Catholicism: A Very Short Introduction

Description

What are the origins of the Catholic Church? How has Catholicism changed and adapted over the centuries? What challenges does the Catholic Church face in the twenty-first century? Gerald O'Collins answers these and other questions, and in this new edition considers the impact of Pope Francis' leadership of the Church since 2013.

• Considers the current challenges facing the Catholic Church, such as the recent clerical abuse scandals, and discusses the future directions of Catholicism
• Explains clearly and concisely where the Catholic Church comes from and what it believes and practises
• Discusses how Catholicism has adapted across the centuries to diverse cultural influences, leading it to become one of the world's largest religions
• Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over eight million copies sold worldwide

About the Author(s)

Gerald O'Collins, Adjunct Professor, Australian Catholic University and Research Fellow, University of Divinity

Gerald O'Collins, SJ, PhD (Cantab.) is Adjunct Professor of the Australian Catholic University, a research fellow of the University of Divinity (Melbourne), and Professor Emeritus of the Gregorian University (Rome), where he taught for 33 years and also served as Dean of the Faculty of Theology. He has written or co-written 67 books, including Catholicism: The Story of Catholic Christianity (OUP, 2004), Salvation for All (OUP, 2008), and The Second Vatican Council on Other Religions (OUP, 2013). He has authored hundreds of articles in professional and popular journals, and lectured at many universities and colleges worldwide. In 2006 he was created a Companion of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest civil honour granted through the Australian government.

Table of Contents

Preface
1:From Pentecost to Christopher Columbus (AD 30-1492)
2:From Christopher Columbus to date (1492-2016)
3:Catholics on God and the human condition
4:The sacraments and the Catholic Church
5:Catholic moral life and teaching
6:Characteristics of Catholicism
7:The future of Catholicism
Further Reading
Timeline
Index

Reviews

"This is an excellent little book which reveals the heart of Catholicism, written by a theologian steeped in the vision of Vatican II and Pope Francis. It would be important reading not only by those who do not profess this faith but also by all those who do." - Jean Vanier, Founder of L'Arche