It was published (according to the imprimatur) in 1921, though my copy includes updates referring to 1960, so clearly dates from after that time.
It is essentially the Penny Catechism, of fond memory, but with lots of notes added to give a fuller understanding.
For example:
2. Q Why did God make you? A. God made me to know Him, love Him and serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in the next.
To know God. By hearing instructions, reading good books, knowing what He is, and what He has done for us.
To love and serve God. By keeping His commandments and doing all we can to please Him.
5. Q. How is your soul like to God? A. My soul is like to God because it is a spirit and is immortal.Amongst other things, that seems to me to give the lie to the claims that the Penny Catechism was all about rote learning without understanding.
Spirit. An immaterial being, having free-will and understanding, as God, the Angels and our souls. We cannot touch or see a spirit.
Immortal. Not mortal, can never die. The soul has a two-fold life - (1) natural, which it receives at its creation, and never loses; (2) supernatural, or the grace of God, received in Baptism, lost by mortal sin, but regained by a worthy reception of the Sacrament of Penance, or by an act of perfect contrition.
What is clear is that the Q & A format is remarkably helpful. Off the top of my head, I can think of several successful examples of its use very recently: YouCat, Did Adam and Eve Have Belly Buttons? and Faith in the Family. So concerns that the format may be out-of-date seem groundless.
The Penny Catechism also benefits from clarity, simplicity and comprehensiveness. This version adds depth to those virtues. Perhaps the CTS should re-publish it.Any source
No comments:
Post a Comment