The US Catholic Catechism for Adults provides an easy to read and thought-provoking introduction to the Catholic faith. As a person converting to Catholicism, I have found the chapters easy to read and short. Each chapter begins with a story about an American clergy person or saint. From here, the chapters discuss key issues related to faith, sacraments, or living a moral life. The end of each chapter offers interesting discussion questions and a summary of key points. This text can be used for RCIA programs or for individuals wanting an brief introduction to the Catholic faith. For those wanting a more definitive outline of the policies of the Catholic Church (and who have a little bit more reading time), the Cathecism of the Catholic Church (about 822 pages in lenght) should provide that and more.

This catechism is an "adaptation of the 'Catechism of the Catholic Church,' and is presented to Catholics of the United States, who are members of both Latin and Eastern Churches..." although this catechism is only intended to introduce Latin Christians to Eastern traditions, since it is expected that Eastern Rites will eventually develop their own catechisms. The arrangement of the U.S. Catechism follows that of the universal catechism: the Creed, the Sacraments, Moral Life, and Prayer. Like the universal catechism, it also specifically addresses major aspects of Catholic faith and morality.

So if this catechism is simply an adaptation of the excellent universal catechism, then why even bother with it? I think the best reason to get the U.S. Catechism is its helpful layout and user-friendly presentation. Rather than being a series of numbered points (like the universal catechism), the U.S. Catechism is laid out more like your average non-fiction book, making it possibly more approachable than other catechisms. There are helpful gray boxes spread throughout the book that highlight points from the regular text. Each chapter begins with a biography of a major Catholic figure, many which are important to the development of American Catholicism. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions, concise "doctrinal points" (i.e. what Catholics are expected to believe), meditations (from the Scriptures, Church Fathers, etc), and prayers. Appendix A is a helpful glossary of Catholic terms, and Appendix B is a collection of basic Catholic prayers. All of this means that the U.S. Catechism is a self-contained textbook, useful in a variety of Catholic adult education situations.

Overall, this is a fine catechism that certainly meets its goal of being a local adaptation of the universal catechism. While in the past, the United States Catholic Bishops have been accused of watering-down Catholic Teaching, the U.S. Catechism does not contradict, or water down, what is taught in the universal catechism. Thus, I hope that the U.S. Catechism is used regularly in RCIA classes, marriage-preparation classes, and other adult education situations. While this catechism is excellent, I would still recommend owning both the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church and The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, since the U.S. Catechism is based on these works.

This book is very organized and easy to read. It is very informative and gives the reader more insight on the views, rituals and beliefs of the Catholic Church. It is a must for Catholics who want/need to learn more about their faith.

This is an excellent book but it is begging for something to go with it. That something is a newer copy of the New American Bible, Revised version of the Bible and a copy of the Vatican II documents. All these documents get to the bottom of what we believe. They form the foundation for our religious library.

Deacon Pat

This faithful representation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is by far the easiest version of the catechism to use in education.

This a must-have tool for any Catholic who wants to know more about the faith. Written more like a textbook than a reference book, this catechism presents the Roman Catholic faith in a way that is easy to digest, thought-provoking, and relevant. I've recommended it to many of our parishioners, with wonderful results!

This catechism is much easier to read than the "Catechism of the Catholic Church". To get a good review of the Catechism take the Why Catholic classes, read the "US Catholic Catechism", then the "Catechism", then the "Why Catholic" book.

United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

This edition really good at presenting stories that tie modern times to biblical times to give readers a deeper understanding of of what the early Fathers meant the church to be. The intertwining of scripture and sacred tradition in understandable text for the lay person.

This is a good explanation of the content of the official Catholic Catechism for a self-study program. Plenty of cited examples are used as to reference the outlined materials included within the official document. The end of each chapter offers questions for group discussion or personal reflection. The meditation included at the end of each chapter is also a tremendous aid in understanding the subject.

I had no expectations as to what would be included. My purchase was made by a personal inquiry to address the faith to another individual. I was looking to prepare myself properly for that endeavor. I would recommend this book to anyone studying the Catholic faith.

I used this book last year for an R.C.I.A. class. The students found it easy to understand. I would assign a chapter each week and would discuss what was read at the next class. I would recommend this book as a "springboard" into a rich and deep discussion of the Catholic faith with intelligent and question adults. If you are look for an in depth theology behind the creeds and beliefs this is not the book for you.

