Preface; 1. The many meanings of Catholicism; 2. Roman Catholicism; 3. Being Catholic: some typologies; 4. Catholicism in time and place; 5. The rule of faith; 6. Catholic worship; 7. Catholic spirituality; 8. The missionary character of Catholicism; 9. Catholic reformation(s); 10. The moral life; 11. The contemporary Catholic Church; 12. Reading Catholicism: a bibliography; Index.
Explains the rich tapestry of beliefs, traditions and practices at the heart of modern, global Catholicism, and how they developed.
Lawrence S. Cunningham is John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. His scholarly interests are in the area of systematic theology and culture, Christian spirituality, and the history of Christian spirituality. His most recent book is A Brief History of Saints. He has edited or written sixteen other books and is co-editor of the academic monograph series 'Studies in Theology and Spirituality'.
'One of the foremost expositors of Catholicism, Lawrence Cunningham
writes with a remarkable clarity and a comprehensive grasp of the
Catholic tradition, its history and theology as well as its popular
expressions. His book is a rich resource, full of useful
information.' Professor Thomas P. Rausch, S. J., Loyola Marymount
University
'It is the merit of Lawrence Cunningham's book that Roman
Catholicism is portrayed as a multi-faceted phenomenon, offering
the reader many perspectives in which to investigate the rich
theological and historical character of the Catholic tradition.
Cunningham's attention to both the broad outlines of Catholic
belief and ritual and to the particularities of Catholic identity
as culturally constructed through history, make this a valuable
study for students interested in understanding Catholic
Christianity. He takes the reader through the chapters at a gentle
canter, exploring the ways that Roman Catholicism embodies
religious faith today.' Professor Mark Bosco S. J., Loyola
University Chicago
'In this text Professor Cunningham offers the mature insights of a
lifetime's study and teaching. His book provides a balanced,
perceptive, and trustworthy account of Catholicism that any
intelligent reader can gain from. The breadth of sympathy and of
sustained informed engagement is worthy of the subject matter, and
the carefully selected short bibliographies at the end of each
chapter offer further riches and illumination. This is a gem of a
book by a fine scholar. He shares, compassionately, an open-eyed
honest engagement with the historical complexity of Catholicism. It
will remain a standard text for years to come.' Dr David Bernard
McLoughlin, Newman University College, Birmingham
'Practically informative in a way that gives a genuine feel to the
tradition(s), this book will not only expertly orientate
undergraduates to the richness of that tradition(s), but the
clarity and ease of its style is also certain to inform and be
enjoyed by all literate enquirers.' Theology
'An Introduction to Catholicism is an authoritative, clear and
useful guide that is written by an open and fair-minded adherent …
Overall, a highly recommended book.' Journal of Ecclesiastical
History
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