Free Why Do Catholics Do That?: A Guide To The Teachings And Practices Of The Catholic Church Ebooks Online

                
              
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Why Do Catholics Do That?: A Guide To The Teachings And Practices Of The Catholic Church Ebooks Online
In Why Do Catholics Do That? renowned scholar and religion columnist Kevin Orlin Johnson answers the most frequently asked questions on Catholic faith, worship, culture, and customs, including:* How the Church Makes Laws * The Hard-Fought Genesis of the New Testament * The Cycle of Redemption * A Short Guide to the Meaning and Structure of the Mass * Decoding Symbols of Scripture and the Sacraments * The Calendar as the Image of Christ's Life * The Rosary * The Stations of the Cross * Monks, Nuns, and the Rules That Guide Them * The Pope * The Laity in the Modern World * Saints * Fatima, Lourdes, and the Story of Apparitions * The Vatican: A Holy City * The Sign of the Cross, Christianity's Best-Known Symbol * Candles in Prayer and Liturgy * The Meaning of the Nativity SceneBlending religious history, a deep appreciation for art and culture, and an enlightened reverence for the traditions of the Church, Why Do Catholics Do That? is the definitive resource for any one who wants to learn more about the rituals, symbols, and traditions that can strengthen our faith every day."Johnson offers lucid explanations of a dizzying array of customs and beliefs."--Publishers Weekly
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books; Reprint edition (October 10, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345397266
ISBN-13: 978-0345397263
Product Dimensions:  5.5 x 0.7 x 8.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review:  4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (144 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #153,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)   #65 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism > Roman Catholicism   #431 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Theology > Apologetics   #2437 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Denominations & Sects
During the late 90's, I was investigating a number of Christian faiths. For many years I was bouncing around from Protestant church to Protestant church with no real clue as to what I was looking for. Becoming Catholic never entered my mind. Eventually I ran into a Catholic friend who explained a few of the basics of the Church to me. Intrigued, I began to study on my own and found "Why Do Catholics Do That?" The title seemed straightforward enough, so I picked up the book and read it from cover to cover. It was amazing. Kevin Orlin Johnson's book answered all of my major questions about the Church and most of my minor questions. I had read a number of other books up to that point and none of them gave me answers as honestly or inoffensively as this one. It didn't try to hammer anything down my throat. Instead, it gave me answers in plain English and with no intent to brush me off as "just another Protestant." After reading the book, I decided to enter the RCIA process, where I entered the Church at Easter in 2000.I can honestly say that this book was the decision maker for me. It is written in a way that isn't too "bookish" or intellectual for the casual reader, yet has a good amount of information in it. The writing style used, which has a lot of humor in it, lessened the blows of what some consider "cocky Catholicism." Another reviewer felt that in her original review this book came across as too cocky. I understand what she is talking about. I've met quite a few people with that cocky attitude. That attitude was one of the major things that turned me off from the Church originally. This book to me, however, wasn't too cocky. I enjoyed it. It gave the reader information in a straight manner.
This is my favorite "Why do Catholics" book, and I have read quite a few, as I was raised Catholic and had to learn to defend my beliefs when my parents moved to the Bible belt in my late teens. If I had known about this book then, my life would have been much easier.Dr. Johnson's book is much more entertaining and thorough than work of a similar nature, such as Karl Keating's better known books. Dr. Johnson converses with the reader, which makes the writing style engaging and memorable; he does not say use the dry approach of "some people think this," but rather uses and approach of "We Catholics believe." He does not discuss beliefs of other religions, except when comparing the different approach used for compilations of scriptures. This makes me more comfortable in recommending to books to other Christians, unlike Keating's work, in which the terms used sometimes appeal slanderous to people from denominations such as Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses.This is a book of Catholic practices and religious beliefs and explores illustrates from where they came. It does not address moral theology, but is more concerned with issues such as "why does the Old Testament comprise these books," "why is there a Pope," "what is the official stances on alleged apparitions," "what is the roles of saints," ect. But is also has fun tid bits of information that many Catholic information guides fail to address, like the use of incense, the dress of clergy, and terms used for the religious. It also explains popular devotions and their history; such as The Way of the Cross and the rosary. recommended it to me for some time. I wish I bought it sooner, but I thought that it looked too basic to be a wise investment for me.
Why Do Catholics Do That?: A Guide to the Teachings and Practices of the Catholic Church The Catholic Catechism: A Contemporary Catechism of the Teachings of the Catholic Church A Faith for the Future: Church's Teachings for a Changing World: Volume 3 (Church Teachings for Changing the World) The Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: A Compendium of Texts Referred to in the Catechism of the Catholic Church Including an Addendum for the Second Edition (1997) Waking Up Catholic: A Guide to Catholic Beliefs for Converts, Reverts, and Anyone Becoming Catholic Ready-to-Go Game Shows (That Teach Serious Stuff): Catholic Teachings and Practices Edition A View of Rome: A Guide to Understanding the Beliefs and Practices of Roman Catholics In Search of the Catholic Spirit: Methodists and Roman Catholics in Dialogue Handbook for Catholics (Our Catholic Tradition) Marginal Catholics: Anglo-Catholicism : A Further Chapter of Modern Church History Church Meets World: Church's Teachings for a Changing World: Volume 4 Growing an Engaged Church: How to Stop "Doing Church" and Start Being the Church Again Who Runs the Church?: 4 Views on Church Government (Counterpoints: Church Life) The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Teachings of the Buddha) Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore: And How 4 Acts of Love Will Make Your Church Irresistible Church Refugees: Sociologists reveal why people are DONE with church but not their faith St. Paul: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics Mercy: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics Awakening Love: Teachings and Practices to Cultivate a Limitless Heart Buddhist Tantra: Teachings and Practices for Touching Enlightenment with the Body 