Explore the world's largest Christian faith
With more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwideand growingCatholicism continues to shape lives and communities across the globe. Whether you're discovering faith for the first time, returning with fresh questions, or seeking to understand Catholic friends and family, Catholicism For Dummies provides your accessible guide to this rich tradition and its evolving role in today's world.
This book transforms complex theology into clear insights, tracing the Church's journey from ancient foundations to contemporary realities. You'll discover how Catholic beliefs address both timeless mysteries and pressing modern questions, from the sacraments and creation to current social issues.
Learn all about Catholic teachings, traditions, worship, and holydays Find information on Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, and his focus on Catholic social teaching and inclusive leadership Read about recent canon law revisions that modernize Church governance while clarifying authority Get profiles of newly canonized saints and blesseds who inspire todays faithful
Catholicism For Dummies is perfect for seekers, students, spiritual explorers, and practicing Catholics alike. Its an engaging and straightforward exploration of Catholic beliefs and traditions and how they interact with the modern world.
Introduction 1
Part 1: What Do Catholics Believe? 5
CHAPTER 1: What It Means to Be Catholic 7
CHAPTER 2: Having Faith in God's Revealed Word 19
CHAPTER 3: In the Beginning: Creation and Original Sin 37
CHAPTER 4: Believing in Jesus 49
CHAPTER 5: Defining "the Church" and What Membership Means 69
CHAPTER 6: Organizing the Church 79
Part 2: Celebrating the Mysteries of Faith 103
CHAPTER 7: Body and Soul: Worshipping Catholic Style 105
CHAPTER 8: Entering the Church: Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation 117
CHAPTER 9: The Sacraments of Service and Healing 135
CHAPTER 10: Celebrating the Catholic Mass 157
Part 3: Living a Saintly Life 187
CHAPTER 11: Obeying the Rules: Catholic Law 189
CHAPTER 12: Loving and Honoring: The Ten Commandments 205
CHAPTER 13: Being Good When Sinning Is So Easy 221
CHAPTER 14: Standing Firm: The Church's Stance on Some Sticky Issues 239
Part 4: Praying and Using Devotions 269
CHAPTER 15: Growing in the Faith 271
CHAPTER 16: Showing Your Love for God 287
CHAPTER 17: Expressing Affection for Mary 303
CHAPTER 18: Honoring the Catholic Saints 321
CHAPTER 19: Practicing Catholic Traditions 343
Part 5: The Part of Tens 363
CHAPTER 20: Ten Famous Catholics 365
CHAPTER 21: Ten Popular Catholic Saints 375
CHAPTER 22: Ten Popular Catholic Places to Visit 385
CHAPTER 23: Ten Recent Beatifications and Canonizations 393
CHAPTER 24: Ten Catholic Books and Texts 401
Part 6: Appendixes 409
APPENDIX A: A Brief History of Catholicism 411
APPENDIX B: Popular Catholic Prayers 439
APPENDIX C: Catholic Legends 451
Index 461
Rev. Fr. John Trigilio, Jr., PhD, KGCO, is President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and teaches at Mount St. Marys Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD.
Rev. Fr. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD, KGCO, is Vice Rector at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH. They are co-authors of previous editions of Catholicism For Dummies, Women in the Bible For Dummies, Catholic Mass For Dummies, and John Paul II For Dummies, and co-hosts of Web of Faith and Catholic Blitz on EWTN, the worlds largest religious media network.
