The Roman Catholic Controversy

Excellent book by James White, clearly deliniating the differences between Roman Catholicism and Evangelical Protestantism! I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who has left the Catholic Church and occasionally has doubts whether or not they truly left the true Christian Church.

Roman Catholics rate the book low.Protestants rate the book high.That really tells you nothing about how good the book is.Myself, being neither protestant nor catholic rate it high because Mr. White takes a peaceful and logical approach to acknowledging the differences between Catholics and Protestants, and using primary sources and direct quotations (not just excerpts taken out of context) to prove his points.As for the previous review of Mr. Whites tactics; it is misleading. The reviewer takes things out of context. For example, in the Roman Catholic Catechism, it states in Part one, section two, chapter 3, article 10, 983, subpart 2:"God above confirms what priests do here below."The Catholic Catechism is saying that God confirms the molesting of little children.Well, of course that is absurd, and you see in their Catechism that is only reffering to the priests' power to heal sin, but when taken out of context it sure makes Catholics look bad, doesn't it? Thats what the Catholic reviewers have been doing to Mr. White here. Regardless of religious affiliation, this is an excellent book to read to gain understanding on both catholic and protestant issues ranging from Mary to the Pope to Purgatory.Also, the one reviewer implying that Mr. White and Mr. Hunt work together is at error. Hunt is a reformed calvinist who expresses ideas very different from Whites in his books, mainly "What Love Is This?". A book documenting the debates between Mr. White and Mr. Hunt is comming out this year, called The Dividing Line

This should be required reading for Catholics who believe John 6 supports the RC doctrine of the Sacrifice of the Mass. White analyzes the passage and builds his case brick by logical brick. He demonstrates to a very high level of certainty that the text is NOT referring to the Eucharist (which by the way the early church fathers didn't believe either). Also answers the controversial question of whether the Roman Catholic Church has gone so far as to compromise the gospel and jeopardize the salvation of its members.

White's book is a fine contribution that clarifies the subtantial theological differences between Rome and historic, biblical Christianity. What a welcome antidote this book is to the fluffy, at times silly, arguments of those like Scott Hahn on the other side. White carefully demonstrates how Rome has sadly departed from important elements of the biblical gospel of grace. He clearly shows that Paul and James are of one accord in teaching salvation by grace alone, through faith alone. The old objections which pit Paul against James, etc., are shown for the superficialities that they are. This book is a must read for those interested in the subject.

How is sinful man reconciled to God? This is the quintessential question of man's existence. If indeed man is sinful and estranged from God then isn't the *means* through which man is reconciled back to God of infinite, eternal importance? The Gospel is God's reconciliation plan for mankind--the "good news" of eternal life. The question arises: What is the Gospel? Who defines it? Does it make a difference? In this splendid work, James White emphasizes the Biblical Gospel: By God's Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross alone! He compares the Biblical Gospel with that of Roman Catholicism and cogently demonstrates how Rome has diverged from the truth. Rome, in effect, has implemented a "gospel" of works, which is really no gospel after all (see Galatians ch. 1). James is thoughtful, sensitive, and speaks the truth in love--but he speaks the *truth*. He sounds a clarion call to Protestants and Catholics alike: Do you know the Biblical Gospel?