Far from Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Roman Catholic Priests

by Richard Bennett (Editor), Martin Buckingham

The moving testimonies of fifty priests who found their way, by the grace of God, out of the labyrinth of the Roman Catholic system into the light of the gospel of Christ.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Catholic

378 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 1994

Reviews

[Nathan Ormond · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fun read for the differences between Roman Catholics and EVANGELICAL protestants. Certainly incredibly biased in its views -- not so much a discussion of the distinguishing features of theology between the two sects but more people just saying "I really felt like it was true".

Nevertheless contains many moving testimonies and an interesting historical piece too as you get a glimpse into the lives of many over the past two hundred years or so and into how their lives as priests was, more than likely, radically different from your own!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't know an awful lot about the dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church. Was shocked to read many priests were not allowed to read the Bible at seminary, yet it was through reading the Bible that they got peace and assurance of their salvation. The RC church couldn't give them that, only Jesus could. Very interesting read.

[Margaret Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

An immense and powerful book of testimony. It was encouraging to read of so many different men, from all different situations, who hungered for truth and eventually followed their convictions to come out of the Catholic system and into the Truth. A good amount of information is given about the Catholic church-much of which many may not know. And many of the former priests would argue how there is a good amount of 'brain-washing' for those growing up in it. One statement that shows the truth of the Catholic religion is that it is built upon 'pagan philosophies.' For many of the testimonies there was first a desire to know God and perceiving emptiness in the Catholic church with its rituals, second, they read the Bible and search the scriptures and third, they meet genuine Christians.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book of testimonies by 50 former Roman Catholic priests who became evangelical Christians. The testimonies vary in length but even the longest are about 10 - 12 pages.

I tended to read the book at night when I would sometimes come down to get some decaff coffee which I find helps me sleep. The short chapters made it an ideal book in such a situation.

What struck me was how that nearly every account quoted from Paul's letter to the Romans. It reminded me that it was Martin Luther's reading of Romans that led his rediscovery to the doctrine of justification alone that is the Gospel of Christ. This has reinforced my belief that the book of Romans is the book that the Church of Rome needs to return to if it is to embrace the gospel and doctrine of the New Testament.

It is a book which honours the Lord Jesus Christ and points to Him as the sole mediator between men and God.

[Rory Pineda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite frankly a poor reflection of Catholic faith. Inaccurate at best, most of the theological arguments are trope and easily refuted. The personal testimonies of these men do not prove much. Having been to Catholic seminary myself, the idea of the Bible being forbidden to read is absurd. Both of the Testaments are read every day. This is simply a collection of straw man arguments and questionable stories.

[Aaron Kleinheksel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great collection of testimonies from former Roman Catholic Priests. I only wish they would produce a 2nd volume of this book with more recent additions, since these are all from mid to late last century.

[Abe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for understanding the thought process of many Catholics. Shows the sad reality of a works based theology that always ends without hope. Very light reading so its a good book for any level of religious understanding.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely gets repetitive but as you get deeper in the book there are more deeper testimonies. Was very helpful in de-programing my mind.

[Neil]

A lot of very well written biography in this book, as you would expect, but one also learns much of the doctrine and practice of the Roman church, and how far removed from the Bible it is, according to priests who had spent years of their life totally devoted to the church. As such, it is far from being a biased account.