is an original work of Rev. William Crumley C.S.C. It is an attempt to proclaim our most basic truths in as simple a manner as possible.
While composing this work, the author was unhappy because the chapter about God was the shortest and contained only poetry.
Several years after the original composition the author went to a retreat. The retreat director stated at the beginning that "We know God first of all through the poet." This remark inspired the author to change the style and format of the book.
The book now begins with the chapter on God, now the longest of the chapters. It is a dialogue between the reader and the poet. The reader first goes to the philosopher to find God. The philosopher is unable to answer the reader\'s questions and sends him to the theologian. He also is unable to answer the reader\'s questions and directs him to the poet.
The poet takes the reader to the sea, then to the mountain, and then to the city. This cycle corresponds with the Old Testament cycle. God is first depicted at the water. Before the Hebrews were welded together as the people of God they were led by Moses across the sea. When it became necessary to lay down some laws and guidelines, Moses went to the mountain. Then the people were led into the city to live out the faith they had professed.
The same cycle of sea, then mountain, then city is reflected in our New Testament tradition. Jesus draws his first followers from the sea. In the Gospel of Matthew he goes to the mountain to announce His kingdom and at end of the Gospel sends his followers into the city to preach the Good News of the Kingdom.
Some persons have objected to the title. It is not a catechism and we are not unbelievers. The author contends none of us are truly believers. We are all struggling to become believers. Although its style is not that of a traditional catechism, it does look at the most basic questions of our life. This is the primary function of a catechism.