Great Beginner's Book

This book is a great read for anyone. If your thinking about becoming Catholic, know someone who is, or you just want some more information on the Catholic religion in general then this book is for you.

I found this book to be very informational and easy to follow. If you're looking for more information on the general traditions and guidelines of Catholicism, this is a wonderful starting point for that. Overall, it's a great addition to your library.

Typically Hypocritical

If you want to read a book that shows you what it is like to be a Catholic than get "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism". If you want a book on straight Catholicism, then get the "Catecism of the Catholic Church".

"Catholicism for Dummies" is TYPICALLY HYPOCRITICAL and written by some Priests of the Catholic Church. It is funny how so many get so caught up in the Dogma of the Church and FORGET COMPLETELY the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Wouldn't it be nice if we all could be perfect Catholics? Sorry, but I just don't think it has ever happened outside of Jesus and Mary.

I prefer "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" because it shows that Catholics ARE HUMAN BEINGS and that we don't think we are the only one's going to Heaven and that we are not so "Holier than Thou" and that, yes even we make mistakes and the Church forgives us any way. And "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" shows how we as Catholics come in ALL shapes and sizes, not to mention ethnicities, colors and backgrounds.

"Catholicism for Dummies" is one size fits ALL and of course doesn't take ANY of our backgrounds ethnicities or anything else into consideration, IGNORING as usual our humanity as members of the Church. The ONLY view that matters is THEIR view. "Do as I say, not as I do" attitude. Again, very TYPICAL of some in the Church.

One book "Dummies for Catholicism" is written by Priests. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" is written by non-clergy who have been on the other end like most of us. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" is far superior than "Dummies for Catholicism."

I liked "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" OVER "Catholicsim for Dummies" just because it is a much better book. "Catholicsm for Dummies" is that HYPOCRITICAL, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT, JUDGEMENTAL attitude so many of us got from our Parish Priests and Nuns that some of us have encountered along our walk in life and have found these people to be unbearable. And those are the Priests and Nuns who have driven so many AWAY from the Church. Please buy "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" instead of this book.

Add this to your library of resources

I am always on the lookout for resources that will assist me in learning about my own Catholic faith and in sharing that faith with my children, family and friends. I find Catholicism for Dummies (Wiley, June 2003, paperback, 384 pages) an excellent resource for both my own research and for teaching the faith in a straightforward yet comprehensive manner. Authors Rev. John Trigilio Jr. and Rev. Kenneth Brighenti have compiled a wide-ranging resource which will be of help for anyone looking to increase their knowledge of and devotion to their own practice of Catholicism.

Written in a concise, organized fashion, the Catholicism for Dummies offers practical information on all of the most basic elements of Catholicism, including - but not limited to - the Four Marks of the Church (One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic), the structure of the Church, basic beliefs, worship types, the Sacraments, the Mass, and much more. Timely (and at times controversial) issues of concern to most Catholics are discussed.

I found especially enjoyable the "Part of Tens" which relates the stories of remarkable Catholic role models and landmarks. The two appendices, one detailing the popes and a second outlining a brief history of the Church, are helpful additions.

Buy this book for your own Catholic library or as a gift for a friend interested in exploring the treasures of our Catholic faith.