Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism: Explore the Centuries-Old Religious Traditions and Teachings (Complete Idiot's Guide to S.)

What does it mean to be Catholic today?
Newly updated and revised.

How can the Catholic Church be both hugely popular and widely scorned? How can it hold onto its ancient roots and be forever changing? This updated guide tells the story of being Catholic as Catholics themselves live their faith, every day of their lives. More than ever before, this edition speaks to interested outsiders, non-clergy, and practicing Catholics, as well as to religious professionals and members of the clergy.

This book explores:
? The various stances within American Catholicism today
? Recent Catholic history, most notably, the death of John Paul II and the succession of Pope Benedict XVI
? The seven sacraments
? The present state of Catholic education, Catholic identity, and Catholic social teaching

Bob O?Gorman holds both a Master?s degree and Ph.D. in religious education. He has published several books on U.S. Catholic history and education and teaches at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola.
Mary Faulkner holds a Master?s degree in religious education, is the director of the Institute of Integrated Healing Arts in Nashville, and is a psychotherapist in private practice.

Bob OGorman holds both a Masters degree and Ph.D. in religious education. He has published several books on U.S. Catholic history and education and teaches at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola.
Mary Faulkner holds a Masters degree in religious education, is the director of the Institute of Integrated Healing Arts in Nashville, and is a psychotherapist in private practice.