Commission on Evangelization

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Catholicism. By Bob O’Gorman and Mary Faulkner. Alpha Books/Macmillan USA: 2000. $16.95.

“In telling the story of the church, we are clearly telling two stories: one that existed as the 20th century began and one that exists as the 21st century dawns….We look at the Church from many angles: its history and vision, its unique character and the similarities and differences among Catholics….Who are Catholics and how are they different from the rest of the folks?”

Mary Marty points out in the foreword that idiot originally meant “a private individual,”“a common person” not a“professional expert.” This book blends expert scholarship of two theologians here in the South with an easy reading format. This is a fabulous resource as it not only gives an overview of the history of the church but also delves into various significant movements, the sacraments, Catholic religious imagination, the Catholic Bible, social justice teachings, symbols, art and all kinds of everyday practices past and present.

While this book may help a new generation make sense of the stories of those who remember the way “the Church was,” it will help cradle Catholics answer simply the questions they encounter in everyday life.

Give this book to catechists, RCIA members, new members or other Catholics.

Reviewed by Lorraine Vancamp, Glenmary’s evangelization consultant.

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