Catholicism: The Story of Catholic Christianity

Catholicism: The Story of Catholic Christianity

The bestselling Catholicism has now been revised and updated for an eagerly-anticipated second edition. This lucid and accessible account explains how Roman Catholicism and its beliefs and practices came to be what they are. Renowned scholars Gerald O'Collins and Mario Farrugia move through history to sum up the present characteristics of Catholic Christianity and the major challenges it faces in the third millennium. Clear and engaging, the authors present matters in a fresh and original way. They skilfully depict the Catholic heritage and show that Catholicism is a dynamic and living faith. O'Collins and Farrugia engage with contemporary moral issues and explore the challenges which Catholics and other Christians must face. This is an authoritative, lively, and up-to-date introduction to Catholicism for the twenty-first century. "[This book] remains the text for understanding Catholicism. The authors cover two millennia of Catholic history, tradition, understandings, and doctrine, and also provide important information on the Church's structure and mission. This accessible book is designed for both Catholics and non-Catholics. Education remains the top priority. By sharing the rich history of Catholicism, the authors hope that all groups will better understand the Church's current actions and positions. Catholicism should be the number one resource on Catholicism for all readers, and this second edition is a must-have... Essential." -- CHOICE "This book is a must-read for all scholars and students of religious studies and also for all those who want to know about Catholic Christianity. After reading the book one understands why this text is considered authoritative on Catholicism; it is both gripping and informative." -- Swami Narasimhananda, Reading Religion This bestselling introduction to Catholic Christianity has been updated with the pontificates of Benedict XVI and Francis Gerald O'Collins , S.J., A.C., is Professor Emeritus of Gregorian University, Rome. Mario Farrugia , S.J., is Professor of Systematic Theology at Gregorian University, Rome.