Catholic Beliefs and Traditions: Ancient and Ever New

by Rev. John F. O'Grady

Overview

John O'Grady explores the origins of many revered Catholic beliefs and traditions in this comprehensive volume. Erudite yet approachable, this book appeals to both scholars seeking a unified vision of the Catholic church in all its diversity, as well as to spiritual seekers (whether Catholic or not) exploring the deeper nature of Catholicism and its practices over the past two millennia.

The significant divergence in practices and beliefs within the Catholic Church both as it exists today (inclusive of the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches outside the Roman Church), and as it has developed over two millennia, surely suggests the difficulties the author faced in producing a cogent and unified work. But despite these problems, success was achieved. Indeed, the author believes that diversity actually contributes to unity and continues the perfection of the one Church of Jesus Christ.

The book contains dozens of discussion and study questions which may be used for either group discussion or personal reflection.
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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780809140473
Publisher:	Paulist Press
Publication date:	01/02/2002
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.99(d)

Editorial Reviews

This is an accessible and well-written book that reviews the richness of Catholic theology and practice. Primarily for undergraduate students investigating theological concepts, it will also be helpful to lay Catholic adults wanting to expand their religious understanding. O'Grady, a Catholic priest, respected teacher, and experienced writer (The Roman Catholic Church), divides his latest work into three major sections: "God in Catholic Traditions," "The Roman Catholic Church," and "Catholic Life." His considerations of such topics as Catholic morality are heavily grounded in Scripture, mindful of the reality of mystery, and respectful of ecclesiastical plurality. Each of the 15 chapters concludes with a "Topics for Discussion and Study" section that makes the text excellent for faith-sharing groups. A works-consulted page and an extensive bibliography complete this overview, which bears the official Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur, indicating that the text is free of doctrinal or moral error. Recommended for large public libraries. John-Leonard Berg, Univ. of Wisconsin Lib., Platteville Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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