Catechism vs. the Compendium vs. the U.S. Catechism?

[ScottF]

I am a Protestant exploring the possibility of become Catholic so I am trying to educate myself.
What is the difference between the Catchism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults?

I'm thoroughly confused...

Thanks

 

[BillH]

I am a Protestant exploring the possibilites of become Catholic so I am trying to educate myself.
What is the difference between the Catchism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults?

I'm thoroughly confused...

Thanks

I honestly don't know the third one, but I'd probably skip it.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is, well, a compendium (a summary or abridged version) of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Sort of a highlight reel of the Catechism, if you like.

If you're starting more or less from scratch regarding Catholic doctrine, I'd go with the Compendium first. If you get through that and want more, then I'd go with the longer version second.

Hope that helps!

 

[Davidnic]

I agree to start with the Compendium. It is very much question and answer and good to start with.

The full Catechism is good, but it is really in depth and not the best place to start.

I have not bought the Catholic Catechism for Adults yet, but it looks very good from what I have read in it. And is geared toward education. Maybe some of our members who teach RCIA and such can give a better view of that book.

Still, for starters I'd say go with the compendium. It is question and answer and gives a good basis.

Basic differences (that I understand)

Catechism
(Best for the use of those going in great theological depth...Priests, Bishops. But totally fine for the laity, just a little heavy theologically)

Compendium
(Good all around. Question/answer format. Easy read and geared toward everyone)

Catechism for adults
(Best used in teaching enviroments or for people who are moving the step beyond the compendium, alot like a textbook from what I did see)

All three really have the same stuff (more or less), my opinions above are just what audience I think they are the most useful for.

 

[RoseofLima]

I have had very good recommends for the Adult Catechism- from very reliable resources.

I actually think it might be a great place to begin. A little more familiar language for most people. The Compendium is sort of a summary in question and answer format of the Catechism---which is the compilation of the official teachings of the Church (again though even the Catechism is a summary- there is much, much more).

So - Catechism: Compilations put together by the Universal Church of HEr teachings

Compendium: a summary of the Catechism in question and answer format (it's a lovely book)

US Adult Catechism: a summary of the Catechism compiled by the US Bishops geared towards teaching adults.

 

[QuantaCura]

I agree with the previous posters. The Catechism is great, but it's really long and in depth--it was actually conceived as a resource for bishops. It is of course a great resource for everyone, but I suggest getting your feet wet first. The Compendium is geared as an everyday resource for lay people--and it is in question and answer format, which I really like.

You can browse both online to get a feel for them.
Here is the Compendium:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

And here is the Catechism:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/ccc_toc.htm

 

[Davidnic]

I have had very good recommends for the Adult Catechism- from very reliable resources.

I actually think it might be a great place to begin. A little more familiar language for most people.

That's really good to know. I put it on my Christmas list that I gave to my wife

 

[Epiphanygirl]

I honestly don't know the third one, but I'd probably skip it.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is, well, a compendium (a summary or abridged version) of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Sort of a highlight reel of the Catechism, if you like.

If you're starting more or less from scratch regarding Catholic doctrine, I'd go with the Compendium first. If you get through that and want more, then I'd go with the longer version second.

Hope that helps!

 

[Number 81]

CCC: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
CCCC: http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

 

[ScottF]

Thanks!

 

[AdJesumPerMariam]

I am a Protestant exploring the possibility of become Catholic so I am trying to educate myself.
What is the difference between the Catchism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults?

I'm thoroughly confused...

Thanks

Praying you find your way home!