Dietzen shows what the official church teachings are and are not.

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

Why do Catholics pray for the dead? ... Is there humor in the Bible? ... Is Purgatory painful? ... Is there a dispensation for missing Mass when traveling? ... Can human beings become angels after they die? ... Why is the color blue associated with Our Lady? ... Was the Catholic Church the first one to say no to contraceptives? Over 2,000 years of tradition can lead to many questions and misunderstandings about the Catholic Faith. You are not alone if you are confused, curious, or wish to have an answer for challenging questions others may confront you with. Catholic Answers to Catholic Questions provides solid answers to hundreds of common questions asked by people just like you -- questions both big and small regarding doctrine, history, morality, the pope, saints, the sacraments, the Mass, prayer, Scripture, and much more. Be more confident in your faith. Allow the "why" to enhance the "what" you do as a Catholic. Make better decisions. Be more prepared to pass on your faith to others. Feed your curiosity. Solidify your beliefs. Author, theology professor, and Catholic apologist Paul Thigpen ensures the answers are not only rock-solid, but also pastoral in their approach and written in everyday, relevant language. He considers questions from real people to reveal the vast breadth and depth of our Catholic teachings.

Why Stay Catholic? is a lively, timely book about the "good stuff" within the Catholic Church today.

Catholic Answers to Protestant Questions is a must read for those seeking to grow in their Catholic identity. Here are just a few of the questions that are covered in this book: Where did the Bible come from? Was Christ or Constantine the founder of the Catholic Church? Was Peter the first Pope? What do Catholics mean by being "born again" and why do they baptize children? Where do Catholics find the seven sacraments in the Bible? Why do Catholics believe in the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Christ? Why do we need a priest to forgive serious sins? What are indulgences and why are they needed? Where can we find a priest being referred to as "Father" in the Bible? Do Catholics worship saints? What is the communion of saints? Is Mary the Mother of God? Did Jesus have brothers and sisters? Was Mary assumed into heaven? Is there a purgatory? Is there a rapture? Is salvation assured? Are we justified by faith alone, or by faith and works? Do Catholics practice idol worship?

"This volume is intended to meet a widely felt need for an up-to-date and concise source book on the principal teachings of the Catholic Church. Since the close of the Second Vatican Council, there has been such an accumulation of ecclesiastical constitutions and decrees and so many changes they introduced in Catholic practice that few people have been able to keep up with all that has happened... A parallel purpose of this volume is to offer those who use it a handy guidebook of the Catholic tradition, whether formally documented in ecclesiastical sources or implicitly accepted by the faithful under the aegis of the Church's hierarchial leaders. "The method followed in presenting the Church's doctrine is a combination of history and logic. Doctrines are placed into a historical framework by tracing their origins to the Old and New Testaments and placing their development within the context of persons, places, and times. The doctrine thus becomes more intelligible because it is viewed in the setting of its vital growth over the centuries. "The intended reading audience of this Catholic catechism are all those priests, religious and laity, and above all parents and teachers, who are looking for a concise statement of the faith they profess, the conduct they practice, and the worship they give to the Lord." --From The Catholic Catechism by John A. Hardon, S.J.