Much of what I am doing is an exercise for myself as well as an attempt to clear up the misinformation that is floating around out there. Sources will be numerous figures from the church and their writings as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church and passages from the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible or more specifically the first English translation of the Bible taken from the Latin Vulgate. The New testament portion predates the King James bible by 20 years. However the old testament part of the book does not predate the King James edition, so it will only be consulted where necessary. I will make a good faith attempt to be consistent with these writings and hope to publish one article each week. I will begin with a summary of the forward of the Catechism.
By itself the catechism of the Catholic church is the sum total of church doctrine and essentially is a very thorough record of exactly what Catholics should and do believe. First compiled from the doctrinal statements and pastoral norms brought about during Vatican II. It was ordered compiled by Pope John Paul II to offer every member of the church. Compiled over six years of intense study and work, drafted by 12 Cardinals and Bishops headed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, and edited by seven Bishops with collaboration and suggestions being taken into account from every Bishop in the world. It repeats the traditional Catechism of St. Pius V arranging it into 4 parts. The Creed, the Sacred Liturgy with emphasis given to the Sacraments, the Christian way of life beginning with an explanation using the 10 commandments, and Christian Prayer. However it ha been re-written and re-applied to conform to modern times where some of the biblical literature no longer applies and to respond to questions that come up in our age.
The Creed or the Christian mystery is the object of faith it is what all Catholic Faith is based on in fact I would venture it is what the faith of all christian denominations is based off of. It is celebrated in the mass through the liturgical actions, the Liturgy itself is prayer, the confession of Faith. The children of God must sustain this faith in their actions through the christian way of life. All of these things is the basis of our prayer, the privileged and utmost expression of this is the Our Father, (Note: The current Pontiff has suggested that changes be made to the Lords prayer I and others like me vehemently disagree with this notion.) it is the representation of our supplication and praise. Grace, the fruit of the sacraments is a condition of christian of Christian living, just as participation in the churches Liturgy requires faith so to does that faith require good works to bear the fruit of eternal life. Faith without works is dead.
This is a source of ridicule among protestants as it is what they are protesting. However this leaves them open to much ridicule from the Secular World as by their own beliefs someone such as Joseph Stalin would gain entrance to the kingdom of heaven with but a minor platitude of faith in God and Jesus Christ their lord and Savior. With not a good deed to their name. You not only have to have faith you have to live that faith.
This text is not and should not be used to replace the Catechisms rendered by the ecclesiastical authorities, the diocesan Bishops and the Episcopal Conferences. May the light of the true faith free humanity from the ignorance and slavery of sin in order to lead it to the only freedom worthy of the name.