I found the audio CD's very good and an excellent supplement to the book. It is a great tool for RCIA or for adults who want to brush up and refresh themselves. For those who liked the old style Baltimore Catechism I would also recommend the Compendium for the Catechism of the Catholic Church which is in the familiar question and answer format.

This wonderful book explains the catechism in down-to-earth English that anyone can understand (without simultaneously using a dictionary). It also contains relevant and inspirational stories about saints and remarkable people who have lived the Catholic faith through the centuries. It also contains scripture references and cites readings in the Second Edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. A book well worth every penny!

This book is a more appropriate instrument for an average adult to learn about the Catholic faith than the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). The book is an outstanding resource for RCIA. It is a handy reference for adult education. Organized much like the CCC, it includes a reference to a Catholic saint in each chapter, mostly from the Americas. It has a cultural application, illustrating how Catholic teaching sheds light on issues of today. It has discussion questions. It concludes each chapter with a prayer drawn from scripture, from tradition, or from the saints. I enthusiastically recommend this work as a basic work for any Catholic household.

United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

My mother had heard about this latest publication at Church and asked me to see if I could find it for her. Of course, I found it right away through Amazon, ordered and quickly received it for her. She has been so happy with the stories, the format, the subjects, issues, and Catholic ideology covered, that it amazed me. Now, her copy went home with my oldest sister who was visiting recently, and it's time to re-order. My sister's husband of 42 years recently passed of lung cancer -- they were best friends -- and she's been searching for spiritual peace. There was a section in this book on Extreme Unction that, upon her reading, brought her peace. She said she could not have described the experience in more perfect words than the description in this new Catechism. They both love the stories, and everything about the book. I'm no longer a practicing Catholic, and I enjoyed thumbing through this Catechism, and am ordering one for myself as well.

We are using this book for our Adult Catechism class. Since most of the classes are an hour, I suggest that you don't just read it in class. It really is more important to get what you can from this book and not just rush through it. If you read it in class, only read part and then discuss what you have read. It can get quite deep and complicated. It is a wonderful part of the experience to share with others and in turn reap the benefits of enlightenment.

This book is filled with such great information and is not to technical. It is so much easier to understand than the other versions, and even has some questions to ask yourself and prayer.

awesome book for RCIA as well as Adult Education programs and even Family Programs.........great stories, prayer and meditations.

From the moment I purchased this book and opened it, I knew that this has the potential to awaken the Holy Spirit in lukewarm Catholics. Many people who attempt to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church feel overwhelmed by the enormity and language. This Catechism for Adults is extremely readable and would serve all Catholics well. I also highly recommend this book for non-Catholics as well to help understand the Faith in a clear and precise way without being bogged down with difficult terminology. The USCCB got this one right and they are to be commended for it.

I read the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) about 5 years ago, and this Catechism, aimed at adults, has some good features. Each chapter starts out with a short biography of a saint whose life serves as an inspiration for the reader who is either new to the faith, or reviewing and completing their knowledge of their faith. The chapter itself covers the subject in a direct and clear manner, but less academically oriented than the CCC. At the end of the chapter is a summary of doctrine, a meditation and prayer. I find reading one chapter per day was done very easily. I can see this catechism being used very easily for adults being educated for initiation into the church, or just for people who want to know what Catholics believe. In summary, it is a good first catechism for adults. It covers all the basics. I found it much more enjoyable than I thought I would, particularly because of the brief biographies.

I'm getting married to a Catholic, and needed to know some of the doctrines, theology, and practice that surrounds the RCC. This book is a very good look into what Catholics are taught and believe to be true. Good book!!

I like very much this cathecism because it's easy to apply things in the daily life. It shows the reality of the USA, and how you can impact in this enviroment as a Christian.
Jessyca

This is the best catechism book I've ever used for personal or teaching needs, it's a great tool. I wish I had bought it sooner. I'm recommending it to everyone who asks me about it.

Unlike it's big brother, the "Catechism of the Catholic Church," this is a really user-friendly reference bbok.

Every adult Catholic would benefit from this copy of the Catechism. A very "reader friendly" way to learn and understand more fully the call to faith and the meaning of what it is to BE Catholic.
Lives of saints and holy men and women included, along with prayers and devotional practices. Excellent!
Used it with our adult Confirmation class.

The United States Bishops provided a very good and informational guide to understanding our Catholic Faith. Good backup for the RCIA.

WONDERFUL BOOK! Clearly written in easily understood "American English"; very readable; and faithful. It has been useful to clear up several misunderstandings of what the Church truly teaches. I confidently recommend this new "U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults" (along with the "RSV-CE" Bible translation) to our RCIA classes, my family and friends.
BLESSINGS!

