As religion continues to dominate the news, politics and society in general, more and more laypeople are looking for a reliable guide to understanding the beliefs and practices of each faith. The Roman Catholic Church-the largest branch of Christianity-claims a total of over 1 billion baptized members around the globe and has been revered by billions of followers for thousands of years. Why? The Catholicism Answer Book answers 300 pivotal questions about one of the world's oldest religions. From the basic tenets of Christianity and the nature of God and salvation to the differences between a Catholic Bible and a Protestant Bible, readers can round out their knowledge on such inquiries as: What are the "lost" or "missing" books of the Bible? And why are the books we have canonical? Why does it seem like Catholics worship Mary? What are the Last Things? Why confess to a priest when I can go directly to God?

The rich tradition of Catholicism is so vast that questions are bound to arise. This book will answer your questions on: Matters of faith, matters of practice and matters of curiosity. Offering wise, authoritative answers to common (and some not-so-common) questions about the faith, this book is an invaluable resource for parishes, laypeople, students and libraries.

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?

Every Catholic will come face-to-face with anti-Catholic attacks that are launched against the Faith. Don't you owe it to yourself to make sure you have the very best in apologetic resources right at your fingertips? There's no better time to arm yourself with what we consider a must for every Catholic's home library. The Essential Catholic Survival Guide. By compiling seventy of our best apologetic tracts into one cohesive, comprehensive book that can be used by anyone, anytime, anywhere to defend the Catholic faith, we've created what many consider the "go-to" resource when it comes to answering questions about the Faith. Topics include: The Church and the papacy-Scripture and Tradition-Mary and the saints-The sacraments-Salvation-Last things-Morality and science-Anti-Catholicism-Non-Catholic churches and movements-Practical apologetics.

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.

The popular blogger and publisher of Envoy magazine offers 10 key reasons why he loves being Catholic (and you should too). Drawing heavily on poignant anecdotes from his own experience as a life-long Catholic born in 1960s, Madrid offers readers a way of looking at the Church--its members, teachings, customs, and history--from perspectives many may have never considered. Growing up Catholic during a time of great social and theological upheaval and transition, a time in which countless Catholics abandoned their religion in search of something else, Patrick Madrid learned a great deal about why people leave Catholicism and why others stay. This experience helped him gain many insights into what it is about the Catholic Church that some people reject, as well as those things that others treasure. Drawing upon Madrid's personal experiences, Why Be Catholic? offers a deeply personal, fact-based, rationale for why everyone should be Catholic or at least consider the Catholic Church in a new light.