7 hours 56 min. (7 CDs / MP3)

In 1992, St. John Paul II published the official Catechism of the Catholic Church -- the first universal catechism to be promulgated since the Catechism of the Council of Trent, way back in 1566. Like the Catechism of Trent, the new Catechism was published by a Pope in the wake of an ecumenical council. Unlike the Catechism of Trent, the new Catechism includes the major developments in Catholic doctrine that have taken place in the last 400 years. In this new series, Dr. Brant Pitre explains the origins, significance, and contents of the new Catechism with a focus on topics such as:

• How We Got the Catechism: What is the story behind the origins of the new Catechism? Why did John Paul II publish it? Who wrote the Catechism? What authority does it have?

• Catechism of Trent vs. the New Catechism: How are the two universal Catechisms similar? How are they different? What does the new Catechism reveal about the development of Catholic doctrine?

• The Four Parts of the Catechism: Why is the Catechism divided into four parts: (1) the Creed; (2) the Liturgy and Sacraments; (3) Morality; (4) Christian Prayer? What are some key teachings in each of these sections?

• How to Use the Catechism: Is the Catechism just a reference work, or can it be used for personal study and prayer? What is the best way to use the Catechism in teaching the faith today?

• The Catechism and the Death Penalty: Why did Pope Francis change the paragraph in the Catechism on the Death Penalty (CCC 2267)? And why did John Paul II change the paragraph on the death penalty back in 1997? What is the Church's teaching today?

After the Bible itself, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is arguably the most important book for Catholics. As the compendium of official Catholic teaching on "faith and morals" (CCC 11), it is essential reading. If you've ever wanted to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith and be able to share it more effectively with others, then The Catechism Explained is for you.