The United States Bishops provided a very good and informational guide to understanding our Catholic Faith. Good backup for the RCIA.

I have found this to be extremely useful and give it my highest recommendation. What a great contribution to Catholic education in the United States. Each Catholic is responsible for growing in his or her faith. The Church can help, but it is up to us as individual Christians. This new U.S. Catechism for Adults is a tremendous resource. By putting it on audio, it makes it that much more accessible to Catholics. We can listen to it as we drive to and from work. Or we can listen to it as we read along. The single most important development in Catholic education since the Catholic Catechism came out in the early 1990s.

This text is a meaningful compliment to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). While the CCC provides a clear and wonderful presentation of the beliefs of the Catholic Faithful, the CCC for Adults expands that presentation by including conversational explainations of the CCC along with comprehensive, yet comprehendable connections to the bible and Traditions. God's Revelation is illuminated for believers looking for a better understanding of the Faith and for those looking for the true, deeper meaning of the Church's purpose. This text is a useful companion for individuals, prayer groups, and CCD teachers.

This text is a meaningful compliment to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). While the CCC provides a clear and wonderful presentation of the beliefs of the Catholic Faithful, the CCC for Adults expands that presentation by including conversational explainations of the CCC along with comprehensive, yet comprehendable connections to the bible and Traditions. God's Revelation is illuminated for believers looking for a better understanding of the Faith and for those looking for the true, deeper meaning of the Church's purpose. This text is a useful companion for individuals, prayer groups, and CCD teachers.

Very good book...for RCIA to "cradle" Catholics...easly to read and understand and I especially like the bios for each chapter. Brings the Catechism to America....

Very good book...for RCIA to "cradle" Catholics...easly to read and understand and I especially like the bios for each chapter. Brings the Catechism to America....

I received the item in a timely manner and it was in perfect condition.

This catechism has it all, stories of the saints, discussion questions, prayers. Written in a very readable format it would be a wonderful book to use for study, RCIA, or just personal information. This book should be read by every Catholic.

Reasonably well written but too simple compared with the regular Catholic Catechism. Since I have a copy of the Cathechism of the Catholic Church I will not use this edition. Usually I want the official word on Church issues.

Surprise! This catechism reads like a book. It is very easy to keep turning pages to follow the thought, to see what comes next, to enter the wisdom.

I have been co-director of our church's RCIA program(Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)for a number of years, and we use another textbook for the classes. Although the textbook we are using gives an excellent overview of the teachings of the Catholic Church, the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults expands on the information. It is easy to read and comprehend. It is also excellent in that it explains to the reader in readable terms what the Catechism of the Catholic Church states. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to understand what the teachings of the Catholic Church cover.

Very Readable, follows the orginal Catechism topics but in a discussion format. Excellent for understanding the Catholic Faith, the original Christian Church.

More readable than previous editions. Not something you read cover to cover.I bought it for my own knowledge.

This catechism is a good synopsis of the CCC. It is not as detailed or in depth but then it is not meant to be a replacement for the CCC. It is meant to be in addition to it. It is written in an easy to understand style with relatively short chapters. The saint stories and discussion questions are very helpful for group use.

This does not replace the Catechism of the Catholic Church but is a great addition to it, and for those who find the CCC to theologically dense to read this is the perfect solution.

I found this book to be an excellent resourse for Catholic teaching.
I would recommend this book to anyone!!!

This is an excellent document which help understand the Catholic beliefs in a simplified lunguage.

This books explains and clarifies the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. It also provides an aid to understanding our responsibilities as Catholics and too expand our faith in the saving love of Jesus Christ.

This is a great book for anyone who is not catholic or has no religious background. If you are catholic and actually go to Church, you will find this book useless. Most of this information is basic knowledge that you would or should already know. If you are just catholic by birth and never practiced or went to church, you will find the book extremely helpful.

