Catholicism: New Study Edition--Completely Revised and Updated

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 1344 pages
• Published by: HarperOne
• Edition: Revised Edition May 19, 1994
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0060654058
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0060654054
• Book Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 2.7 inches
• Weighs: 2.5 pounds

From Library Journal
This thorough revision of McBrien's best-selling summary of Roman Catholic theology, history, and moral values is an important statement of what it means to be a Catholic Christian. McBrien, a priest and professor of theology at Notre Dame, provides a marvelous synthesis of contemporary interpretations in a enyclopedia designed for the general reader. Throughout, McBrien is faithful to tradition and to contemporary scholarship; he does not hesitate to raise probing questions and to suggest needed changes in teaching and practices. Human existence, God, Jesus Christ, the Church, the sacraments, Christian morality, and Christian spirituality all receive intensive treatment; Orthodox and Protestant views receive respectful consideration. Essential for all libraries, including those with earlier editions.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Review
"A vital resource for grasping the dynamism of Catholicism." -- --Mary C. Boys, S.N.J.M., Union Theological Seminary

"No less indispensable now than was its predecessor." -- --Nicholas Lash, Cambridge University

"Now McBrien has even surpassed his previous achievement, and has ensured the continued service of this modern classic." -- --Thomas H. Groome, Boston College

"Seldom are masterpieces improved on[but] this new edition must be hailed as a great triumph in its own right." -- --Eugene Kennedy

"The clearest and most competent guide in the English language to the Catholic Church's origins, teaching, traditions, and developments." -- --Gerald O'Collins, S.J., Gregorian University

"[Catholicism]now commendably contains developments of the past decade from papal teaching to liberation and feminist theologies." -- --Elizabeth A. Johnson, Fordham University

Reader Reviews
If you're expecting merely another cathecism of this book--as often people are--you'll be disapppointed. If, however, you want a sound, accurate, and scholarly survey not just of Catholicism iteself, but of the environment in which it grew, and continues to exist, this is a great book. McBrien, a priest, and professor of theology at Notre Dame, objectively examines many, many spiritual and theological forces at work within and without the church, since its inception through the present day. These forces, naturally, include many Protestant, and even secular influences. At the end of each section, McBrien provides useful lists for further reading, should you want to explore certain ideas further. Yes, McBrien is a liberal theologian, and no, I am not theologicall liberal. Far from it. But this book is not like the editorials he writes for that left-wing Catholic rag National Catholic Reporter. He doesn't use the book as a platform to advocate for gay marriage or gun control or an end to celibacy among clergy--all of which (and much more) NCR does, and loudly. I read some of the negative reviews here and I have to wonder if these people are reacting to the book, or to what they already think about McBrien. What they seem not to realize--and what McBrien does--is that Catholicism is more than just catechism. Sure, if all you want to know is church doctrine, read the catechism. If you want a deeper look into the history of church doctrine and theology, and the environment in which is has existed and currently exists, though, read this book. It is a work for thinking Catholics. Everyone else should stick to their catechism.