Books on Catholic Teaching

In The Binding Force of Tradition, Fr. Ripperger provides a study of the object and nature of Sacred Tradition and the moral requirement of Catholics to accept the Sacred tradition. Sacred tradition and the Magisterium are surprisingly complex albeit important topics, especially when dealing with the sensus fidelium and the ordinary Magisterium. Fr. Ripperger answers several vital questions including: "Since normally the rule of faith is the teaching of tradition and Scripture as taught by t...

In Magisterial Authority, Fr. Ripperger answers many common questions that the faithful might have, including: When is the pope infallible? What are the criteria for papal infallibility and how do we determine if a papal pronouncement meets those criteria? What does the Church have to do to finally get on the right track? What were some popes who committed error while being pope? Does papal infallibility apply to the canonization of saints? When are bishops infallible? How does all of this a...

Baltimore Catechism Four is an invaluable tool for teachers, catechists, and devoted Catholics eager to deepen their faith. This advanced textbook combines a clear and concise presentation of Catholic doctrines with fascinating and thought-provoking explanations. It is sure to offer readers of all ages a rewarding experience as they work through its detailed pages. Appropriate for teaching children and preparing them to receive sacraments, or as an aid for catechumens, Baltimore Catechism Fou...

Do you want to learn how to defend and explain the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and scores of other truths that we Catholics believe - but you don't have a lot of time? Don't worry. Jimmy Akin has done the hard work for you. All you need is five minutes a day. In A Daily Defense, Jimmy compiles 365 challenges that Catholics often hear from skeptics and non-Catholics - about God, Jesus, Scripture, morality, Mary, and a host of do...

For the first time in 400 years the Catholic Church has authorized an official universal catechism which instantly became an international best-seller, the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Using this official Catechism, the highly-regarded author and professor Peter Kreeft presents a complete compendium of all the major beliefs of Catholicism written in his readable and concise style. Since the Catechism of the Catholic Church was written for the express purpose of grounding and fostering ca...

Discover the modern relevance of Pope Leo XIII's encyclicals in The Church Speaks to the Modern World by Etienne Gilson. This powerful book presents the papal pronouncements of Leo XIII as arranged and indicated by the pope himself – with each one clearly explained by Gilson's insightful introduction, notes, summarization and study. For individuals of all faiths seeking valuable spiritual instruction and guidance, this unique volume provides insights into topics including social justice, edu...

A Conversation with Thomas Storck  Exploring deep probing questions, Thomas Storck takes readers through his life in Seeing the World with Catholic Eyes. This book delves deep into this public intellectual’s roots to seek out the determining factors used to shape his life. Temperamentally and politically turbulent events are woven into the journey that shaped this thought leader, allowing them to develop their own brand of Catechism-imbued morality. Storck adds a modern interpretation of Cath...

A Catholic Approach to the Natural World Do you want to deepen your understanding of Catholic teachings about the environment? Then look no further than The Glory of the Cosmos! This book provides both devout Catholics and those who may not necessarily be aware of Church doctrine with a deep exploration into authentic Catholic beliefs. With persuasive arguments from St. Thomas Aquinas, you'll be able to move beyond political issues regarding the environment and get to the heart of timeless te...

St. John Fisher was a standout figure in the 16th century, going against the reigning king to remain true to his faith. Fisher was a brave defender of traditional Catholic priesthood and liturgy, and his renowned work Defense of the Priesthood attacks Luther's dissenting arguments head-on. This work stands as an important piece of theological literature, both for its critique of Martin Luther’s theology and for its defense of sacraments which were traditionally accepted in Catholicism at the ...

Newman on Evangelizing the Nones In post-modern society the "nones" have become our new poor. The West still commands vast markets and militaries but our culture has long been living off of borrowed moral capital with no foreseeable schedule of repayment. In Thinking as Though God Exists, Catholic philosopher Ryan Topping draws upon St. John Henry Newman's voluminous insights to present a far-ranging cultural strategy for the New Evangelization. The conversion of secular culture requires many...

