Cambridge An Introduction To Catholicism

This page intentionally left blank AN INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM The Vatican. The Inquisition. Contraception. Celibacy. Apparitions and miracles. Plots and scandals. The Catholic Church is seldom out of the news. But what do its one billion adherents really believe, and how do they put their beliefs into practice in worship, in the family, and in society? This down to earth account goes back to the early Christian creeds to uncover the roots of modern Catholic thinking. It avoids getting bogged down in theological technicalities and throws light on aspects of the Church’s institutional structure and liturgical practice that even Catholics can find baffling: Why go to confession? How are people made saints? What is “infallible” about the pope? Topics addressed include:




scripture and tradition; sacraments and prayer; popular piety; personal and social morality; reform, mission, and interreligious dialogue. Lawrence Cunningham, a theologian, prize winning writer, and university teacher, provides an overview of Catholicism today which will be indispensable for undergraduates and lay study groups. l a w r e n c e s . c u n n i n g h a m is John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. His scholarly interests are in the areas of systematic theology and culture, Christian spirituality, and the history of Christian spirituality. His most recent book is A Brief History of Saints. He has edited or written twenty other books and is co editor of the academic monograph series “Studies in Theology and Spirituality.” He has won three awards for his teaching and has been honored four times by the Catholic Press Association for his writing. AN INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM LAWRENCE S. CUNNINGHAM CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town, Singapore, São Paulo Cambridge University Press