About the Book

The highly-praised author of A Concise History of the Catholic Church presents a basic course in the teachings of Catholicism as seen in their historical development--the book for the questioning Catholic. Who is Jesus? What is papal infallibility? What does the Church say about marriage and divorce? This is a book, says Bokenkotter "for the Catholic who wants to think through his or her faith".

Book Synopsis

Formerly Essential Catholicism, this book has been retitled to reflect how, through the centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has evolved in many aspects of its teaching. The new title also reflects how theologians today grapple with ever new ways of understanding many facets of Catholic belief and practice.

Who is Jesus? Or Mary? Who are the saints? How are theologians trying to understand such topics as marriage, divorce, homosexuality? What of social justice? The relationship of conscience to papal authority? Thomas Bokenkotter masterfully shows how these questions and many others have been answered in different ways through the centuries. He also translates the latest theological writings on these topics into plain language. "My aim," he says, "has been to sift through and select what seems most helpful and enlightening for those who seek an understanding of the essentials of Catholicism today." Here, then, is a book for all Catholics -- those assured in their belief and those questioning it.

About the Author

Thomas Bokenkotter is the author of the bestselling A Concise History of the Catholic Church. With a doctorate in history (Louvain University) he teaches at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He is also the pastor of Assumption Church there and is active in the social ministry, running a soup kitchen that he founded twenty years ago and a transitional living facility for homeless women and children.