Format: PaperbackChange
Price:$13.36+Free shipping with Amazon Prime
-
The Gospel According to Rome: Comparing Catholic Tradition and the...
- ›
-
Customer Reviews
- The Gospel According to Rome: Comparing Catholic Tradition and the...
- ›
- Customer Reviews
Most helpful positive review
142 of 183 people found the following review helpful
5Excellent resource of Roman Catholic teaching
ByA readeron February 9, 2005
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.
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.
Most helpful critical review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
1Former Protestant and Now Catholic
ByCestusdei "nondescript1"on July 10, 2015
I am a former Protestant who would have agreed with him. Now I am happily Catholic. Yes, I have read the Bible. I also read the Catholic responses to the old canards and that convinced me. See www.catholic.com
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
142 of 183 people found the following review helpful
ByA readeron February 9, 2005
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.
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.
1212 commentsWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuse
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
ByLynn Liparon May 25, 2011
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.
0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuseShow more comments
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Please write at least one word
You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment
A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later.
There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
ByGary Hillon April 28, 2014
There is a history of Church denominations deviating from the Word of God the older they mature. It starts by applying principles which are divergent from Word of God. This book looks into depth comparing Catholic beliefs and practices with the Word of God. These beliefs and practices are distinctly different from the Word of God and may have been responsible for one of the most terrifying 1,000 years in the history of the world. A great read and highly educational.
0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuseShow more comments
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Please write at least one word
You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment
A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later.
There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
ByTruth seekeron June 29, 2013
McCarthy having been an informed Roman Catholic systematically unravels all the Roman rubbish. Logically tears the Roman synagog's doctrine apart and does it with a smile. Jesus said of the tax collector who was beating his chest saying: lord have mercy on me a sinner, I tell you this man went home justified. The Catholic translation is Ill tell you on the way home this man stopped by and joined the Roman church, started participating in the sacraments, meriting grace and justice, doing good works, doing masses, penance, pilgrimages and then when he ended up in purgatory without enough grace waited to see if he would be justified. And when the jailer asked Paul in Acts What must i do to inherit eternal life? and Paul said believe in Jesus and be saved, the catholic translation is Paul told him get a copy of the Catechism, done by our hair splitting academics, join the Roman synagog, and start on the treadmill of inherent grace and perfection. Dont pay attention to Paul when he says God declares righteous the ungodly, who have no inherent righteousness, by faith. No, because if you believe Paul when he says that God justifies the ungodly by faith, then our whole system of merit and inherent righteousness would go out the window along with our man made superstitions. " For in vain glory do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. Thank God for men like James McCarthy. I always laugh when people who are converted to the Roman synagog say we found the more full experience( code word for our works are necessary for justification and im looking for pomp and circumstance). If Christ removed the veil so that we can go directly to His altar in heaven in Him, since he is the only mediator who is constantly interceding for us, and we have everything pertaining to life and Godliness and eternal life, why would we need to wait for grace to be shot out to us through a priest, or a sacrament, or Mary. The judaizers( todays Roman Catholics) needed a visible priesthood, a visible altar, and a visible sacrifice( the mass), but christianity is spiritual worship. The high priest is in heaven, His altar is in Heaven, and his sacrifice is done. Thats why he tells the Woman at the well The Father seeks worshipers who worship Him in spirit and in truth. Jesus said the things i tell you are spiritual, the flesh profits nothing. Faith comes through hearing and hearing through the word of God. I've always contended if Catholics were taught the Bible they wouldnt belong to the Roman synagog long. Of course the medieval Roman church kept the scripture from the laity and thats why the could take their selling of masses and indulgences into purgatory, because they kept their people in stupidity and fear. All who live by that system will find their souls in hell Galations 5:1-4.
0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuseShow more comments
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Please write at least one word
You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment
A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later.
There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
ByAmazon Customeron December 26, 2012
A former Catholic, McCarthy obeys the bottom line as commanded in Jude v. 3: "Contend (vigorously defend) the faith once (and for all time) delivered to the saints."
He tirelessly quotes Catholic documents, from the Catechism to the writings of the Magisterium, and compares them to what God says in His Word about how to relate to Himself. He uses many quotes, much Scripture, not vague declarations, but useful specifics.
He also points out what the God the Son said in the Gospels: Tradition makes the worship of God null and void. Matthew 15. Not all tradition, but any that "adds to what is written." We may receive personal guidance from God, but no new doctrine, again, Jude v. 3, "the faith once and for all time delivered to the saints." For all time.
