In Why Do Catholics Do That? renowned scholar and religion columnist Kevin Orlin Johnson answers the most frequently asked questions on Catholic faith, worship, culture, and customs, including: * How the Church Makes Laws * The Hard-Fought Genesis of the New Testament * The Cycle of Redemption * A Short Guide to the Meaning and Structure of the Mass * Decoding Symbols of Scripture and the Sacraments * The Calendar as the Image of Christ’s Life * The Rosary * The Stations of the Cross * Monks, Nuns, and the Rules That Guide Them * The Pope * The Laity in the Modern World * Saints * Fatima, Lourdes, and the Story of Apparitions * The Vatican: A Holy City * The Sign of the Cross, Christianity’s Best-Known Symbol * Candles in Prayer and Liturgy * The Meaning of the Nativity Scene
Blending religious history, a deep appreciation for art and culture, and an enlightened reverence for the traditions of the Church, Why Do Catholics Do That? is the definitive resource for any one who wants to learn more about the rituals, symbols, and traditions that can strengthen our faith every day.
"Johnson offers lucid explanations of a dizzying array of customs and beliefs." –Publishers Weekly
Kevin Orlin Johnson holds a doctorate in the history of art, with a specialty in seventeenth-century church architecture in France and Italy. His scholarly publications appear in journals in Vienna, Rome, Paris, and elsewhere. For many years he wrote a column, Signs of… More about Kevin Orlin Johnson
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Author Essay
Why Do Catholics Do That? A Guide to the Teachings and Practices of the Catholic Church, by Kevin Orlin Johnson, Ph.D., describes the various traditions and customs inherent in the Catholic faith. One section of the book that I found very interesting was the significance of numbers. Many numbers have very obvious significance, for instance seven means a complete series, whether it is the seven sacraments or the seven deadly sins. The symbolic explanation that I found most intriguing was that of the number five. The author asserts that the number is actually quite "naughty," because it is through out five senses that we find temptation. Who knew? — JMC
