Catechism Of The Catholic Church

This catechism is a book for all Catholic faithful about the dogmas, sacraments, moral life and spiritual life, which aims to facilitate the preparation of local catechisms. This is a significant sum, comprising over 650 pages, but the wording is clear and didactic to be understood by the greatest number . It was republished in its final version , in August 1997. A Compendium (abridged version) has also been published in 2005.

Origins and objectives of the text

Following the Second Vatican Council ( one thousand nine hundred sixty-two - one thousand nine hundred sixty-five ), no catechism had been drafted, contrary to what happened following the Council of Trent ( 1542 - 1563 ). On 25 January 1985 , Pope John Paul II convened a synod of bishops to reflect on the consequences of the council. In their final report ( 7 December 1985 ), the Synod Fathers asked:

"What is a catechism or compendium of all Catholic doctrine regarding both faith and morals, which would be a point of reference for the catechisms or compendiums that are prepared in various countries. The presentation of doctrine must be biblical and liturgical setting sound doctrine and at the same time adapted to the present life of Christians. "

Accordingly, John Paul II formed in 1986 a commission of twelve Cardinals and Bishops, chaired by Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI ), then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith , assisted by an Editorial Board seven bishops residents. The editorial secretary of the commission was Christoph Schonborn . A large number of consultations with experts were undertaken. And no fewer than nine successive versions were produced until the final result . All this work was followed closely by John Paul II .

In the Apostolic Constitution Fidei depositum 11 October 1992 , accompanying the publication of the Catechism, Pope John Paul II said:

"A catechism should faithfully and systematically present the teaching of Scripture, Tradition alive in the Church and the Magisterium authentic, as well as the spiritual heritage of the Fathers , the saints and holy Church, to enable a better understanding of the Christian mystery and for enlivening the faith of God's people. It must take into account the explanations of the doctrine that the Holy Spirit has intimated to his Church through the ages. It should also help to illuminate the light of faith the new situations and problems that had not yet arisen in the past. " .

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has 2,865 paragraphs. It incorporates the traditional plan already adopted by the Thirty and therefore structured in four parts.

Structure of the book

Part One: The Profession of Faith

There are explained the Creed and the elements of faith catholic (paragraphs 1038).

Part Two: The Celebration of the Christian mystery

There are explained the Catholic liturgy and the seven sacraments (624 paragraphs).

Part Three: Life in Christ

There are explained the spiritual life and the Catholic Action and the Ten Commandments (866 paragraphs).

Part Four: Christian Prayer

It explains the necessity of prayer, the types of prayers and the prayers themselves, and the place of daily prayer (307 paragraphs).

Features

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Pope Benedict XVI this for the first time, June 28, 2005, the shortened and more concise version of this book: the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which he himself has overseen the development. The editorial structure is identical but it is in the form of questions and answers, more conducive to making a practical manual for the faithful Christian.

The death penalty

Some groups like ACAT , regretted that the catechism does not say a radical condemnation of the death penalty. Indeed, the final text states that such a possibility is not excluded by the teaching of the Church even if "absolutely necessary to remove the culprits are now quite rare, if not practically nonexistent" . Meanwhile many bishops have spoken out against the death penalty and the Holy See supports initiatives abolitionists .

One of the drafters of the catechism, the Archbishop of Tours, ^BishopJean Honore , denies that it can be opposed to abolitionist arguments: "The Catechism (section 2266) differs strongly affirming the principle of legitimacy of the death penalty and its application provided that "in cases of extreme gravity. " The text itself, in its drafting and in the following section (section 2268), expresses a very specific idea in favor of repealing the death penalty, and he gives reasons. It is not fair to contrast this point the Adult Catechism of the Bishops of France (art. 588). "

Relations with the Jews

The catechism states: "The Jews are not collectively responsible for Jesus' death .
Taking into account the historical complexity of the trial of Jesus manifested in the Gospel accounts , and whatever may be the personal sin of trial participants ( Judas , the Sanhedrin , Pontius Pilate ) that only God knows, we can not attribute responsibility to all the Jews of Jerusalem , despite the cries of a manipulated crowd and the global reproaches contained in the calls to conversion after Pentecost. Jesus Himself forgave the Cross and Pierre following him were right to ignorance (Acts 3, 17) of Jews from Jerusalem and even of their leaders. Still less can we, from the people's cry: "His blood be on us and on our children" (Mt 27, 25) which means a form of ratification to extend responsibility to other Jews in space and time.
Both the Church has told the Vatican II: What has been committed during the Passion can not be attributed either indiscriminately to all Jews then alive, nor against the Jews of our time. (...) The Jews should not be presented as rejected by God or accursed as if this followed from Holy Scripture. " .

Impact and reactions

Sales

In May 1996 he had already sold in France , more than 700,000 copies (three times more than in Italy) .

Controversies with liberal Catholics

The Catechism has been a number of critics, mostly on its content, especially in moral matters. In Catholic circles, these criticisms come mainly from liberal Catholics.

Some criticism concerning the choice of the steering committee, especially its president, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and its general editor, ^BishopChristoph Schnborn. We talked about a text "falsely college," dictated by the Roman Curia , "without the participation of lay theologians. ^{Criticism by the current fundamentalist}

The Catholic fundamentalists of the SSPX recognize certain attributes on the form and substance to catechism and especially in the compendium which summarizes. They are however strongly warned their followers against a text they feel completely steeped in the teachings of Vatican II : "You could say that we hold in this text, the summary is the best and most famous Council authorized, c that is to say, the more violent and more insidious poison to gullible soul who thinks being in the presence of an objective account of the Catholic faith. . Thus, members of the fraternity are strongly encouraged to avoid these texts to use only the catechism of Saint Pius X .

See also

References