more. Be more confident in your faith. Allow the "why" to enhance the "what" you do as a Catholic. Make better decisions. Be more prepared to pass on your faith to others. Feed your curiosity. Solidify your beliefs. Author, theology professor, and Catholic apologist Paul Thigpen ensures the answers are not only rock-solid, but also pastoral in their approach and written in everyday, relevant language. He considers questions from real people to reveal the vast breadth and depth of our Catholic teachings.
Straightforward answers about Roman Catholicism for a Protestant audience The Roman Catholic faith is one of the world's most widespread religious traditions, yet the unique aspects of Roman Catholicism elicit perennial questions from adherents and outsiders alike. Such questions tend to fall into three major categories: historical backgrounds, theological matters, and personal relationships. Using Catholic Church documents and the writings of Catholic scholars, Baptist systematic theologian Gregg R. Allison distills the teachings of Catholicism around forty common questions about Catholic foundations, beliefs, and practices. The accessible question-and-answer format guides readers to the areas of interest, including: Where do Roman Catholic and Protestant beliefs differ? What happens during a Roman Catholic Mass? How does Roman Catholicism understand the biblical teaching about Mary? Who are the saints and what is their role? How can my Roman Catholic loved ones and I talk about the gospel? 40 Questions About Roman Catholicism explores theology and practice, doctrine and liturgy, sacraments and Mariology, contributions and scandals, and many other things, clarifying both real and perceived differences and similarities with other Christian traditions.
As religion continues to dominate the news, politics and society in general, more and more laypeople are looking for a reliable guide to understanding the beliefs and practices of each faith. The Roman Catholic Church-the largest branch of Christianity-claims a total of over 1 billion baptized members around the globe and has been revered by billions of followers for thousands of years. Why? The Catholicism Answer Book answers 300 pivotal questions about one of the world's oldest religions. From the basic tenets of Christianity and the nature of God and salvation to the differences between a Catholic Bible and a Protestant Bible, readers can round out their knowledge on such inquiries as: What are the "lost" or "missing" books of the Bible? And why are the books we have canonical? Why does it seem like Catholics worship Mary? What are the Last Things? Why confess to a priest when I can go directly to God?
More and more Catholics are asking tough questions about their faith and the leadership of the Catholic church. With sensitivity, insight, and well-researched, biblical responses, former-Catholic Tony Coffey answers the more pressing questions, including: Who speaks for God? Which is the one true church? Is the papacy taught in scripture? Did the first Christians believe in the mass? Should we go to confession? This clear and simple presentation of the differences between Roman Catholic tradition and the teachings of Scripture helps Catholics examine the Bible's view of everything from Mary to purgatory and divorce. Christians who want a foundation when talking to Catholics will find Tony Coffey's information invaluable.
The popular blogger and publisher of Envoy magazine offers 10 key reasons why he loves being Catholic (and you should too). Drawing heavily on poignant anecdotes from his own experience as a life-long Catholic born in 1960s, Madrid offers readers a way of looking at the Church--its members, teachings, customs, and history--from perspectives many may have never considered. Growing up Catholic during a time of great social and theological upheaval and transition, a time in which countless Catholics abandoned their religion in search of something else, Patrick Madrid learned a great deal about why people leave Catholicism and why others stay. This experience helped him gain many insights into what it is about the Catholic Church that some people reject, as well as those things that others treasure. Drawing upon Madrid's personal experiences, Why Be Catholic? offers a deeply personal, fact-based, rationale for why everyone should be Catholic or at least consider the Catholic Church in a new light.
Do you ever feel confused, befuddled, or just plain lost when it comes to the Catholic Faith? Do the teachings and practices of the Church leave you scratching your head? Then this is the book for you. In Catholic and Curious: Your Questions Answered, Monsignor Charles Pope tackles 500 tough questions on just about every subject imaginable. In easily digestible question and answer format, this book covers everything from God and the Bible to the liturgy, the sacraments, Catholic moral teaching, Mary, the saints, and life after death, all organized by topic for quick reference. In this book you’ll find not just straightforward answers, but a deeper understanding and appreciation of the truth of the Catholic Faith. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Monsignor Charles Pope was ordained a priest in 1989 for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. He is a well-known blogger and writer, and has authored a question and answer column for Our Sunday Visitor since 2013. He gives numerous retreats and talks for laity and clergy and appears as a regular guest on EWTN’s Morning Glory.
