The easy way to grasp the ins & outs of Catholicism Catholicism For Dummies is not a catechism or religious textbook but a casual down-to-earth introduction for Catholics & non-Catholics. It gives commonsense explanations of Catholic weddings Baptisms funerals Confirmations & First Communions. Youll also discover other important topics that can help you better understand the Catholic culture--from morality & devotions to worship & liturgy. There are more than one billion Catholics in the world & each one shares a foundational set of basic beliefs & practices that he or she follows. Some of the teachings of Catholicism are thousands of years old while others are more recent. So what is the Catholic culture like & what do they believe? Catholicism For Dummies answers these & many other questions. Various stances within American Catholicism today Covers the death of John Paul II & the succession of Pope Benedict XVI who has supported the return of the Latin Mass among congregations who desire to celebrate it Expanded information on baptism confirmation & the other sacraments New information about the priesthood & religious life today Twenty-first-century issues & questions modern Catholics face including gay marriage abortion & the death penalty Catholicism For Dummies presents a rich tapestry & history of the Catholic faith--from devotions to doctrines. This intelligent & faithful look at Catholicism will open your eyes to this religion & answer many of the questions you may have about it.