Catholicism in the Third Millennium Paperback – February 1, 2003

I am a Roman Catholic priest and adjunct Professor at Georgetown University. I have recently been asked to teach a course in our parish for the RCIA group (Rite for the Catechetical Instruction of Adults). I went through about 10 potential textbooks, and picked Thomas Rausch's Catholicism in the Third Millennium. There is a deep split between what some might call "liberal" and :"conservative" Catholics, but in terms of knowledge of the intricacies of the Catholic faith, it is usually between those who have had an opportunity to study their faith in some depth, as in a school of theology, where I have taught for 30 years prior to coming to Georgetown, or classes on the faith or on the Bible at most in High School. Thomas Rausch is himself a college professor, and goes into theology at a very profound level, especially in the light of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) which he quotes very liberally. Fr. Rausch is a Jesuit, as is the new Pope Francis, so I believe the "liberal" way is the best way towards the future of Catholicism. If certain Church regulations don't make much sense, Fr. Rausch says so, and hopes that things may change in the future.

This book is a wonderful, thorough introduction to Catholicism and practices of the Catholic faith. It is definitely written from an inclusive, charitable point of view, which I greatly appreciated. I would recommend this book as a good introduction for someone who is considering joining the Catholic faith, or just wishes to know more about it.

For the price i paid it was a very good deal.

thank you!

Father Rausch is an excellent historian and a respected member of the priesthood. I recommend all his books.

The book answers my needs. It is a great teaching tool and source book.

This book was required text for an online class. Good information and easy to read. Good introduction to Catholicism or review of the how and whys.

I first encountered this book in a causal theology discussion group and found it to be a nice read. While it is hardly original, I do believe that it provides a good foundation for a discussion about Catholicism, Religiosity and secularity in the modern world. I have not read the older version of this book, so cannot comment on the changes in this edition. I would recommend this book for anyone engaged in religious education or the professional or casual study of Christian theology.