[billbears]

The words in the Bible are quite clear if one sits down and studies it, even without some catechism. I don't need someone else to tell me what it means as God shows us clearly through His word if we are open to the Holy Spirit

And just curious because I've never read the catechism to the Catholic Church but the part you posted says nothing of Christ's sacrifice or his resurrection from the dead. Seems that would be the central message of any church and should especially find it in the prologue, perhaps in big bold red letters? I realize it comments on our relationship to God through Christ, but it doesn't mention exactly what Christ did for us does it?

[Notwithstanding]

Remember, what I posted are a few introductory paragraphs of a 1000 page work that is very detailed and comprehensive - and chock full of scripture references.

Never-the-less, I am puzzled by your post to me since the excerpt I posted highlights scriptures that declare that Jesus is the Savior:

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FATHER,... this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Jn 17:3

"God our Saviour desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Tim 2:3-4

"There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" - than the name of JESUS. Acts 4:12

[Notwithstanding]

The whole point of my post was to note that man needs help from the Church in order to make sense of Scripture.

God EXPECTS the Church to assist people in comprehending the Word - in fact he commands it!

The Catechism does not replace Scripture - and it presumes the reader will have access to or familiarity with the OT and NT.