Roman Catholicism

by John Armstrong (Editor)

'Roman Catholicism deserves a prominent place in the library of every evangelical pastor and layperson. It provides a much needed exposition and defense of evangelical Protestant beliefs placed in bold relief beside the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. By no means does the book gloss over the very real doctrinal differences that exist between evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics. Nonetheless, it also seeks to underscore those doctrines evangelicals and Roman Catholics mutually affirm. This is a highly recommended book. It is a timely piece, particularly welcome as a fresh resource to dispel the confusion stirred by recent Evangelical-Roman Catholic dialogues.' --John WoodbridgeTrinity Evangelical Divinity School

Genres: Theology

348 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

John Armstrong is a British philosopher living in Melbourne, Australia. He was born 1966 in Glasgow and worked as a research fellow at the University of London. Armstrong works currently as the Philosopher-in-Residence at the Melbourne Business School at the Melbourne University. He is author of several books on philosophical themes.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the most fair and exhaustive book I have found that touches on the key differences between Protestantism and Catholicism. Very helpful book.

[Richard Klueg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is older (1994) and therefore does not include more recent developments. I still consider it helpful and well worth reading. The authors are well-informed and fair in documenting the situation between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism as they "analyze what divides us and unites us." Their treatment is firm without being harsh. Perhaps the overall conclusion is best summed up by editor John H. Armstrong in the closing chapter:

"As long as Rome maintains a two-source view of authority (the idea that God's authority comes to us through the Bible and the traditions of the church), we will not be able to solve our serious disagreements. And as long as Rome insists on an understanding of justification by faith that undermines the Pauline doctrine of grace as explained in the epistles to the Galatians and the Romans, we shall remain divided."

Ironically and sadly, I don't know if Mr. Armstrong would write that paragraph today. From all I can tell, he has gone of the rails (IMHO) and become quite "ecumenical" in his dealing with Roman Catholicism. Whatever he thinks and teaches now, what he wrote in 1994 was right on the money. I would say the same for what he wrote for me in my 1996 autographed copy of the book: "May He give you a deep love for His gospel as the source of power."