Catechism of the Catholic Church

The origin of the catechism of the Catholic Church is presented, from the first suggestions to its final version. Its aim and purpose, significance and contents, characteristics and resonance are explained. In order to more ea¬sily comprehend this »Magna Carta« of catechetical announcement, a hi¬storical survey of the development of catechism as a phenomenon within the Church has been added. The catechism of the Catholic Church on the treshold of the third millenium and proclaims the substance of religion in accordance with the chan¬ges within the cultural context and with the accelerated historical develop¬ments, with the aim of becoming a mainstay of catechetic work and the starting-point of the revelation of the entire religious truth in the context of the spiritual atmosphere of our time. It is the result of long and serious investigations and of careful consideration of the requirements of the Church. It is intended for Catholic Churches of Eastern Liturgy as well, taking account of their traditions. It is expected to become a precious instru¬ment of new evangelization, a manual, a starting-point, and a mainstay for regional, national, and episcopal catechism, an impetus for catechetic acti¬vity and an encouragement for broader and deeper inculturation of the Christian religion, and for its more convincing announcement. Catechism is not a list of sins, but an answer to the questions of what is man and of how to live righteously, an impetus enhancing the process of live initiated by our community with God, through Baptism