Roman Catholicism : the basics / Michael Walsh.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Walsh, Michael J., 1937-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Catholic Church--Doctrines.

Catholic Church.

Physical Description:

vii, 205 pages ; 21 cm

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Routledge, 2005.

Summary:

From the basic ideas and terms, to its structures and practices, this book offers a plain-speaking introduction to Roman Catholicism. It covers: Roman Catholic beliefs and traditions; practices and devotional life - rituals, prayer, mass; the Church structures and authorities - from Vatican to parish church; the Church hierarchies and people - from bishops to the laity; the role of the Church in society. With glossary, further reading sections and an appendix on the history of the Papacy, this is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to understand more about Roman Catholicism.

Contents:

What do Catholics believe? 1

Dogma 4

Theology and philosophy 6

1 The Church, Catholic and Roman 12

Christianity 12

Catholic 16

The demography of Catholicism 23

The geography of Catholicism 26

2 Authority 29

Tradition 30

The Church 30

Scripture 34

Apostolic Succession 39

Councils of the Church 40

Canon Law 46

3 People 50

The Pope 51

Bishops 60

Priests 63

Deacons 64

The laity 65

4 Structures 69

The parish 69

Deaneries 73

Dioceses 73

Bishops' conferences 78

The Synod of Bishops 79

5 The Vatican 82

The Holy See 83

The Curia 84

Vatican finances 94

6 The Liturgy 99

Catholic worship 100

The calendar 101

The mass 104

The sacraments 106

7 Devotional life 122

Devotions 123

Prayer and meditation 124

Saints 131

Shrines, pilgrimages and miracles 134

Vows 138

8 The Church in society 146

Family life 146

Politics 149

Catholic social teaching 151

The just war 156

Liberation Theology 159

Appendix History of the Papacy 162.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [192]-196) and index.

ISBN:

0415263816

0415263808

9780415263818

OCLC:

56194720