Catholicism: A Very Short Introduction

by O'Collins, Gerald

• ISBN13: 9780199545919
• ISBN10: 019954591X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-12-15
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Despite a long history of external threats and internal strife, the Roman Catholic Church and the broader phenomenon of Catholicism remain a vast and valuable presence into the third millennium of world history. What are the origins of the Catholic Church? How has Catholicism changed and adapted to such vast and diverse cultural influences over the centuries? What great challenges does the Catholic Church now face in the twenty-first century, both within its own life and in its relation to others around the world? In this Very Short Introduction, Gerald O'Collins draws on the best current scholarship available to answer these questions and to present, in clear and accessible language, a fresh introduction to the largest and oldest institution in the world. O'Collins explains clearly and concisely where the Catholic Church comes from, what it believes and practices, the sacraments and the Church's moral teaching, and where it is heading. The book also includes a timeline of events in the history of Catholicism and useful suggestions for further reading.

Author Biography

Gerald O'Collins is Research Professor of Theology at St Mary's University College, Twickenham, and formerly Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Gregorian University in Rome.

Table of Contents

From Pentecost to Christopher Columbus (AD 30-1492)

From Christopher Columbus to Date (1492-2008)

Catholics on God and the Human Condition

The Sacraments and the Catholic Church

Catholic Moral Life and Teaching

Characteristics of Catholicism

The Future of CatholicismTimeline and Further Reading

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