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48 complete source answers from the approved historical catechism. The wording is retained. These concise answers do not cover every aspect of a topic.

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Who is God?

God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 37, question 2.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

The words are transcribed from the approved edition; line wrapping is normalized. This is a concise historical catechism answer, not a complete treatment of every related question. Original English, including older terms, is retained.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

What is man?

Man is a creature composed of a body and soul, and made to the image and likeness of God.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 38, question 3.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

The words are transcribed from the approved edition; line wrapping is normalized. This is a concise historical catechism answer, not a complete treatment of every related question. Original English, including older terms, is retained.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

How is the soul like to God?

The soul is like God because it is a spirit that will never die, and has understanding and free will.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 38, question 5.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

The words are transcribed from the approved edition; line wrapping is normalized. This is a concise historical catechism answer, not a complete treatment of every related question. Original English, including older terms, is retained.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

Why did God make you?

God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in the next.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 40, question 6.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

The words are transcribed from the approved edition; line wrapping is normalized. This is a concise historical catechism answer, not a complete treatment of every related question. Original English, including older terms, is retained.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

What is God?

God is a spirit infinitely perfect.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 45, question 13.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

The words are transcribed from the approved edition; line wrapping is normalized. This is a concise historical catechism answer, not a complete treatment of every related question. Original English, including older terms, is retained.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

Had God a beginning?

God had no beginning; He always was and always will be.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Read the original page here
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Verify original page, edition and approval

Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 45, question 14.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

The words are transcribed from the approved edition; line wrapping is normalized. This is a concise historical catechism answer, not a complete treatment of every related question. Original English, including older terms, is retained.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

Explore the whole Compendium

All 598 numbered answers are covered by this chapter navigator. The full modern text opens at the Vatican; the number helps you find the exact passage.

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48 indexed questions. Answers are read in the cited Church publication.

Faith, reason & philosophy

Bible & Tradition

God & Jesus Christ

Church & authority

Mary & saints

Mass & Eucharist

Sacraments & forgiveness

Worship & Catholic traditions

Conscience & moral choices

Prayer & interior life

Marriage, family & vocation

Work & everyday holiness

Death & eternal life

Human dignity & sexuality

Society, justice & charity

Other Christians & religions

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