This masterpiece of modern apologetics builds upon the intrinsic, formative principle within thought-namely, being. Having established the idea of being (indeed, of Absolute Being) as essential to all coherent thought, the author shows that it was a failure to appreciate the analogy of being that led to the disastrous errors of Kant and postmodern philosophy-for the analogia entis links all that exists. After beginning with philosophy, the book's clear aim is to demolish postmodernism, to str...

From the Medieval Bank to Financial Globalization This book, perhaps startlingly, is about finance from a Christian point of view, taking its start from the Gospels and moving forward to modern Catholic Social Teaching and today's opaque money markets, pausing along the way to delve into the origins of finance in the Christian Middle Ages. Not only those with a Christian orientation, but anyone looking for a coherent, moral view of finance will profit from its keen insights. Markets represent...

Compiled under the direction of St. Charles Borromeo and recognized as the most authoritative Catholic catechism. Leo XIII recommended two books-- the Summa and this Catechism--for all seminarians! Pope Benedict 16th, as a Cardinal, called it the most important Catholic Catechism. Originally designed to supply parish priest with an official book of instruction, it has been used extensively by the laity as a steadying guide in our confused age.

Unbeknownst to many, the new catechism published in 1992 is far from the only catechism. St. Peter Canisius wrote the first catechism in 1555. Less than a decade later in 1562, the Roman Catechism was commissioned by the Fathers of the Council of Trent, who saw the need for an authoritative explanation of the Faith for the universal Church. Prepared under St. Charles Borromeo's supervision and issued by Pope St. Pius V in 1566, it remains the most authoritative catechism in print. For modern ...

Compiled in 1782 by St Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St Makarios of Corinth, the Philokalia is a rich collection of spiritual writings from the fourth century on to the fifteenth from various saints and great minds giving counsel to monastics in their ascetic struggles. Though mostly written for monastics, under good spiritual guidance there is much to be gleaned by commonplace Catholics— in particular Eastern (Byzantine) Catholics, as most of the authors presented here were of the Easte...

Back by popular demand, the bestselling Politically Incorrect Guides provide an unvarnished, unapologetic overview of controversial topics every American should understand. The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism refutes misrepresentations and misconceptions about the Catholic Church and separates rumor from truth when it comes to Catholic traditions, faith, and controversial leaders.

Jesus Christ (His Life, His Teaching, and His Work): Vol. 1 In the two comprehensive volumes of his monumental work on the life of our Lord Jesus Christ Father Prat has left to the world an enduring masterpiece. In clearly intelligible phrase the author conveys to us the earthly career of our Lord and Saviour, building up from the sacred books and from all authentic sources the background of the scenes described and the deeds enacted. At the same time copious notes keep us in touch with every...

Jesus Christ (His Life, His Teaching, and His Work): Vol. 2 In the two comprehensive volumes of his monumental work on the life of our Lord Jesus Christ Father Prat has left to the world an enduring masterpiece. In clearly intelligible phrase the author conveys to us the earthly career of our Lord and Saviour, building up from the sacred books and from all authentic sources the background of the scenes described and the deeds enacted. At the same time copious notes keep us in touch with every...

Compiled in 1782 by St Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St Makarios of Corinth, the Philokalia is a rich collection of spiritual writings from the fourth century on to the fifteenth from various saints and great minds giving counsel to monastics in their ascetic struggles. Though mostly written for monastics, under good spiritual guidance there is much to be gleaned by commonplace Catholics— in particular Eastern (Byzantine) Catholics, as most of the authors presented here were of the Easte...

Volume 1 Edited by Canon George D. Smith, D.D., Ph.D. Contents: Faith and Revealed Truth An Outline of Catholic Teaching The One God The Blessed Trinity The Holy Ghost God the Creator Divine Providence The Angels Man and His Destiny The Fall of Man and Original Sin Jesus Christ, God and Man Jesus Christ, The Model of Manhood Jesus Christ, Man of Sorrows Christ, Priest and Redeemer Mary, Mother of God Sanctifying Grace Actual Grace The Supernatural Virtues Contributions by Rev. J. P. Arendzen ...

Compiled in 1782 by St Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St Makarios of Corinth, the Philokalia is a rich collection of spiritual writings from the fourth century on to the fifteenth from various saints and great minds giving counsel to monastics in their ascetic struggles. Though mostly written for monastics, under good spiritual guidance there is much to be gleaned by commonplace Catholics— in particular Eastern (Byzantine) Catholics, as most of the authors presented here were of the Easte...

