Description
From the most basic terms to the structures and practices of the Church, this book offers a plain-speaking introduction to Roman Catholicism. Now in a second edition, it contains new sections on relations with other faiths, coverage of recent controversies in the Church and an expanded section on social teaching. It covers:
- Roman Catholic beliefs and traditions
- practices and devotional life – rituals, prayer, mass
- Church structures and authorities – from Vatican to parish church
- Church hierarchies and people – from bishops to the laity
- the role of the Church in society.
With a glossary, further reading sections and reference to official documents of the Church, this is the perfect guide for students approaching the study of Roman Catholicism for the first time.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The Church - Catholic and Roman
2. What do Catholics believe?
3. Authority
4. People
5. Structures
6. The Vatican
7. The Liturgy
8. Devotional Life
9. The Church in Society
10. Unfinished Business
Appendix: The history of the Papacy
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