All this is written courteously and lovingly and with respect, since, again, McCarthy once believed as that church teaches and he cares about the people he left behind.
He tirelessly quotes Catholic documents, from the Catechism to the writings of the Magisterium, and compares them to what God says in His Word about how to relate to Himself. He uses many quotes, much Scripture, not vague declarations, but useful specifics.
He also points out what the God the Son said in the Gospels: Tradition makes the worship of God null and void. Matthew 15. Not all tradition, but any that "adds to what is written." We may receive personal guidance from God, but no new doctrine, again, Jude v. 3, "the faith once and for all time delivered to the saints." For all time.
All this is written courteously and lovingly and with respect, since, again, McCarthy once believed as that church teaches and he cares about the people he left behind.
0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuseShow more comments
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Please write at least one word
You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment
A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later.
There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
ByFrank Pflockon March 10, 2014
I originally read this book several years ago. As a former Catholic (now Baptist) I was astonished that at one time I believed the Catholic doctrines covered in this book. This book is NOT a put down of Catholics (They are our brothers in Christ). It juxtaposes Catholic Doctrine as defined by actual Roman Catholic Papal Encyclical, pronouncement of the Magisterium and Catholic tradition with Biblical Scripture. The reader is then free to judge which to accept. I bought these 2 copies to send to a couple Roman Catholic friends of mine since I found it eye-opening. I originally read this book several years ago. As a former Catholic (now Baptist) I was astonished that at one time I believed the Catholic doctrines covered in this book.
11 commentWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuseShow more comments
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Please write at least one word
You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment
A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later.
There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
ByS. Wise "music mom"on November 15, 2013
This is a great book. Everyone who wants to really understand the difference between the catholic church teachings and those of the protestant church should read this. If you are protestant and have love ones who are catholic and you want to understand them more, this is the book for you. It is very factual, and objective. The only agenda in the book is to share what is believed an where those beliefs comes from in an unbiased manner.
0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuseShow more comments
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Please write at least one word
You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment
A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later.
There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
ByLaurieon June 11, 2014
Answers all the questions as to why the Catholic Church is not a Bible-based Christian faith, but a man-made works-oriented religion. Both cannot be right, and this book gives definitive answers as to why.
0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuseShow more comments
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Please write at least one word
You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment
A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later.
There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
BySue Forwithon January 9, 2015
Having grown up RC but now attending a bible based non-denominational church for several years, I was ready and needing this book. The author addresses all the major differences between Catholicism and non-Catholicism and what the bible says or does not say about these areas. He uses an extensive amount of referencing back to the bible, the RC Catechism, papal letters, etc, so you know where his resources are coming from and can read them for yourselves.
This book is written in a positive manner to point out differences for dialogue and understanding. This book was exactly what I needed at this time in my faith walk and discernment....I couldn't put it down. Give yourself plenty of time to read, re-read and digest the chapters.
I highly recommend it for anyone who has any connections to RC in your past or family members. I do think that you will get more out of it though if you have spent time reading the bible first for yourself. Reading the scriptures he referenced I found myself re-reading entire chapters in the bible, cross-referenced scripture in my study bibles, etc. I'll be reading this book again after I let it all marinade!
This book is written in a positive manner to point out differences for dialogue and understanding. This book was exactly what I needed at this time in my faith walk and discernment....I couldn't put it down. Give yourself plenty of time to read, re-read and digest the chapters.
I highly recommend it for anyone who has any connections to RC in your past or family members. I do think that you will get more out of it though if you have spent time reading the bible first for yourself. Reading the scriptures he referenced I found myself re-reading entire chapters in the bible, cross-referenced scripture in my study bibles, etc. I'll be reading this book again after I let it all marinade!
0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuseShow more comments
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Please write at least one word
You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment
A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later.
There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
ByRonald D. Morrisonon March 7, 2014
The Roman Catholic Church would probably cease to exist if its members read this book. It was an eye opener for me and has changed my understanding of Christendom. I highly recommend! Ronald D. Morrison
0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNoSending feedback...Report abuseShow more comments
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Please write at least one word
You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment
A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later.
There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.
Send us feedback
How can we make Amazon Customer Reviews better for you?Let us know here.
There's a problem loading this menu right now.
Get free unlimited photo storage with Amazon Prime
Prime members also enjoy FREE Two-Day Shipping and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, and Kindle books.
Get to Know Us | Make Money with Us | Amazon Payment Products | Let Us Help You |
- Conditions of Use
- Privacy Notice
- Interest-Based Ads
- © 1996-2015, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates
