Catechesis Or Christian Instruction

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

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Reprint of the original, first published in 1875.

Written by a team of theologians and teachers comprehensive of the various theological schools within the Anglican tradition, To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism is an in depth but very usable articulation of the Christian faith that will also prove to be a resource for Christians in other traditions. This catechism includes 345 Questions & Answers, with practical applications--all in simple modern English. Each section begins with an explanation especially intended for those with no prior knowledge of Christianity. This superb special edition features bonded leather, gold foil cover, gilt-edge pages, ribbon bookmark, a presentation page, and an Introduction by the eminent theologian JI Packer. In the early church converts underwent systematic teaching, called catechesis, leading up to their baptism. Sadly, the practice of catechizing adults to any degree has declined to the point of ceasing altogether in most of today's churches. To Be a Christian aims to correct this. It is meant as a tool for all comers - the adult inquirer, the new convert, and the long-time believer seeking deeper grounding in the full reality of Christian faith and life. Essential Christian instruction is presented in today's language, drawing on the three traditional foundations of catechesis: The Apostles' Creed, The Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. Tens of millions of Anglicans on six continents trace their tradition back through the centuries to laymen like William Wilberforce, who led the abolition of the slave trade in England, to the bishops and martyrs of the English Reformation, like Thomas Cranmer, and to missionaries like Augustine of Canterbury and St. Patrick who spread the Gospel throughout the British Isles. A lucid statement of the Apostolic Faith that Anglicans share with all Christians, To Be A Christian is truly a resource for the entire Body of Christ. It is offered with the prayer that it may serve to build up the Body of Christ by helping many to full Christian faith, and faithfulness, in today's increasingly post-Christian world.