Explains the rich tapestry of beliefs, traditions and practices at the heart of modern, global Catholicism, and how they developed.

Lawrence S. Cunningham is John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. His scholarly interests are in the area of systematic theology and culture, Christian spirituality, and the history of Christian spirituality. His most recent book is A Brief History of Saints. He has edited or written sixteen other books and is co-editor of the academic monograph series 'Studies in Theology and Spirituality'.

Preface; 1. The many meanings of Catholicism; 2. Roman Catholicism; 3. Being Catholic: some typologies; 4. Catholicism in time and place; 5. The rule of faith; 6. Catholic worship; 7. Catholic spirituality; 8. The missionary character of Catholicism; 9. Catholic reformation(s); 10. The moral life; 11. The contemporary Catholic Church; 12. Reading Catholicism: a bibliography; Index.