Reviews for An Introduction to Catholicism

The average rating for An Introduction to Catholicism based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-01-19 00:00:00 Kenneth Tucker Do we need a sectarian "reading"? I much more enjoyed the second half of the book on the Catholic church in contemporary times, more like a conclusion in a traditional essay. But also chapters on the reformation(s) within the church and the legacy of Vatican 2. Who can benefit from this book? I would have to say sympathetic Catholics more than other Christians or religious traditions. For those readers I would have to suggest An Introduction to Christianity by Linda Woodhead which looks critically at the Catholic church and Reformation churches. However, those who this author refers to as schematics (especially after Vatican 1 and 2) from the Roman church have a real interest in how their practice of Catholicism differs from Roman practice. Many Old Catholics and those in the independent sacramental movement, or Liberal Catholic movement see themselves as fulfilling Vatican 2 or conserving "old" Catholicism after the Tridentine church separated from them. Which brings us down to the central book claim that "Catholicism" is synonymous with in communion with the Pope and not just any Pope, but the one in Rome. For example, Catholicism at this this sees its self-identity tied up intimately with the historical Roman church and it's successor Bishop. Only the Roman Pontiff (successor to Peter, first Bishop of Rome) can lead the worldwide church and has been given the charism of infallibility. I can't see this claim as "essential" to Christianity which the author acknowledges is an abstract category; but it is essential to ecclesiology. Since ecclesiology, including the concern for unity (both political and against heresy) was a central concern of the Roman church during Constantine, it is understandable how this became central to the self-identity of Roman Catholics. However, once again ecclesiology is only one branch of Christian theology and therefore cannot be essential as is baptism is. Vatican 2 went in the right direction understanding that Christianity is made up of competing claims of the meaning of Jesus just like in the beginning when the Roman church with the power of the State tried to eliminate all contenders.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-10-26 00:00:00 Tonia Owens I'm really out here binging Roman Catholic doctrine. Anyway, if you want a thorough understanding of Catholic history, Cunningham's your guy!