Dear Michael:

If I remember correctly I think I gave you some references (web sites) where information may be gathered. But, as to a single volume of Catholic teaching, I recommend the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Not everything in the Catechism, however, is binding on belief of a Catholic. For example, the Pope has said, and the Catechism says that the conditions that justify Capital Punishment are virtually non-existent. The American Bishops have made that judgment concerning the Unites States. But, this is not dogma or definitive teaching, thus one can be a good Catholic and support Capital Punishment.

But, in a case like this, while it is permitted to disagree, one must give preference to the Church's view, consider it carefully, and if one finds they disagree it must be done with respect.

The best thing to do is to buy a copy of the Catechism and read it. When you have questions about whether or not something is binding and must be believed or is something that is okay to disagree just make a list and I will be happy to go over the list and clear up any questions.

As for a billion people believing all the same thing, actually there are about 2.2 billion people who believe in Jesus Christ. We are not talking about whether apples or oranges, Ford or Chevy, Red Sox or Cardinals are better than the other. That is all opinion and it would be difficult to get large numbers of people to agree.

But with the Faith we are dealing with God's Truth. While people can have varying opinions, it is usually large numbers who have that opinion. There are 1.4 billion Catholics who hold the same Faith. Southern Baptist are about 20 million I think, and so on.

Jesus said that we are to be ONE, not many. We are to have one faith and one baptism. If God expect this of us, then it is possible. God does not ask us to do what is not possible.

But, I suspect the main reason why this may sound a little overwhelming is that you are not yet knowledgeable about which teachings are binding and which are not.

I can help you with that. One does not have like apples to be a Catholic :), but one must believe Jesus is the Son of God,  True God and True Man, the 2nd Person of the Trinity.

The most basic statement of the binding faith is the Nicene Creed.

Anyway, make your list of particular teachings that you wish to know as to whether or not they are binding and I will give you the "true scoop."

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary