Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism: The Truths of Our Catholic Faith Clearly Explained and Illustrated : With Bible Readings, Study Helps and Mass Prayers (St. Joseph Catecisms) Paperback – January 1, 1969

Oldie but goodie. I gave up on the newer fluffy catechism books that are out there. Most are too wishy-washy and weak, making it difficult for even me to understand what point the book is trying to make. I consider most of them to be a waste of time. I have seen first hand how these books have helped my children to understand, their faith, and to be able to explain it. The ultimate proof was when, during a family discussion, I said something that wasn't completely correct. My son ran to get his catechism book, and quickly found the truth in black and white. Yeah! I teach high school, and I see many young people who have gone through 8 years of CCD, and really don't know much about their faith. That's because they spent too much time on fluff, and too little time learning the meat and potatoes. This question and answer format makes it very clear to see the truth that the Church is trying to teach us. There are ambiguities--nothing left to the interpretation of the reader. Truth is truth, and we can see how the truth is contradicted in society's perception of the truth in the world around us. You won't find the teaching to be this clear in most of the newer CCD books that are out there. In their effort to reach people's hearts, they have forgotten to teach them the truth–the in-your-face truth that does not allow for ambiguities. If we don't teach our kids the in-your-face truth, society will give them their misguided version of it, and they will internalize it. This book was never broken, and we shouldn't have tried to fix it. I'm sticking with this oldie, but goodie, and I highly recommend it for everyone. And by the way, it has been updated, but the content is still rock solid.

This book has such beautiful illustrations. And it goes without saying , the teachings are beautiful and thorough

Not sure how old you are – but Volume 1 was what was used in my childhood. For writing research purposes - I ordered both to review. Vatican II happened as I dawned adolescence (1963-1965). My father was career military, we were extremely transient. ALL the Catholic schools I attended used Volume 1. All Catholic schools’ told us ‘when you get confirmed the bishop will ask you any question in this catechism, and you better be able to answer it’ – well no questions were asked. But someone possibly 30 years older than me said when he got confirmed the bishop ASKED QUESTIONS OUT OF THE CATACHISM. My Catholic priest cousin explained Volume 1 catechism was put together for American Catholics around the turn of the century / 1900 (adult and kids versions) Volume 1 – is a little entertaining as words are dramatically different in the first couple of pages than Volume 2. Volume 1 is much shorter than Volume 2. I did three school changes in one academic year twice – two schools a year was the norm for us (Cold War military families were extremely transient) We would be at a school – and whatever question number we were on – I’d get to the next school and sometimes I’d be ahead – and breathe easy for a while – OR BE SO BEHIND at the next school – then frantically attempt to catch up! Post Vatican II application of the Baltimore Catechism softened substantially, and Volume II is a lot wordier than Volume I, and personally not as clear. BTW – in second grade - my very first confession I had three venial sins - I GOT TEN HAIL MARYs and TEN OUR FATHERs – the biggest penance in my ENTIRE time participating in confession . . . the monsignor was anti-military and we were the ONLY military family in that Catholic school . . . did not miss it leaving that school. This book was the one thread that was the same ALL OVER AMERICA as a transient Catholic. This edition is shorter – clearer. However some of the changes of Vatican II had great personal value for me. My best friend in Texas would NOT let me baptize her Catholic “Evelyn – if the Catholics are right and you let me baptize you – I’ll see you in heaven someday after we are transferred” . . . “I’m Baptist. AND Baptists sure as hell know more about baptism than Catholics – I DO NOT need to get baptized Catholic to get to heaven.” The best benefit of Vatican II – Protestants got allowed in heaven, which is not the position in Baltimore Catechism Volume I!

The V2 reforms have left most of us poorly catechized, so I wanted to go back to the traditional Baltimore Catechism to learn the faith the way our ancestors learned it. I am pleased with the book, it is easy to read and has readable size print. Written for a child, but fruitful for adults and those seeking to learn more about the Catholic Church to grow your faith.

Brought back many memories of learning the faith as a child and young adult. A great refresher course, too.

Simply written teachings of the Catholic church, illustrated.

As a child growing up in the late 1950s and early 1960s, I attended Catholic schools and the Baltimore Catechism was the "go-to" book. After Vatican II, I got the new Catechism intended to update me on my home theology. Being single at the time, and very lustful in my thoughts, I found the new Catechism very comforting, in other words if giving in to my own lusts was part of me, then that was okay. The idea was to be a "good" person. Then one day, I was sitting in Roman Catholic new Mass listening to the priest's sermon on ecumenism, and suddenly I had a brain infarction, and after Mass, said to a woman who had attended divinity school, "I think Vatican II was a mistake." She reared up as much as an elderly lady can rear up and said: "Oh no. Vatican II was too long in coming...." Well I knew, right then and there, we were of two different religions. I then switched parishes to a traditional Roman Catholic one with Latin Mass and ordered a Baltimore Catechism. Oh man. I was so relieved. This was the real deal. And when I read about all the lustful stuff I had been doing, I headed straight for the confessional. I am okay now. Back to that old-time religion, where right is right and wrong is wrong and no amount of ecumenism is going to change that.

I purchased these books to teach my granddaughter CCD. I am 78 years old and this is the same book with the same chapters and lessons I learned from when I was young from the nuns. The books hasn't changed and has been around for years.

The pictures in this our phenomenal, they raise your heart and mind to God. The teaching is simple but profound, ready to memorize. I hope this Catechism spreads widely again, it is so much richer than many modern ones produced in this generation.

I saw this book being recommended on YouTube. I took a gamble and I am very pleased with the book. I remember my religious instruction in my younger years and this book managed to fill in the blanks for me all these years later, whilst I help my daughter through her religious instruction.It is written in simple text, with question and answer after most subjects. Very cleverly written.

Superb for children, good detail and good info

A must have to get direct content about the bread and butter of the faith. It is put together very well, and it is easy to follow.

Bought for someone else