Praise for the previous edition: "Clearly written, easy to follow, and filled with excellent black-and-white illustrations."--School Library Journal In a clear, straightforward format that has become the hallmark of the World Religions series, Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, Second Edition traces Catholicism from its roots in early Christian churches to the way the religions are observed today. Recounted here is the historical passage of the Catholic and Orthodox faiths, from the original teachings of Jesus Christ to the early separation of the Eastern and Western Churches and recent attempts at reconciliation. The central doctrines of Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity are explored as background to such current issues as the child abuse scandals of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States and the many tensions over abortion and gay marriage that exist in American society. The death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI are also highlighted. Updated throughout, this edition also features three new photographs. Coverage includes: *The origins, history, beliefs, and practices of Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity *Doctrinal disagreements between the Catholic and Orthodox Christian Churches and the dialogue between the two Churches *Catholic and Orthodox communities in the United States *Challenges facing Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, including ecumenism and interreligious dialogue; lay movements; poverty and social activism; issues surrounding the Churches' views on homosexuality and abortion; the declining number of priests; abuse scandals *Pope Benedict XVI *and more.