"The Moral Wisdom of the Catholic Church: A Defense of Her Controversial Moral Teachings Volume 3" by Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D., offers a robust defense of the Catholic Church's teachings on moral issues. As part of the trilogy "Called Out of Darkness: Contending with Evil Through the Church, Virtue, and Prayer," this volume tackles the foundations of the Church's moral teachings, engaging both theological and philosophical perspectives. Spitzer enriches his defense with empirical evidence ...

Are you looking for a reliable guide to what Catholics really believe and why? Look no further. What Catholics Really Believe, from best-selling author and apologist Karl Keating, provides a comprehensive resource featuring fifty-two of the most common misconceptions about the Catholic Faith held by many Catholics and Protestants. Drawing upon Scripture and the Catholic tradition, Keating does not only show the logical flaws in these positions but spells out Catholic teachings clearly with a...

One day, philosopher Peter Kreeft reads an open letter published by a friend, Nat Whilk. He's Catholic, but he sees the Church as unsteady, outdated, obsessive. As a challenge to the "True Believers", Nat pens a twenty-point manifesto for "cafeteria Catholics", who pass up certain Church teachings and scoop up others like a diner in a buffet line."I find in [Catholicism] both much to accept and even love and also much to refuse and even despise", he asserts. "If you insist on tying God to the...

Are you looking for answers to questions of faith and reason? The Handbook of Christian Apologetics, written by Peter Kreeft and Ronald K. Tacelli, offers a comprehensive guide to help readers gain clarity on topics such as the existence of God, creation and evolution, providence and free will, miracles, the problem of evil, the divinity of Christ, the resurrection, heaven and hell and objective truth. Reasonable, concise, witty and wise – this book provides valuable insight into the Christia...

The newest addition to the internationally best-selling YOUCAT series, DOCAT: Catholic Social Teaching for Youth is an indispensable resource for young people who want to learn and live Catholic Social Teaching. With a combination of Scripture, YOUCAT, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of Catholic Social Teaching, this book is sure to be an invaluable resource in helping advance a “civilization of love”.Lavishly illustrated with a bright colour palette and professionally...

One of Cardinal Ratzinger's most important and widely read books, this volume is a revised second edition with an improved translation and an in-depth 20 page preface by the Cardinal. As he states in the preface, since this book was first published over 30 years ago, many changes and significant events have occurred in the world, and in the Church. But even so, he says he is firmly convinced that his fundamental approach in this book is still very timely and crucial for the spiritual needs of...

A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine Heresies, schisms, culture of death, persecutions, excommunications ... While reflective of headlines from today, these difficulties roiled Christians of the early Church as well. In fact, the earliest Church manual, the Didache, brought clarity to a range of moral issues that our culture continues to grapple with to this day. Here is one of the most lucid and comprehensive overviews of the Patristic period ever written. With simp...

Do you find yourself struggling to explain the Catholic faith when you're faced with tough questions? If so, look no further than The Essential Catholic Survival Guide from Catholic Answers. This comprehensive book has been created to provide clear, concise answers to seventy of the most commonly asked questions about Catholicism. Having a solid grasp on these topics can be invaluable in any number of situations – whether it’s responding to doubts or challenges at work or in social settings, ...

One can spend hours searching for answers about the Catholic Faith and how to share it with others. There are a multitude of books that explain the various areas of Church teaching, but never -- before now -- a definitive desktop volume on more than 260 Catholic topics, from A to Z, featuring key definitions, teachings, practices, people, and resources for further reading. This fascinating, one-stop guidebook delivers the intellectual tradition of the Church while providing practical Catholic...

Society is lost and confused about God, morality, and eternity. Catholics face persecution, from outside and inside the Church, for living their Faith. Priests speak out against errors and corruption in their own hierarchy, only to be marginalized and punished by their superiors. The few bishops who remain faithful to the changeless teaching of Christ are rebuked and "canceled," even by the pope himself, and sent into exile. Catholics longing for reverent worship are forced out of their paris...

