Customer Reviews

The Gospel According to Rome: Comparing Catholic Tradition and the Word of God

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(26)

 

 

McCarthy's "Gospel According to Rome" is an excellent, well organized, and easy-to-use resource book on the subject.

To those Roman Catholics who have bashed this book, I can only say they must be very insecure in their beliefs or very uncomfortable with the teachings of their own religious institution. For the hard truth is that McCarthy's book is not based on his own biased opinion or interpretations of Catholc belief, but a straightforward presentation of the doctrines and teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, via its own well-referenced catechism and official documents.

Though written by a former Catholic, this is not a personal rant abut the Roman Catholic Church. Rather, McCarthy's main aim is to inform about the teachings and structure of the RCC. For this reason alone, many Catholics who have written disparagingly here would do well to read a book like this, as my own experience and observations have taught me that the average church-going Catholic knows little about the offical teachings of his/her own Church.

For example, ask ten Roman Catholics what one must do to get to Heaven, and you will typically get ten different answers. Yet, Mr. McCarthy, utilizing the Vatican's own official teaching (and , in this instance, with the aid of concise, detailed flow charts) clearly delineates the complicated criteria for justification and sanctification that the RCC has developed over the centuries.

As stated, in this sense, this book would be even useful to Catholics who need a simpler understanding of a belief system that is so complicated it requires the employment of canon lawyers.

McCarthy's detailing of the process which made "the Assumption of the Virgin Mary" an infallible doctrine is worth the price of the book alone.

Of all the unique and peculiar doctrines that separate the RCC from Protestants, it can be easily argued that this is the most peculiar. Where is the evidence, scripturally, historically, or otherwise, that Mary was assumed bodily into Heaven? McCarthy relates with inarguable historicity how Pius XII was able to use the RCC notion of tradition to declare ex cathedra a new belief requirement for Roman Catholics, in spite of deafening silence on the matter from the entire body of early Christian fathers.

The book is well organized, with chapters expressing in great detail the Roman Catholic teaching on a topic, followed by a Bibilical response. The material is well authenticated with the Roman Catholic catechism's reference numbers indicated throughout. Every assertion is well documented.

My highest rating, for a well written, interesting and informative book on official Roman Catholic teaching. The first book on my shelf I go to when I need such a resource.

By quoting extensively from Catholic sources the author tries to fairly treat Catholic teaching. Of course, he approches this from a Protestant perspective, but he gets credit for not only quoting from original sources but also for addressing some of the Catholic arguments in support of those teachings.

In the forward he says, "Catholic teachings are carefully examined in light of Scripture, which speaks for itself." If Scripture spoke for itself wouldn't all Christians of good will follow the single line of doctrines taught by Scripture? Assuming there are Christians of good will we must conclude that Scripture isn't quite so clear. Is there an authoritative Protestant interpretation of Scripture? A Protestant catechism?

So, we are left with Catholic teaching pitted against one man's view of what Scripture says. A similiar book could have been written showing from Scripture why his Catholic half of the book is absolutely what Scripture teaches. Who owns what Scripture means? The author assumes he does but that is not well established.

In the very last section of the book, Appendix E, he addresses Sola Scriptura. Since the very format of this book assumes this doctrine, I would have expected that he would have majored on this topic. But he cannot, or at least refuses to, address a key challenge to that teaching. If Scripture is your sole authority where does Scripture claim, clearly please, that it is the sole authority? He punts on this question rather than prove his position(pg. 354) The conclusion is that he cannot answer this critical attack on hos position. And so this book argues from a position that the author fails to support, and it fails as a result.

Why Tradition? Jesus said "If they hear you they hear me." Paul says to "hold on to the traditions that you were taught by us...". We know that even the prophets passed on teachings that are not recorded in the OT. Matt. 2:23 suggests that the holy family returned from Egypt to fulfill the prophetic claim that "he shall be called a Nazarene." Where in the OT is that recorded? If Scripture claims sole authority the above would be contradicted and that is why he appears to punt on the issue.

The book I would like to read would record all of the places where Catholics and Protestants agree! Maybe it would be helpful to place our focus there for a while and see how we are brothers instead of building walls between us. Would that book sell?

Its interesting to see all those people who marked this book with 1 star. I wonder if they even read the book?

For example, in the review entitled "thou shalt not commit false witness", a reviewer claimed the McCarthy hates catholics. Little does that reviewer know that McCarthy expresses his love for catholics right in the pages of the book, as he came from a Catholic background.

The book is interesting and well-written, even if you don't agree with the conclusions. I would surmise that even one who does not agree with the books conclusions would have to give it a minimum of 2 or 3 stars for a good effort.

The book is an interesting read, and very factual and well-substantiated. It doesn't resort to bitter polemic, but rather presents a strong case for the Protestant view of Catholic tradition.

The book does a fine job of objectively presenting Catholic dogma, as put forth in various official sources. After the presentation of the dogma, McCarthy goes into a Biblical critique of it.

I mean it, ignore ALL the reviews, positive and negative. There are limitless differences of opinion on religion/faith issues and only your opinion should matter to you, but you owe it to yourself to make it an informed one. So buy this book and buy the "Catechism of the Catholic Church". Read the catechism first from front to back. Then read McCarthy's book and cross reference to the catechism. Then pray for guidance while forming your own opinion.

