We already have so many catechisms, what do we need of another? We indeed have in abundance, catechisms and religious manuals which appeal only to the intellect; books that do not aim at the warmth of expression and the fervent, persuasive eloquence which appeal to the heart, the force and vivifying power which affect the will through the influence of the Holy Spirit.
This Catechism aims at cultivating all the three powers of the soul: the intellect, the emotions, and the will.
Chad Ripperger, PhD We already have so many catechisms, what do we need of another? We indeed have in abundance, catechisms and religious manuals.
It is a Catechism that any subsequent generation could read and learn the essence of the Catholic faith.-Fr.
Rather than being locked into a specific age or decade, this Catechism is an explication of the faith in an almost timeless manner.
It also has many extracts from the writings of the Father which are quoted mainly to elucidate and illustrate, not to prove the truths that are enunciated.
The Catechism Explained by Spirago embodies the Catechism of the Council of Trent, yet contains fuller discussions for each point in the language that was developed by the Church, saints and theologians throughout time.
Attention may also be called to the fact that the teaching of the Church is not presented in a dry, abstract form, but is rendered attractive and interesting by illustrations, comparisons, and quotations from well-known writers.
What we need is something that will touch the heart and influence the will, not merely cram the mind with knowledge.
Popular manuals of religion ought to be couched in plain and simple language, like that used by Our Lord and the apostles, easy to understand.
Technical terms, in which almost all religious manuals abound, even those intended for children, are carefully eliminated from his pages since, while useful and necessary for seminarians and theologians, they are out of place in a book intended for the laity.
Spirago has endeavored to divest religious teaching of the appearance of learning, and to present it in a popular and simple form.
In this catechism, Fr.
Consequently questions of scholastic theology, doctrines debated among theologians, are either omitted altogether or merely receive a passing mention.
The idea in it is not to teach men to philosophize about religion, but to make them good Christians who will delight in their faith.
It does not therefore content itself with mere definitions.
We already have so many catechisms, what do we need of another? We indeed have in abundance, catechisms and religious manuals which appeal only to the intellect; books that do not aim at the warmth of expression and the fervent, persuasive eloquence which appeal to the heart, the force and vivifying power which affect the will through the influence of the Holy Spirit.
This Catechism aims at cultivating all the three powers of the soul: the intellect, the emotions, and the will
