Despite only giving it three stars, this is probably one every American parent needs to have for reference whether or not it's taught directly. Could be great for adult reading as well. It contains a lot of very useful summaries and examples, and the Sacrament of Confirmation was very helpful. I know many people who received it as a main childhood staple and it worked great for them, but I also know others who cite overuse of this text as the main factor for continual anxiety issues and trouble trusting God. The aftermath of the first generation that used this book isn't exactly the best so maybe it needs to be reconsidered. Today I know some who base their whole catechism course on it and others who won't use it very much with their kids because they think it is not a good fit for their children. I plan to use some sections and not others. The way that the structure fixates so much on sin and enhancing fear of sin is fine for some kids and terrible for others. It might help if the chapters were used in a different order. A revised edition by a very high quality theologian parent seems to be in order at some point.
