Rowland explains the basic elements of Catholic theology, and then explores the main theological groups in contemporary Catholic theology: various kinds of Thomists, the Communio theologians (such as Joseph Ratzinger himself), the Concilium theologians, and Liberation theology.

He writes for first-time students trying to make sense of Catholic theology today, as well as for those more knowledgeable of theology.

The appendices include a list of Doctors of the Church, all encyclicals since the 19th century, the documents of Vatican II, and a list of definitions of various Christological heresies from the period of the early Church Councils.