Grace & Justification: An Evangelical's Guide to Catholic Beliefs

by Stephen Wood

Does the Catholic Church teach that justification is by grace? For 500 years the answer to this question has divided Protestants and Catholics.Many Evangelicals and surprisingly most Catholics believe that the Catholic Church teaches justification by unaided human works. Isn't it past time that both Evangelicals and Catholics investigate whether or not this 500-year-old answer is true? Steve Wood presents a unique ecumenical perspective on several of the contentious doctrines relating to justification (such as works, merit, & infusion) by viewing them through the lens of our adoption by God the Father. He also encourages a simple, yet profound, way to grasp the priority of grace taught throughout the Catechism of the Catholic Church that many unfortunately miss. Readers will The seven main points of difference between Protestants and Catholics on justification listed in an easy-to-understand one-page summary Why it's so easy for Protestants and Catholics to misunderstand each other An amazing view of grace in light of this year's 500th anniversary of the Reformation The surprising way Catholics interpret Romans and Galatians What is the New Perspective on St. Paul and how this teaching is transforming beliefs on justification How many media reports on recent ecumenical documents on justification are misleading How C.S. Lewis uncovered an often ignored aspect of salvation by grace "This is an amazingly accessible presentation of Catholic beliefs about justification and grace. Steve Wood writes with both clarity and charity." --FRANCIS J. BECKWITH, Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies, Baylor University "In Grace and Justification, Steve Wood offers a clear, biblical, faithful -- and peaceful -- guide for addressing common misunderstandings that evangelicals have about Catholic teaching on salvation. But cradle Catholics will find it just as useful for brushing up on the basics. It's simply the best primer I've read. Anyone who reads it -- evangelical or Catholic -- will be better for having done so." --SCOTT HAHN, Ph.D., Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and founder of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology "This fine book by Steve Wood is certainly one of the clearest, most readable examinations on the topic of justification I have ever read. It's crucial to get justification right -- for ourselves and for our families -- since the consequences are eternal." --MARCUS GRODI, author, TV & radio host, and President of the Coming Home Network

Genres: Catholic

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2017

Reviews

[Kallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a recent to convert to Catholicism from Protestantism, this was a helpful look at exactly where the two differ on these core topics. The only criticism I have is that Protestants come in so many flavors that not all believe this way or that as is mapped out in this book. However, the defense for these beliefs on both sides is clearly stated and I found it edifying.

[Sandra Traw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Explanation Ever Read

I purchased this book after hearing the author speak about why he had written it. His purpose he said was to bring a greater understanding between Evangelicals and Catholics because he was more aware than most of the misunderstandings and misinformation. He was an Evangelical Pastor for over 20 years before converting to Roman Catholicism over 20 years ago. I have recommended it to many of my friends both Catholic and Protestant.

[Callie Hornbuckle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very accessible summary of Catholic beliefs about salvation and would be an excellent resource for both Catholics and Protestants wanting to better understand what the Church teaches - his writing style and personal background reminds me of Scott Hahn. It was the starting point of a great conversation at our book club. I took off a star for the introductory chapters, which included a tedious explanation of what would be explained that could have been much shorter.

[Christopher Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing to Understanding

I'm a Presbyterian, I never fully began to want to understand my Catholic peers until this year. This book was not only a wonderful journey into understanding the Catholic view of Justification but laid in with reason to understand.
You may not agree with the author , but you will come out of this book understanding the Catholic position.

[JJ Cylk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more of an instruction book. It goes through chapter after chapter on how Catholics have a different belief than Protestants on Grace and Justification. This is a good document that explains that but I’m not sure I’ll remember everything he taught me.