Catholicism 101: The Essential Audio Course by America's Greatest Catholic Educator

By: Rev. William J. Byron SJ PhD

Narrated by: Rev. William J. Byron SJ PhD

Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

By America's greatest Catholic educator, this is a must-have course for enthusiastic newcomers, cradle Catholics, or anyone with questions about Catholicism.

Whether you seek a deeper personal understanding or wish to be able to better answer questions posed by family, friends, or parishioners, this program is essential. Your professor and guide, Fr. Bill Byron, is past president of three Catholic universities, including the Catholic University of America, and has ministered to thousands of Catholics over nearly six decades.

This series is rich food for the mind and the soul from a compassionate Catholic pastor and brilliant Catholic educator.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

©2006 Now You Know Media Inc. (P)2006 Now You Know Media Inc.

Best available overview of Catholicism

Fr. Bryan organizes 36 lectures around the major questions people have about the Catholic faith. Personally, I was raised a Lutheran and became a Catholic as an adult through RCIA. I found this series information-packed, lively, and frankly inspiring. Fr. Byron is simply an outstanding teacher with a passionate faith. He uses countless examples and real-life situations to illustrate his points. For example, when he talks about the centrality of gratitude in Christian living, you can understand how the Christian faith can animate your relationships, your work, etc. He's able to explain complex theology, the liturgical year and other concepts clearly. I like that you can skip around or go back to the sections that cover your personal questions. I highly recommend this series. It is truly the best book or audio overview of Catholicism.

Jesuit Bias

Reader bewarned Father Byron is a staunch Jesuit. Likely like you if you are reading this review, you are looking for an introductory book on Catholicism to learn more about the faith, I would suggest reading the Catechism instead or listening to some more mainstream sources of information.

Father Byron being a Jesuit means he often inserts his own opinions into the text and has interpretations of scripture that are not necessarily consistent with the church but presents them as though they are.

It’s fine to be a Jesuit, obviously and Father Byron is indeed a good priest and I'm sure a very holy man. It's worth noting Pope Francis is a Jesuit himself. However, I found it disappointing to have so many radical progressive Jesuit talking points inserted into a book that I had hoped to use to learn more about my faith. Instead of calling it “Catholicism 101” maybe go with “Jesuit beliefs and doctrine.”

I can understand why this is promoted as the primary book on Catholicism on audible as its teachings are very progressive and more likely in line with politically correct beliefs on sexuality, gender and race.

Don't get this book

Shame on me. Shouldn't have purchased. too much bragging about himself. zzzz I'm deleting from library