Why Do Catholics Do That?: A Guide to the Teachings and Practices of the Catholic Church
In Why Do Catholics Do That? renowned scholar and religion columnist Kevin Orlin Johnson answers the most frequently asked questions on Catholic faith, worship, culture, and customs, including:\ * How the Church Makes Laws\ • The Hard-Fought Genesis of the New Testament\ • The Cycle of Redemption\ • A Short Guide to the Meaning and Structure of the Mass\ • Decoding Symbols of Scripture and the Sacraments\ • The Calendar as the Image of Christ's Life\ • The Rosary\ • The Stations of the...
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In Why Do Catholics Do That? renowned scholar and religion columnist Kevin Orlin Johnson answers the most frequently asked questions on Catholic faith, worship, culture, and customs, including:* How the Church Makes Laws • The Hard-Fought Genesis of the New Testament • The Cycle of Redemption • A Short Guide to the Meaning and Structure of the Mass • Decoding Symbols of Scripture and the Sacraments • The Calendar as the Image of Christ's Life • The Rosary • The Stations of the Cross • Monks, Nuns, and the Rules That Guide Them • The Pope • The Laity in the Modern World • Saints • Fatima, Lourdes, and the Story of Apparitions • The Vatican: A Holy City • The Sign of the Cross, Christianity's Best-Known Symbol • Candles in Prayer and Liturgy • The Meaning of the Nativity SceneBlending religious history, a deep appreciation for art and culture, and an enlightened reverence for the traditions of the Church, Why Do Catholics Do That? is the definitive resource for any one who wants to learn more about the rituals, symbols, and traditions that can strengthen our faith every day."Johnson offers lucid explanations of a dizzying array of customs and beliefs."—Publishers Weekly
PrefaceSubstance and Image: How to Tell Religion from Culture xiiiPART ONE: FAITH Faith of Our Fathers: What the Church Has to Work With 3Feed My Sheep: How the Church Makes Laws 12 Chapter and Verse: The Hard-Fought Genesis of the New Testament 20That Old-Time Religion: Why the Church Still Guards the Old Testament 28The Church's Family Albums: Other Good Books Besides the Bible 36The Cycle of Redemption: Purgatory, Etc. 43 PART TWO: WORSHIP In Memory of Me: A Short Guide to the Meaning and Structure of the Mass 57Outward Signs: Decoding Symbols of Scripture and the Sacraments 69The Sun of Justice: The Calendar as the Image of Christ's Life 78Until We Meet Again: The Ceremonies of the Christian Funeral 85The Stations of the Cross: The Logic of Their Development 91The Rosary: A Garden of Christian Images 96 PART THREE: CULTURE The Rite Stuff: The Many Faces of the Universal Church 105The Pope: What He Does and Why It Matters 110 Priests, Bishops, and Deacons: The Church's General Staff 120A People Set Apart: The Laity in the Modern World 130A Different Order of Life: Monks, Nuns, and the Rules That Guide Them 137Saints: How You Get to Be One 144 Fatima, Lourdes, and Elsewhere: The Story of Apparitions 150Wondering About Signs: Does the Madonna Really Weep Through Images? 157PART FOUR: CUSTOMS How Beautiful Thy Dwelling Place: The Basic Forms of Churches 167Priestly Vestments: Their Origins and Meanings 178 LikeUnto Pure Gold: The Meaning of the Precious Metal in the Service of the Church 186The Vatican: A Holy City 194 Relics: The Church Remembers 203 The Sign of the Cross: The Surprising Story of Christianity's Best-Known Symbol 208Sacramentals: Souvenirs of Sanctity 213 Water: Holy and Plain 218 The Odor of Sanctity: Making Sense of Incense 223 Let There Be Light: Candles in Prayer and Liturgy 228A Star Out of Jacob: Why Nativity Sets Look That Way 233Our Lady's Cloak: The Color of the Sky in Christian Art 237The Miraculous Medal: The History of an Extraordinary Sacramental 241Unceasingly Chant: Music in the Life of the Church 247The Numbers Game: Symbols You Can Always Count On 254Postscript: If You'd Like to Know More 267 Index 277