I am continually amused by the attitude of Catholics that the CCC is too long or difficult for many readers. So is the Bible... and, I'd argue, so is this new book. So what is the book's real justification for being? And while it seems sound, I am automatically suspect when the teaching of the CCC needs to be 're-presented' to make it understandable. The CCC could hardly be clearer or more matter-of-fact, while still managing to have a dignified and stylized plainspeak. So the American Bishops of course see a 'need' for something more, and the result is this tome. First obligatory noise: a sigh of relief that it is not the didactic equivalent of a 'Gather' hymnal! The doctrine appears technically on track. But its application is often predictably USCCB-spun. An example: 'Christ died for all' is explicated as a theological affirmation of diversity. Brother. While it is refreshing to not find out-and-out heresy or intentional obfusication, it is tiring to see another resource that manages to make so much of the truth seem like ideological cream of wheat. And it is awfully hard not to notice that the USCCB has no problem making their own publications eye-catching, while Roman items like the CCC and the new compendium are numbing graphic design clunkers. Better than previous Am-Church productions, yes, so I'm grateful. Still...

As other reviewers have noted, the bishops have produced a solid, reliable teaching tool with this new U.S. Adult Catechism. Were it to become the standard text in RCIA and parish-based faith formation programs, we might see a needed and much-desired renewal in catechesis.

There are a handful of drawbacks, however. The bishops chose to include profiles of both Cardinal Joseph Bernardin and labor leader Cesar Chavez. Cardinal Bernardin is a polarizing figure, given his role in promoting the now-discredited "seamless garment" policy toward abortion and his questionable leadership in the Archdioceses of Cincinnati and Chicago. (Virtually all of Cincinnati's sexually-abusive priests were "Bernardin men.") And Chavez's "liberal" approach to labor relations is by no means a position Catholics are compelled to adopt.

The book has been embraced by the catechetical establishment in this country; that is not necessarily a good thing, since they are largely responsible for our current weak state of catechesis. The sections which encourage reflection and discussion could easily become excuses to conduct the sort of dorm-room bull sessions that have characterized all too many parish-based programs. That may not be the fault of the text, but it is nonetheless the context in which it finds itself. And at a hefty 664 pages, it's hardly much shorter than the supposedly too-long-to-read Catechism of the Catholic Church.

It's also unclear how this book ought to be squared with the new Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The USCCB claims that book is for younger readers, yet the Holy Father states that the Compendium is "for every Christian believer, regardless of age or nationality."

That said, the new U.S. Adult Catechism signals a welcome return of the bishops to sound catechesis. They -- and we -- have come a long way since the days of endless "pastoral letters" of dubious doctrinal value.

This book is a great resource for learning and defending our faith. The layout with the Saint theme is awesome. This is easy to read and will raise reflection and thought. God bless everyone, Bro Joe

A much better resource than the official Catechism for the average Catholic who is interested in growing in basic knowledge of their Faith. Very reader friendly. Good for personal use, group discussion and research.

Approved and authorized for publication by the full body of The United States Conference of Bishops, United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is an in-depth reference text written especially to aid in the instruction of Catholic doctrine in general, and the preparation of catechisms in particular. From a straightforward profession of the faith's core tenets, to the sacraments that celebrate the faith, to the Christian morality principles that embody the practice of the faith lived and prayer as taught by Jesus Christ, United States Catholic Catechism for Adults thoroughly describes and explains the Catholic creed in terms accessible to readers of all backgrounds, including and lay followers and students. A solidly written, straightforward, and definitive reference.

A few weeks before this catechism was released, one of our parish priests said, "We read The DaVinci Code, but we don't have time to study the catechism. There's something wrong with that." He also said every family should own a copy of the catechism. For adults, this new offering from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops would more than fill the bill. While the underlying doctrine of the catechism remains unchanged, this version, like others published since 1992, goes beyond a stripped down question and answer format. As an adaptation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this adult edition is arranged in four sections: creed, sacraments, moral life, and prayer.

Each chapter contains seven elements that bring depth to the material and also allow for flexibility of study by individuals and groups: Story or lesson of faith, foundation and application, sidebars, relationship to culture, discussion questions, doctrinal statements, and meditation and prayer. For example, in the chapter on the second commandment, Reverence for God's Name, the story is about Job's unshakable faith. Foundation and application reviews what the second commandment calls us to do and not do. The sidebar lists three questions and answers on the second commandment from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The relationship of the second commandment to culture reviews scripture passages on the importance of God's name in our faith life; we are reminded to model and encourage proper use of God's name and to discourage others from improper use. The discussion questions relate to practices in the family and workplace. Doctrinal statements encompass blasphemy, baptismal names, and using God's name to witness a perjury or false oath. The chapter closes with a meditation based on scripture and the Divine Praises prayer.

The book also contains a glossary, traditional Catholic prayers, reading list, scriptural index, and general index. It is a superior resource for clergy, pastoral leaders, catechists, faith sharing groups, and individuals who would like to know more about the Catholic faith.