1 1
£16.69 GBP
£16.69 GBP
Sale Sold out
Free UK Shipping

Freshly Printed - allow 7 days lead

Catholicism For Dummies

Rev. John Trigilio, Jr. (Author), Rev. Kenneth Brighenti (Author)

9781394399796, Wiley

Paperback / softback, published 30 April 2026

496 pages
23.4 x 18.5 x 3.3 cm, 0.703 kg

Explore the world's largest Christian faith

With more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide—and growing—Catholicism continues to shape lives and communities across the globe. Whether you're discovering faith for the first time, returning with fresh questions, or seeking to understand Catholic friends and family, Catholicism For Dummies provides your accessible guide to this rich tradition and its evolving role in today's world.

This book transforms complex theology into clear insights, tracing the Church's journey from ancient foundations to contemporary realities. You'll discover how Catholic beliefs address both timeless mysteries and pressing modern questions, from the sacraments and creation to current social issues.

  • Learn all about Catholic teachings, traditions, worship, and holydays
  • Find information on Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, and his focus on Catholic social teaching and inclusive leadership
  • Read about recent canon law revisions that modernize Church governance while clarifying authority
  • Get profiles of newly canonized saints and blesseds who inspire today’s faithful

Catholicism For Dummies is perfect for seekers, students, spiritual explorers, and practicing Catholics alike. It’s an engaging and straightforward exploration of Catholic beliefs and traditions and how they interact with the modern world.

Introduction 1

Part 1: What Do Catholics Believe? 5

Chapter 1: What It Means to Be Catholic 7

Chapter 2: Having Faith in God’s Revealed Word 19

Chapter 3: In the Beginning: Creation and Original Sin 37

Chapter 4: Believing in Jesus 49

Chapter 5: Defining “the Church” and What Membership Means 69

Chapter 6: Organizing the Church 79

Part 2: Celebrating the Mysteries of Faith 103

Chapter 7: Body and Soul: Worshipping Catholic Style 105

Chapter 8: Entering the Church: Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation 117

Chapter 9: The Sacraments of Service and Healing 135

Chapter 10: Celebrating the Catholic Mass 157

Part 3: Living a Saintly Life 187

Chapter 11: Obeying the Rules: Catholic Law 189

Chapter 12: Loving and Honoring: The Ten Commandments 205

Chapter 13: Being Good When Sinning Is So Easy 221

Chapter 14: Standing Firm: The Church’s Stance on Some Sticky Issues 239

Part 4: Praying and Using Devotions 269

Chapter 15: Growing in the Faith 271

Chapter 16: Showing Your Love for God. 287

Chapter 17: Expressing Affection for Mary. 303

Chapter 18: Honoring the Catholic Saints 321

Chapter 19: Practicing Catholic Traditions 343

Part 5: The Part of Tens 363

Chapter 20: Ten Famous Catholics 365

Chapter 21: Ten Popular Catholic Saints 375

Chapter 22: Ten Popular Catholic Places to Visit 385

Chapter 23: Ten Recent Beatifications and Canonizations 393

Chapter 24: Ten Catholic Books and Texts 401

Part 6: Appendixes 409

Appendix A: A Brief History of Catholicism 411

Appendix B: Popular Catholic Prayers 439

Appendix C: Catholic Legends 451

Index 461

Subject Areas: Religion & beliefs [HR]
View full details