20 Answers - Protestantism

by Jimmy Akin

How did Protestant Christianity begin and spread? What are the distinctive beliefs of Protestantism, and how do they differ from Catholic teaching? How do “non-denominational Bible churches” compare with the “mainline” branches of Protestantism? Why are some Protestant groups anti-Catholic, and what can I do to foster better relations with them and help them understand Catholicism? Since the Reformation, Christianity has been split into many competing groups, each differing from the others but almost all claiming to represent the authentic gospel of Jesus Christ. How did that happen? And how can we better understand—and work to heal—those divisions? 20 Protestantism gives you a perfect beginner’s guide to the historical roots of Protestantism, its liturgical and doctrinal flavors, and its impact on the evolution of global (and especially American) Christian culture. Most of all, it offers proven advice for finding common ground with Protestants while sharing your own Catholic faith. The 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers offers hard facts, powerful arguments, and clear explanations of the most important topics facing the Church and the world—all in a compact, easy-to-read package. Check out dozens of other topics in the 20 Answers Series of booklets published by Catholic Answers Press.

Genres: Religion

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2019

About the author

Jimmy Akin (b. 1965) was born in Texas, grew up nominally Protestant, but at age 20 experienced a profound conversion to Christ. Planning on becoming a Protestant pastor or seminary professor, he started an intensive study of the Bible. But the more he immersed himself in Scripture the more he found to support the Catholic faith. Eventually, he was compelled in conscience to enter the Catholic Church, which he did in 1992. His conversion story, "A Triumph and a Tragedy," is published in Surprised by Truth. Besides being an author, Jimmy is a Senior Apologist at Catholic Answers, a contributing editor to This Rock magazine, and a weekly guest on "Catholic Answers Live."

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy how much I still don’t know about all the different denominations and historical events and people involved in Protestantism. It’s so obnoxious how every tenet of Protestantism comes with a disclaimer that not even everyone who follows it agrees with how to, etc. It’s so convoluted and very difficult to learn, but this was a great start. I love Jimmy Akin’s writing and style.

[Forrest Stieg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very short overview.

[Inez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned SO much. Thought I know there’s so much more to learn. Love the simple and conciseness of it. Makes me more intrigued for church history.

[Deborah Halnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding our separated brothers who have left the Catholic Church.

So many have left, and their children do not know what they have abandoned. Many are finding what they left and returning.

The bible came from the Church. The Eucharist comes from the Church. When people see the Eucharistic Miracles and understand that the Host is the Body of Christ and the wine is the Blood of Christ.