Is truth knowable? If we know the truth, must we hide it in the name of tolerance? Cardinal Ratzinger engages the problem of truth, tolerance, religion and culture in the modern world. Describing the vast array of world religions, Ratzinger embraces the difficult challenge of meeting diverse understandings of spiritual truth while defending the Catholic teaching of salvation through Jesus Christ. "But what if it is true?" is the question that he poses to cultures that decry the Christian posi...

The Glories of Divine Grace: A Fervent Exhortation to All to Preserve and to Grow in Sanctifying Grace We know that through Baptism we become children of God and heirs of heaven--that we receive sanctifying grace and have a share in the life of God himself. But what does that mean in our daily lives? The Glories of Divine Grace describes the immense gift of grace won for us by the Savior and the inconceivable power this grace gives to our lives. Among the mysteries of faith, the doctrine of g...

The most up-to-date "catechism" in print! For the first time in over fifty years, a Catholic bishop has published his own comprehensive presentation of the Faith--what to believe, how to live, and how to pray as Christ taught. Sure to be a classic for generations to come, Credo: Compendium of the Catholic Faith offers a clear and readable summary of Catholicism as a whole, given in the pastoral style of the apostles. Using the simple and direct "Question-Answer" format so popular among instru...

It is to the credit of Fr. Ralph Weimann, a theologian who lives in today's world and is particularly attentive to the current challenges of the Church, but at the same time deeply rooted in the great tradition of the Church, to have made a valuable contribution in this regard with this book. The purpose of this book is to offer a guide to show the way to Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. To this end, in a first step, the common prejudices that supposedly speak against the faith and th...

It's no secret that there is an abundance of so-called Christian sects populating a wide range of churches, with different worship services and teachings regarding the salvation of your soul. But how can one intelligently make sense of this if there is one God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever? This book will take you on a fact-based journey from the earliest days of Christianity to now. Wherever your personal faith and belief system currently reside, this book will test that fait...

"And people go round saying, 'At least Catholics know what they believe, '" sarcastically remarks Charles Ryder of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited. With The Belief of Catholics, Ronald Knox offers a stirring credo which puts the sarcasm of his friend and biographer Waugh's protagonist in its proper place. Building up the vast, intricate structure of Catholic doctrine from its foundation to its summit, Knox begins with a scrutiny of modernity's ill-founded aversion to religion and then pro...

The Christian life demands both action and speech. Christians must, in the words of St. James, "live by the word, not content merely to listen to it." And St. Peter exhorts: "If anyone asks you to give an account of the hope which you cherish, be ready at all times to answer for it." The "Slow Motion" collections of Monsignor Ronald Knox take up these admonitions and provide indispensable assistance for the proper fulfillment of these Christian duties. Whereas The Mass in Slow Motion endows i...

A Guide to Understanding Key Church Teachings Finally, here is a book that provides brief teachings on the basics of the faith for everyone. Quickly find answers you need to questions on faith, reason, Church governance, Christology, Ecclesiology, Apostolic Succession, the Communion of Saints, the precepts of the Church, and much more. You will learn--and be able to share--the meaning of the sacraments and the Liturgy, including the importance of Latin in the Mass, and aspects of the awesome ...

Available for the first time in a comprehensive English translation, this thoroughly annotated but easy-to-use presentation of the classic 1917 Code of Canon Law by canon and civil lawyer Dr. Edward Peters is destined to become the standard reference work on this milestone of Church law. More than just of historical interest, the 1917 Code is an indispensable tool for understanding the current 1983 Code under which the Roman Catholic Church governs itself. Dr. Peters' faithful translation of ...

A Brief Catechism for Adults is the perfect forward-looking resource for a comprehensive introduction to the Catholic Faith. With its second edition revised and updated according to tight feedback from priests who have used it, this valuable book offers proven insight and tools for both new converts to the Catholic Church and lifelong Catholics seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith. Having been practically standard reference material in the U.S. and Canada for generations, its ut...

How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity  Today's New Atheists don't just deny God's existence (as the old atheists did) - they consider it their duty to scorn and ridicule religious belief. We don't need new answers for this aggressive modern strain of unbelief: We need a new approach. In Answering Atheism, Trent Horn responds with a fresh and useful resource for the God debate, based on reason, common sense, and more importantly, a charitable approach that respects atheists' sinc...