St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 (Rev)

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	• Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism: The Truths of Our Catholic Faith Clearly Explained and Illustrated : With ... Bennet Kelly Catholic Book Publishing Company, 1999 average customer review:based on 14 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A Classic Catechism

The Baltimore Catechism was first issued in 1885 as an American Catholic Catechism and was used extensively from 1885 until the 1960s, when (unfortunately) American Catholics moved away from using catechisms. With the advent of the amazing Catechism of the Catholic Church (ISBN: 0385508190), and the brand new Compendium of the Catechism (ISBN: 1574557203), fewer and fewer people are using the Baltimore Catechism. While I love both the new Catechism and the Compendium, I believe that the Baltimore catechism still has an important place.

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 is an edition of the Baltimore Catechism intended for older children, but I have used it frequently as an adult. It is arranged in a useful question and answer format, and the answers are classically Catholic. There is no fudging in any way; the Baltimore Catechism clearly and concisely explains what Catholics believe. While the theology of the Baltimore Catechism is essentially the same as post-Vatican II Catholic Theology, some Catholic discipline has changed since it was written, so it is always helpful to compare what is written with current canon law. At the end of each section are questions and scripture readings related to what was discussed. At the very end of the book is a glossary, excerpts from the Mass, an essay on "why I am a Catholic," the Stations of the Cross, the Rosary, and photos of the Holy Land. These make the Baltimore Catechism a helpful Catholic reference.

There may be a few potential drawbacks to this book. First, the photos look like they are straight out of another (past) era. While I like them now, when I was a sixth grader, I would have thought they were silly. I know this is superficial, but unfortunately, teens and pre-teens often put a big emphasis on these sorts of things. Second, the biblical names used in the Baltimore Catechism come from the Vulgate / Douay-Rheims translations of the Bible. While I have copies of both translations, most kids and adults these days are not familiar with them. For instance, we refer to Noah, not Noe. Of course, these are minor drawbacks only.

Overall, I highly recommend the Baltimore Catechism. While the recent official catechisms are excellent, and should be the foundation of Catholic catechesis, there is still a place for the Baltimore catechism. When I have children, I am going to make sure they are raised on the Baltimore Catechism as well as the official ones. Also, I think that adults, especially those in the RCIA program, could use to hear the clear and concise answers the Baltimore Catechism provides.

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Refreshingly relevent

I was given a copy of this by my RCIA sponsor. What a wonderful book. While aimed at adolescents, it conveys the truths of God in a uncomplicated and friendly way. No mumbo-jumbo. No modernist equivocation or hand-wringing. Just the truth.

Now that it has been a year since I came into the Catholic church, I find that what I remember about this book are the pictures. The pictures in the context of what they are trying to teach. A boy calling to friend that he is going to confession. The ship with the sails of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That is how I remember these. The images, and the memories they produce, are priceless and will have ETERNAL benefits!

You are not too old, too well read or too well catechized NOT to open this up and read it from time to time.

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Very Easy To Understand

The Baltimore Catechism is especially useful for children and those who are new to the faith. It is very easy to understand and is presented in a question and answer format. Not only that but it is orthodox (meaning correct in doctrine). While old, it is still a gold standard in the realm of catechisms.

St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 (Rev)

Excellent text for personal study. Brief, succient, and broad based. Quickest way to get a grounding in basic Catholicism. Readable at Junior High level and up. Good for Home schooling.

CCD teacher

I've taught CCD off and on for many years. Recently, I had to fill in for the high school CCD teacher at our parish, as she was out of town for a while. The curriculum I was given to teach was so incredibly boring, shallow, and hard to teach, I was at a total loss. I would sit for hours trying to find a way to make it interesting, relevant, and "non-condescending." I found myself instead "touching" on the prescribed curriculum, but pulling the "meat" of our lesson from the St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism, books 1 and 2.

What? High school students taking lessons from what was essentially an early elementary school book? YES. And I was amazed at how few of the Catechism questions they were able to answer.

But I saw these kids go from falling asleep at their tables (with the newer curriculum) to opening their eyes and actually taking an interest in their faith when I pulled out the old Catechism! What better way to teach compassion and love than from the lesson on the 7 corporal works of mercy! What better way to cement their belonging to our Church, than studying the 4 marks of the Church and our rich Catholic history! And what better way to understand right from wrong than from a lesson on mortal and venial sins.

As I taught them FROM the books (discussions, memorization, stories relating to each lesson, games) the old fashioned pictures and anecdotes were not a problem, though I don't think any of the kids in our class would be turned off by them. These books teach the backbone of our faith, and I think any Catholic child/teen/adult could only benefit from the simple, down to earth instruction within it's pages. HIGHLY recommended.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

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