Catholic OCD: The Catechism of the Catholic Church in Context

Reading and referencing the Catechism of the Catholic Church seems like it is a good idea. Or is it? Many Catholics, and frankly even people who are not Catholics, might understand the catechism as a useful tool, a place in which all of their questions about the Catholic faith can be answered. Unfortunately, this is a popular misunderstanding and assumption. The catechism was never intended to be used in this manner. Understanding the context of the catechism, what the purpose of the text is, how it is intended to be used, helps to provide an informed perception and understanding.