The Catechism Explained, An Exhaustive Explanation of the Christian Religion: Cross-linked to the Bible

by Francis Spirago, Richard F. Clarke

This book provides a wonderful picture of the Catholic Faith, showing its reasonableness, comprehensiveness, beauty and charm. This book was composed as a source book for sermons; a thorough explanation of the catechism and a full statement of the Faith. Pure, unadulterated Roman Catholic doctrine with a clarity and amazing thoroughness. This is the authoritative Council of Trent catechism.

A wonderful addition to anyone's home library, to be referred to many times – and passed down to future generations.

In general this catechism is divided into three parts:

a) the first part treats of faith,
b) the second of morals,
b) the third of the means of grace. 

In the first part our Lord appears in his character of teacher; in the second in his character of Kings; and in the third in his character of high priest. And since this catechism proposes as its primary object to answer the question, for what purpose are we here upon earth, thereby emphasizing and giving prominence demands high calling in destiny, it is especially suited to the present-day, when the pursuit of material interests, self-indulgence and pleasure, engrosses the attention of so many. 

Genres: Theology, Catholic, Religion

2582 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1899

About the author

Also known as Franz Spirago
Father Francis (Franz) Spirago (1862-1942) was a 19th century Bohemian theologian with a sense of humor who wrote several works to remedy inadequate catechesis among the faithful. Born in the modern Czech Republic, Spirago was ordained a priest for the diocese of Trutnov in 1884 at the age of 22. He worked as a chaplain and a catechist before beginning teaching, during which he began to be a successful writer. Little was written about him, but the surviving anecdotes describe him as an unconventional man who used humor and a more colloquial style of speaking to convey the truths of the faith to the extent that he was called "a pioneer of popular catechesis." He allegedly "hated being bored," so, when he taught, his lessons were described as "an amusing recreation" as he sought to bring the heady truths of the faith down to a level anyone could understand by parables, anecdotes, explanations, and proverbs. Fr. Spirago wrote seven types of catechisms, the chief of which is The Catechism Explained, but he also wrote on a multitude of topics, ranging from works on the end times and prophecies, to rules of prudence and pastoral care.

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow up for one to read AFTER reading the Roman Catechism (Council of Trent). I only have two objections to Fr. Spirago’s work, one with the content and another with format.

(1) Content- Absolutely superb content. Orthodox and trustworthy for a traditional understanding of Catholic Dogma. The one exception is that he teaches the Limbo of the Infants as if it is itself a dogmatic teaching, which it isn’t (many whom I respect would disagree, but that’s neither here nor there).

(2) Format- Fr. Spirago has compiled a literal TREASURE CHEST of Patristic and Medieval quotations in this work to support his thoughts. But there are NO REFERENCES for one to find the primary source material. Maybe other editions of this work have this, but not this one. If other don’t, it would be a Nobel work to compile it as a companion volume or index for further research.

A MUST READ!

[Chels S · Rating 2 out of 5]

The catechism itself is good, obviously, but the commentating author himself is woefully worldy, short sighted, and gullible. Very Victorian too, such as in saying nothing about the vast duties of parents towards children, but much about the reverse. Very full of Science worship, and silliness, such as repeatedly speaking as if Issac Newton is some great spiritual authority because he used the word 'God' with respect (actually referring to himself). Why should I laud some occultist? Why? Because he's a famous 'scientist'? Famous witch, more like.

Also makes the classic Lukewarm Catholic telltale error of referring to people as 'mere mortals' in comparison to saints. No saint or advanced Catholic could or does make such a statement.

[Zach de Walsingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good in some places, but uneven in others and you can see the influence of the American editors, such as in the Church-State relations section. Also this only lightly touches on sexual sins, possibly a product of the late "Victorian" era. So while good I would never recommend this work as a standalone.

[Monique Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly, highly, highly recommend this book if you want to discover a true understanding of the Catholic faith. I will never truly be finished with this book.