The Gospel According to Rome

I have read several books on the subject of Roman Catholicism from the Biblical perspective. In my opinion, this is the single best book on the subject because it clearly, thoroughly, and accurately compares Roman Catholic doctrine to Biblical truth. This book is written for the truth seeker, Catholic or non-Catholic. The format is excellent in comparing side-by-side Biblical Scripture and Roman Catholic doctrine. Catholic doctrine is cross-referenced with excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church so that the reader can read directly what the Roman Catholic Church says about its own doctrines. The author has a solid grasp of both Roman Catholic doctrine and Biblical truth. The material is clearly presented in a very interesting and highly understandable way.

I'm really not sure what all the hatred is about. Regardless of whether McCarthy is write or wrong he is NOT hateful. He is very respectful. I am equally confused as to why so many Catholics are angry with him for taking quotes from the Catechism out of context. I'm not sure how calling Mary the "All-Holy One" (p 215) in the Catholic Catechism (2677) can be taken out of context. There are many such examples. Sure some things COULD have been taken out of context (the catechism is my next read), but many things stand alone. Additionally, Catholics take verses out of context all the time, so it's a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. The issue comes down to whose arguments you believe. Catholics may find this book unconvincing, but I find a good deal of Catholic doctrine unconvincing - especially the assumption of Mary!!!

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...

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.

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.