Q: What is the difference between Catechism and Canon Law? December 14, 2025

Two major works emerged from Vatican II: the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the revised Code of Canon Law. The Catechism presents the Church’s teachings as rooted in Scripture and Tradition, whereas Canon Law establishes the legal framework governing the Church’s institutional operations.

The term catechism literally means “teaching.” Its earliest expressions appear in Scripture, such as the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule. Building on initiation rites from its Jewish heritage, the early Church adapted these “teachings”, compiling them in the Didache (“The Twelve”), which blended Jewish purification practices with Christian doctrine. As Christianity spread, catechisms evolved into creeds—statements of faith professed during baptism. By the fifth century, Cyril of Alexandria authored the first complete catechism based on the Nicene Creed. Over the centuries, practical questions about applying Christian principles prompted numerous councils and declarations. By the twentieth century, these teachings filled many volumes. To provide clarity and unity, Pope St. John Paul II oversaw the creation of the modern CCC, consolidating these teachings into a single resource organized around four foundational pillars: the Creed, Sacramental Life, Moral Life, and Prayer. The term “canon” signifies authority, as seen in the canonization of Scripture. In this context, the Code of Canon Law defines the Church’s authority to govern specific matters. Unlike Scripture or Tradition, Canon Law does not claim inerrancy; rather, it provides a legal framework that can be interpreted and adapted over time.