GREAT; if only the world were governed by this book...and people heeded.

Very helpful ( )

This weighty tome merits the time required for anyone who wants to understand Catholocism. I believe it would be fair to call it the official "layman's guidebook." A lot of new ideas were presented to me. It succeeded in conveying the principal tenets of the Catholic Church and at least touched on every major issue or question I have had. Two concepts that were completely new to me and considered with high regard: first, a firm declaration that talents were not distributed uniformly and that this profers interdependence among us; second, that the meaning of "blessed are the poor in spirit" actually encourages us all to become poor in our mentality (not to consider our possessions as our strength). ( )

If you want to understand Post-Vatican II Catholocism, than this is the book for you. Written by the Vatican and translated by the Vatican as the official, most complete answer to "What are Catholics to believe?" Please note that there has already been an updated and revised edition released. ( )

If you want to know actual Catholic dogma, in a relatively easy to read form, this is the authoratative book in English. ( )

Pretty thorough summary systematically covering the majority of Roman Catholic beliefs and teachings. My only gripe with it is that the language can be a bit academic at times, still I wouldn't say it's inaccessible to the average reader though.

- Peter K. ( )

Always a good reference ( )

Every Catholic needs to have a copy of this book in his or her home. It is a wonderful reference book, and its many quotations from Scripture, the saints, and popes of the Church keep the reader's attention while teaching a bit as well. It is a wonderful produuction. ( )

Rating this one was kinda tough...I strongly disagree with areas of the theology, but if one wants to understand Catholocism, then we need to understand Catholic doctrine, and this is a great resource for that! I went with five stars for it's usefullness. ( )

I. F. Stone found it useful to delve into source materials, primary texts and propaganda, and so should we. Very emic!

A great guide to what your Roman Catholic friends profess, even if that's quite another thing than what they might actually believe. ( )

A small book loaded with information. This book summarizes all of essential Catholic doctrine and practice into one volume that is easy to read and understand. It also includes elements from the Eastern Rite, so this is truly the catechism of the Catholic Church. Very well-done. ( )

Hardly pocket sized! ( )

Regarding local catechisms, there actually are some. The Byzantine Bishops in the United States issued their own local catechism and the U.S. Bishops have issued one.

Engrossing! ( )

I don't think I'm allowed to rate this one!

Unfortunately used as a source for "what Catholics believe" the CCC was never meant to be such - the introduction makes it clear that bishops were to develop local catechisms. Few did, and this has become the handy reference book. As such, it's useful - but the lack of local catechisms is annoying.