This is the 1929 English translation of the original German text first published in 1924 and authored by one of the world’s most distinguished Christian philosophers, Dr. Karl Adam. This book is a brilliant and evocative study of the fundamental concepts of the Catholic Faith, from its tenets, its historical development and the role of the Church in world society. For many on the outside, Catholicism, according to Dr. Adam, represents a daunting and somewhat foreign confused mass of conflicting forces that has somehow survived the tests of time. Catholicism is simultaneously new yet quite old; holy yet corrupt; hierarchical yet personal; dogmatic yet utilitarian, and so on. How can someone outside the Church get a good grasp on the essence of Catholicism when it is so vast and seemingly complex? Those attempting to grasp the very heart and spirit of Catholicism should read Karl Adam’s book, which is a most elegant and concise exploration of the faith and an attempt to address these ambiguities. What are the fundamental attributes of the Catholic Church? What is the source from which it has drawn vigor and life through its two thousand years of life on earth? What are the secret sources of its incredible vitality in the world today? The author answers these and many other questions about the nature and structure of the Church. He examines the essential nature of the Catholic Church from the basic premise that it was expressly founded by Christ, traces its historical development and analyzes its actual functioning through the ages.

In this book, Karl Adam seeks to identify the "spirit" or essence of Roman Catholicism. The Spirit of Catholicism is an accessible, articulate, and compelling presentation of the fundamental tenets of the Catholic faith, explaining to all - Catholic and non-Catholic alike - exactly what the Church represents. Adam attempts to communicate about the Catholic faith and the Church's role as the keeper of the faith. Those attempting to grasp the very heart and spirit of Catholicism should read Karl Adam's book, which is a most elegant and concise exploration of the faith and an attempt to address these ambiguities. What are the fundamental attributes of the Catholic Church? What is the source from which it has drawn vigor and life through its two thousand years of life on earth? What are the secret sources of its incredible vitality in the world today? The author answers these and many other questions about the nature and structure of the Church. He examines the essential nature of the Catholic Church from the basic premise that it was expressly founded by Christ, traces its historical development and analyzes its actual functioning through the ages.

This book offers a popular and comprehensive explanation of the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian Life. Readers will learn how to renew theirlife in the Holy Spirit, understand and receive spiritual gifts, and grow in love, joy,peace and other fruits that are the sign that the Spirit dwells in us.

The Catholic Church seems to be in serious crisis – disfigured by scandals, divided by theological, cultural and political differences, retreating institutionally in many places, judged irrelevant by a culture that believes it has outgrown this kind of religious faith. Yet the number of practising Catholics increases each year, a growing membership that seeks to be well grounded spiritually, intellectually and pastorally. Many younger people are curious to know and experience traditional and historical realities. Thus, the need for an informed and reflective restatement of The Spirit of Catholicism has never been more urgent. In this clear and intelligible book, Vivian Boland presents the substance of Catholic belief and life, what the res catholica believes itself essentially to be. From its basis in the Bible, learning from key figures of Christian history, and in the full light of Pope Francis's missionary ethos, this account of Catholicism casts new light on familiar teachings, the treasure carried by this 'earthen vessel'. Neither apologetic nor controversial, it shows how embodiment is at the heart of Catholicism – Christ, Mary, sacraments, a historical institution. It shows how this body is structured and develops into a form of life marked by a special kind of fraternity and resulting in a particular presence in human history and society. Catholic teachings about Mary and the Eucharist, about hierarchy and authority, about spiritual life and pastoral care, about holiness and love, are presented in their deepest and fullest context: Christ as the Son of God and head of humanity, the Holy Spirit giving energy and new life, and the Father, the great love that awaits us.

This is a new release of the original 1930 edition.

"The purpose of this collection of classic and modern readings and works of visual and performance art is to help students understand the teachings of Catholicism in a personal way, to bring the tradition of the faith to life, and to make real the life of grace ..."--Introduction.

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.