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10th out of 105 books
—
25 voters
Why Do Catholics Do That?
In Why Do Catholics Do That? renowned scholar and religion columnist Kevin Orlin Johnson answers the most frequently asked questions on Catholic faith, worship, culture, and customs, including:
* How the Church Makes Laws * The Hard-Fought Genesis of the New Testament * The Cycle of Redemption * A Short Guide to the Meaning and Structure of the Mass * Decoding Symbols of Sc...more
* How the Church Makes Laws * The Hard-Fought Genesis of the New Testament * The Cycle of Redemption * A Short Guide to the Meaning and Structure of the Mass * Decoding Symbols of Sc...more
Paperback, 287 pages
Published
October 10th 1995
by Ballantine Books
(first published September 1st 1994)
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It's Concise, uplifting, informative, and worthwhile. The book is directed to members of the Catholic Church, but it still managed to captivate me (I'm a Mormon) throughout 99% of it. Tradition is the overriding theme of the work. It was a highly entertaining summary of Catholicism's long history. The author makes a good case for why we all should appreciate that history. I was impressed. It covers a wide range of topics from church building specifications to the church's position on miracles an...more
This book was originally titled "Expressions of the Catholic Faith" which doesn't sound nearly as enticing. However, the original name was much more suitable to the book. This isn't some cutesy book explaining Catholic traditions for non-Catholics. This was written by a hard-core Catholic for other Catholics, and he doesn't stop to explain most of the terms he uses. I'm still not sure exactly what "liturgy" means, and that word was like, on every single page of the book.
Also he stops and lets yo...more
Also he stops and lets yo...more
This book was given to my husband and I by our parish priest. Even though I've been a catholic my entire life, I have learned quite a bit about the traditions and "culture" of the church - why we do what we do. There is an amazing 2000 year history to Catholic culture, and NOTHING (not even the tiniest thing, so far as I can tell) is done without a reason behind it! From the colors of the vestments to the shape of the churches - it's all in here and explained in easy terms.
This book attempts to explain basic Catholic doctrine and practice. The author cites the Bible as the foundation for Catholic beliefs, and custom explains many of the practices. The tone is conversational and easy to understand. The author includes many quotes from many sources. The book also has a list of books for the reader to continue individual interest and a handy index.
If you have already made up your mind that Catholics do everything because they are so much better and smarter than everyone else, this is the book for you! There are some great historical facts, a potload of opinion, and an imprimatur, of course. Now I feel uncharitable. Recommended for some.
A must-read for those interested in the Catholic Church as it explains many basic Catholic concepts and traditions, such as the structure of a typical mass and the Stations of the Cross.
Great introduction to the Catholic faith, but lacked the doctrinal depth I was looking for, although I loved the little anecdotes and facts.
I have attended Catholic Masses since I was little and even went to Catholic Schools yet I am not Catholic. I decided to convert and when I started going to the classes at the local Catholic Church they gave me this book to read and said that it would halp explain Catholicism and What it meant to be a Catholic. I was in college and very eager to understand.. but, it wasnt meant to be I guess, at least not at that time.. because scheduling conflicts and mandatory events.. I was unable to continue...more
What I liked: I adored the stuff about Catholic art and the Virgin's robe, the discussion of Catholic ritual washing, relics, and sacramentals, the care the person took to describe rituals and traditions.
What I didn't like: The idea that the Catholic Church is today just as Jesus would have envisioned it, including condemnation of queers and not ordinating women and all. And of course the whole Catholicism is the only way thing that runs through here.
Ugh. You might as well call this what I like...more
What I didn't like: The idea that the Catholic Church is today just as Jesus would have envisioned it, including condemnation of queers and not ordinating women and all. And of course the whole Catholicism is the only way thing that runs through here.
Ugh. You might as well call this what I like...more
Really fascinating history of the Church and a good introduction to further reading.
a birthday gift from Lisa C Eng-Beeman, 1997
I was raised Catholic and now, after years away from the Church, I've gone back. Reading this book broke down some of the history of why the Catholic Church does things the way it does, and I was especially intrigued by the chapters on the meaning behind the structure of the mass and the fundamental differences between Catholic and Protestant teachings. A quick read as well.
I'm still trying to understand.
I don't know if I can justify the 5 stars on the writing alone, but it is getting 5 stars because this book has had such a big impact on my life. I look forward to rereading it again.
Although it was written with the impression that the reader would *be* Catholic and know about the mass and other general info, I found this book to be packed with awesome and interesting facts. I really appreciated the author's citations and the history of 'why' made this a really great book for learning more about Catholic Tradition.
It didn't really answer the questions for me like I had hoped it would. The author gets to wrapped up in examples that the point of the answer to his questions is lost. I am to much of a get to the point person. I just want the answers and I didn't care about all of the examples.
Ever wondered why catholics use incense? Or what's with those crazy hats? This is for you. Written in a easy-going manner, and in small chapters. Makes a great religious companion to Uncle John's Bathroom Reader.
This is an insightful resource for many of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. The explanations are well-written, and are designed for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Interesting read, for one unfamiliar with the Catholic Church. This was a toe in the water, next I shall dive into the Catechism.
This book answers a lot of questions for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Mar 01, 2010
Johanna
added it
So far I have learned to appreciate more my Catholic faith.
May 14, 2013
Pam Trefftzs
marked it as to-read
May 12, 2013
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is currently reading it
May 11, 2013
Greg Sotelo
marked it as to-read
May 08, 2013
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marked it as to-read
May 06, 2013
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“Remember, the Church doesn't teach something because its in the Bible, its in the Bible because the Church has always taught it.”
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