Introducing the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Traditional Themes and Contemporary Issues

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a landmark in Catholic publishing. Within a year after it first appeared, over three million copies were in circulation in nine languages. Pope John Paul II has described the catechism as "a sure and authentic source book for the teaching of Catholic doctrine." It stresses the presentation of doctrine that, in the words of the catechism itself, "seeks to deepen and increase a mature understanding of faith, firmly taking root in personal life and evident in conduct." The pope declared the catechism is "for all the faithful who want to understand better the inexhaustible riches of salvation."To introduce the catechism to the English-speaking world, The Catholic University of America invited nearly a dozen scholars to reflect on the process that brought the catechism into being and assess its likely impact on the church in the years to come. The articles in this book originated as talks at that meeting. The scholars offered their frank evaluations of the document, considered ways that it interfaces with American culture and speculated on how it would influence Catholic thought and conduct.The authors consider the ecclesial context of the catechism, its authority as a church document and its approaches to the Bible and liturgy. Among other issues, they touch on ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, on the formation of personal conscience and the promotion of peace and justice. Taken together, these articles indicate how the Catechism of the Catholic Church is likely to be received and utilized in North America.