Creation and Fall — Study Aids

These pages summarize the material needed to study for Creation and Fall review questions. Most are derived from the Baltimore Catechism.

Books used as a reference for the Creation and Fall unit include Chief Truths of the Faith by Fr. John Laux (1932), the Baltimore Catechism and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2005). However, almost all student catechisms cover similar topics. Specific chapters relating to Creation and the Fall of man are given for each text.

Chief Truths of the Faith     by Fr. John Laux
This concise outline of the major tenets of the Catholic faith is an excellent introduction to the creeds of Christianity for the beginners, as well as a stimulating read for educated Catholics who wish to learn more. Fr. Laux never fails to retain the reader’s interest while giving in-depth explanations of topics such as: Sources of Faith, Attributes of God, Human Nature, the Immaculate Conception, Sanctifying Grace, Resurrection of the dead the the General judgment, and many more.

Reading Assignment:     Section II, Chaps 1-8, 21-24; pp 63-102, 159-176
(1) Nature and Attributes of God, (2) Most Blessed Trinity, (3) Creation of the World, (4) Divine Providence, (5) The Spirit World, (6) Origin of the Human Race, (7) Fall of Man, (8) Original Sin, (21) Eternal Life, (22) Purgatory, (23) Eternal Death, (24) General Judgment

Baltimore Catechism - Volume 3  by T. Kinkead
The Baltimore Catechism is the official national catechism for children in the United States and Volume 3 is suitable for high schoolers and those who have received their confirmation. It reviews material from volume 2, but includes additional questions, definitions, examples, and applications.

Reading Assignment:     Chapters 1 to 6, 36
(1) Ends of Man, (2) God and his Perfections, (3) Unity and Trinity, (4) Creation, (5) First Parents and Fall, (6) Sin, (36) Heaven, Hell, and Judgment

Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church     by USCCB (2005)
The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a summary of the 1992 version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It was developed under the direction of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), then head of the CD. The Compendium is organized into the same divisions as the Catechism, but the simplified Question and Answer format is more appropriate for high school level study and review.

Reading Assignment:     Section I, Chapter 1; Section II, Chapter 1, 3;
(I-1) Man's Capacity for God (Purpose of Creation, Ends of Man) (II-1) I Believe in God the Father (Creation of Heaven and Earth, Creation of Man, the Fall), (II-3) I Believe in the Holy Spirit (Judgment, Resurrection of the Body, Life Everlasting).