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Why Do Catholics Do That? | 
 enlarge | Author: Kevin Orlin Johnson
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Category: Book
List Price: $15.00
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Rating:  78 reviews
Sales Rank: 2778
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 304
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.5 x 0.7
ISBN: 0345397266
Dewey Decimal Number: 282
EAN: 9780345397263
ASIN: 0345397266
Publication Date: October 10, 1995
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Amazon.com Review
Why Do Catholics Do That? by Kevin Orlin Johnson assumes nothing and tells all. As such, it's not only an ideal catechism companion but also a source of infinite wisdom for students of art history, politics, literature, philosophy, and pretty much any other subject connected with Catholic history. In a voice refreshingly free of condescension (and full of humor, witnessed in chapter titles such as "Saints: How You Get To Be One"), Johnson defines and expatiates upon hundreds of topics, including the Mass, the rosary, the cross, the eucharist, and the pope. Why Do Catholics Do That? is destined for the all-time top 20 list of indispensable desk references. Whether your interest in Catholicism is devoutly religious or defiantly secular, you'll be glad Kevin Orlin Johnson has fulfilled his vocation so faithfully. --Michael Joseph Gross
Product Description
"Johnson offers lucid explanations of a dizzying array of customs and beliefs."
--Publishers Weekly
In Expressions of the Catholic Faith, 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 Scene
Blending religious history, a deep appreciation for art and culture, and an enlightened reverence for the traditions of the Church, Expressions of the Catholic Faith 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 73 more reviews...
Interesting and entertaining trivia October 4, 2008
The book is a great read. It provides insights into how things came to be in the context of history, especially art history. I do graphic designs so it's particularly interesting to learn, for instance, the origins of liturgical colors or how some colors evolved into their present form. (Important in explaining identity designs.) The book is written in very casual, and understandable style. The book provides ways to answer or explain certain matters of faith and Tradition in a very conversational tone. Johnson doesn't tackle anything new really nor does he delve deeply into any subject matter. Better to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the footnotes in the Bible, which essentially explain the same things. While the CCC would only mention that some rituals and practieces were shaped by culture and time, Johnson expounds on exactly what these influences are. He covers only a few however. Still, they provide a deep inside into Sacered Tradition and makes one have clearer images of what exactly he is meditating on in Scriptures or Liturgy.
However, what he does accomplish is to explain many things in casual, conversational language that one can use in friendly, coffee-shop talk, perhaps even in explaining to young people or those who want some answer to trivia whys and hows of the Faith.
 Teaching tool September 15, 2008
I coordinate a program for adults who want to become Catholic and this book has become an invaluable teaching tool. I have used it for years.
A Classic February 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have purchased this book over and over because when someone expresses interest in Catholicism I usually give them my copy. It is beautifully written and although it is not a new book, the information is still correct. One reason for that is that the author explains how practices evolved and as it is history, it does not become outdated.
Great book January 3, 2008
Really great information for Catholics and Non-Catholics alike. Rich in history and easy to read. Pick this one up!
Easy pieces for understanding December 28, 2007
This is a handy and easy read organized into brief chapters dedicated to a particular distinctive of the Catholic faith. The organization of material is perfect for ready reference to a specific interest or to be read through in any order. Dr. Johnson organized the material into 4 parts under the headings, faith, worship, culture, and customs.
Each part is organized into brief chapters on focused topics. Part one on faith covers such topics as the formation of the canon of scripture, how the church makes laws, and how the church views other documents of the early church not included in the canon. Part two on worship provides material on topics such as the meaning of common symbols and order of the mass as well as background on the stations of the cross and the rosary prayer. Part three concerning culture delves into the pope and vocations in the church and provides background on apparitions and signs (Fatima, weeping images, etc). Part four on customs provides a wealth of information on the meaning of materials and symbols in worship including music, medals, sacramentals, incense, water, and even numbers.
Whether you are a Catholic who has wondered the significance of a given practice or a non-Catholic seeking to understand, you will find a treasure of information here. It is a fantastic introduction to many of the practices that have been wrongfully dismissed as mere superstition. The history and culture of the Catholic faith is rich with meaning and significance. It is an heritage Catholics too often neglect. This is not just a how-to of these practices but a well developed study in why we do them. All within a text that is easy and enjoyable to read. A great resource and part of that Catholic heritage to be cherished.
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