Mere Catholicism

by Ian Ker

Mere Catholicism explains in easily accessible, non-technical language the fundamental doctrines of Catholicism. It also shows how these doctrines follow naturally from the fundamental doctrines common to orthodox Christians (“mere Christianity”). Catholicism can mystify or even repel other Christians, while its complexities can confuse Catholics themselves. Ian Ker’s stimulating book makes Catholicism come alive as the fullness of Christianity.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Christian

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Fr Ian Ker (born 1942) is the leading expert on the life and works of John Henry Newman. He is an English Roman Catholic priest, a former Anglican. Father Ian Ker teaches theology at Oxford University, where he is a senior research fellow at Blackfriars, Oxford, and a member of the Faculty of Theology. He has taught both English literature and theology at universities in the UK and USA.

Reviews

[Ramón S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A “must to read” book If you want to know better catholic faith.
Well written, not a “heavy “ book but simple and smart.
Worth of study, I will read it again!!!!!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great review of the Catholic faith. Even on topics that I thought I knew well Father Ker was able to open them up and describe them in a way that deepened my understanding.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting book on Catholicism. Even though it wants to be a beginners book on the Catholic Church I wouldn't recommend it for someone just learning the basics of the faith. I found his writing style to be a bit harsh and often he expects the reader to just accept everything he is saying as the only way to believe as a Catholic. Much of what he says I found to be very insightful, especially the nature of God and the Christian concept of the Trinity, Mary and the Saints. Also the Catholic belief in the eucharist and confession. Toward the end of book however he runs into the problem of human sexuality. He attempts to take the conservative orthodox church understanding of human sexuality and turn it into dogma that can't be questioned.

[Jerrod Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is clearly a riff off of C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity," and while this is an excellent book, it is not at the same caliber as Mere Christianity.

This is an excellent explanation of Catholicism written in a very non-technical manner, accessible to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. I highly recommend it to anyone with interest in learning about Catholicism, whether that is their faith or not.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mere Catholicism explains the basic dogma of Catholicism. It is a good read for the layperson because it does this is in easy to read form. It is written by a priest who also is a theologist. A good read if you are interested in the doctrines of Catholicism.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a pretty easy read and a nice introduction to the basic ideas of Catholicism. It was pretty interesting. The stars are given based on personal preference - it just wasn't my style.


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