I dare you to read this book and not come to the same conclusions as the author! I used this book to inform myself of the facts that as a former catholic I myself did not know about my own religion. I was a good catholic, followed protocol and obeyed all commandments from the church. I stood, I bowed, I kneeled. I confessed, I hailed Mary, and I did not know God personally, I only thought I did, because of my works in following orders. This book shows why burying saints in the ground to obtain a wish, or rubbing a saints medal for protection, or kneeling before a piece of one of the saints body's, is all false hood. Where it all came was man, not God, and God says very clearly throughout the bible, it is through my son Christ that you will see the father, confess and pray only to me, God. Put no gods or idols before me(God), and above all believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins, and accept his gift of grace, and you will be instantly justified, not just the first step, but the whole and only step to salvation. This book has helped me understand the religion I grew up in, and left and now understand the one and only way to Christ and salvation. P.S. If you can't understand the bible, it is no mystery. God says your eyes will be covered by scales until you step out in faith, accept Jesus as your savior, then the scales will be removed, and miraculously the bible will open up to you, and you will here Gods voice every time you read his God breathed word, the living Bible. I fully dare you to read both books, and if you can't understand either, then question where your faith lies...

Common sense check here...this author is condeming a christ centered, very holy christian faith in order to save souls for God's Kingdom! You don't have to be catholic to see the snare of pride in this! While this author is perhaps well intentioned...it is like stealing money from your neighbors house in order to help the one across the street. It is inconsistent with the teachings of Christ. Catholics who are wavering...give yourself better spiritual food...this guy is just a guy claiming to BE the final authority in sacred scripture and catholic teachings..really? Who does this man think he is? Any church or ministry that condemns another christian denomination as a way to "save souls" with such fervor is NOT CHRISTIAN. Period!
NOTE: Whether you are catholic or NOT and searching...go to Dr. Scott Hahn, he has wonderful credentials and good christian common sense.

I agree. McCarthy explains the views of evangelical non-catholics on the subject of the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church(RCC) very well and the book is a very well written book that I enjoyed reading. Very well written book that illustrates the authors views on the teachings and doctrine of the RCC. There are many such as McCarthy who were RC and are no longer. Just like there are many Roman Catholics today who used to be non-catholic evangelicals. Another excellent book for the purpose of continued learning is "Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic" by David B. Currie which discusses why a person who was born into a religious fundamentalist 'people of the book' family and who went to a University to get a higher level education on christian fundamental beliefs decided to become Roman Catholic. Having both points of view from such excellents authors (as McCarthy and Currie) would be prudent to anyone who wishes to discuss either side of the Christian Fundamentalist / Roman Catholic debate for themselves or for others. Thank you Mr. McCarthy for such a well written book! Many Christians would agree that one of the greatest gifts from God is the gift of free will. Although remembering that the greater the level of freedom, the greater the level of responsibility. Without differences of opinion, there can be no intelligent debate. :) Also, take a look at the following link where someone took the time to refute the logic that McCarthy lays out in his book: [...]

This book has an excellent presentation. It's critical of Roman Catholism and is written by a former catholic from a very catholic family. He uses real life situations to showcase Roman Catholic practices and references many Roman Catholic writings including the new Catechism of the Catholic church. Does a powerful comparision between Roman Catholic teachings and scripture. His judgment is obvious but not harshly given.

McCarthy's work is quite excellent. With respect, care, and precision, he brings the light of Scripture to bear on the Catholic Catechism. I would strongly recommend this as a primer on Catholicism for the layman who is unfamiliar with its teachings, and perhaps especially recommend it to ordinary Catholics seeking to bring Church dogma (as well as personal belief) under the searchlight of Holy Scripture. I have lent my copy to Catholic friends (including one Jesuit) and none have so far attempted to refute any of its contents.

Having read the book with the Catechism in my hand, McCarthy's quotes from the Catechism are absolutely accurate, and not to my knowledge misinterpreted, or quoted out of context. It is worthwhile purchasing both the Catechism and McCarthy's critique to see the extent to which McCarthy's message is sadly true.

Surely critics of the book are begging the question when they appeal to the authority of the Vatican as the authoritative interpreter of Holy Scripture - including its alleged nominating the Vatican as the authoritative interpreter? McCarthy is spot on in refuting Catholic dogma with Scripture, whose infallible interpreter is the Holy Spirit, granted to all true believers (John 16v13-5). The sheep hear His voice, but the hired hand they will flee from (John 10v4-5). Who are you listening to?

After reading the reviews by the Catholics here, which is an assumption on my part because of the negative reviews, I have to ask the question: Did they read the book? I have serious doubts because I have read the book. I also have a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which is the offical teachings of the Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II says of the Catechism "A sure norm for teaching the Faith". So don't take my word on it, the Catechism is the offical doctine of Catholicism. That being said, I still have to ask the question again. Did the Catholic reviewers read the book, The Gospel According to Rome? Because if they did, they will see that McCarthy backs up all of his conclusions with references to the Catechism and the Bible (comparing the two). I have checked his sources with the offical Catechism, and he quotes truely. And upon examining the quotes FROM THE CATECHISM, I must state that Christianity and Catholicism have very little in common and that Roman Catholicism is a cult that rivals the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. Biblical Christianity does not teach most of the Catholic dotrine (I will agree that Catholics have some of it right but...). I challenge any Catholic with the guts to do so to e-mail me, point out the errors in McCarthy's work, and tell me what the truth of the matter is according to Roman Catholicism. My e-mail is jasonmccoy@mindspring.com and I welcome the challenge. Please, if Catholicism is true, convince me. If it is false, then turn from your evil ways, confess your sins to the Lord Jesus (not Mary), trust in Him as the Source of your salvation (and your ONLY source), and follow Him with the honor, praise, and glory that is His forever and forever. I apologize if I have offended anyone or came across as being too harsh and unloving but I am not going to idlely sit by and let heresy againest my Lord and Savior Jesus to be preached because there are being searching for truth and they need the facts before they can make a decision. E-mail me and help me correct my wrongs if I am indeed wrong.