Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Short Catechism



This early edition of the catechism is translated into to English from an Italian work approved by the Holy Father. Intended for children to ready them for Holy Communion, this work lacks scripture quotations because "the Church is the Divine Teacher and the Sacred Text was never intended to teach doctrine, but only to prove it." (Preface, p. i-ii)





What the Sacred Text actually says:

"...and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Tim 3:15-17

6 comments:

pilgrim said...

But it only says--"make you wise" and "profitable for teaching" These could be flimsy answers you'd get.

Or oan objection that the statement isn't "official"

But "official" or not it does mirror the attitudes we often find in the RCC

Ric said...

When was that published?

Carrie said...

It looks like it was published in 1906 in the US. Not sure of when it was published in Italy.

Carrie said...

Or an objection that the statement isn't "official"

It's sanctioned by a Pope.

They can't worm out of everything they don't like.

Ric said...

Thanks Carrie!

Anonymous said...

I'd like to see the whole preface, it is not included in any of the on-line versions of the "Short Catechism." Who is the author of the preface? What is the entire text of the preface?

Regarding some of the questions here: the "Cathechism of Pius X" was published in Italy in 1880 and was used in the diocese of Rome and some other parts of Italy for some years. The "Short Catechism" was the second of three parts, intended for grammar school age children preparing for the sacraments. It contains about sixty pages devoted to a brief explanation of the Creed, Sacraments, Commandments, and Prayer.

MikeL