Understanding Roman Catholicism: 37 Roman Catholic Doctrines Explained

After being a catholic for more than 40 years, my brother (a former catholic) had tried to get me to read the Bible more and rely less on the teachings of the church. This was difficult for me, because I was in a leadership position in our parish. I was a lector and an educator in the church's RCIA program, an adult education program for those wishing to convert to catholicism. My brother bought me this book, but I put it aside and didn't bother reading it. I thought it was propaganda that twisted the catechism for the purposes of bashing catholicism. Well, despite being a life-long catholic and despite being someone who actually was charged with teaching the catechism, I began to read the Bible and listen to a very educated Bible teacher. Many of the messages the teacher was giving me ran directly contrary to the teachings of the catholic church -- teachings I had, myself, been giving to others. In time, through my own self-education within the Bible itself, with research into scripture, with the help of learned Bible teachers and students as well, I finally came to the conclusion that the catholic church had strayed away from the truth of the Word. While the church may have, at one time, been true to Word, it clearly no longer is. The church taught me that my salvation was based on how I behaved, that I could be doomed to hell for my sins if I didn't seek absolution, and that is simply not the case. It was only after I learned the truth that I turned to this book. In that context, I highly recommend this book, even though there are certain parts that may bear further investigation on the part of the reader. My advice, particularly to those who are questioning the catholic church, is to read this book but don't take it completely on it's own. Instead, get yourself an Old Scofield Study Bible, read this book and research the material presented--then come to your own conclusions. The bottom line is that you can develop a completely personal relationship with God, that you don't need any organized religion to filter or otherwise mold that relationship, and salvation is a free, permanent gift that requires no church affiliation to obtain. It is yours for the asking. And remember: this is an honest review from a former life-long catholic who, after more than forty years and having been a lector and educator, found the truth in the Word. My relationship with the Lord has never been stronger, my life of worship never fuller, my happiness never greater. Good luck!

This book is a great blessing. As a former Catholic who never even considered leaving the Roman Catholic "Church" this is a real eye-opener. The book methodically details the difference between God's Word, The Bible, and the TRADITIONS OF MEN, the Catechism. If you no longer want to be brainwashed and realize the bondage you are in when it comes to the Catholic religion, read this book. God Loves you! That's the Good News. The question is, do you know Jesus?Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."READ: He did not say through RELIGION, nor did He say THROUGH MY 'CHURCH', nor did He say THROUGH MY SACRAMENTS.Trust Jesus, and Him alone!

I was born, raised, and lived as a Catholic, until someone shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with me. Now as a Bible believing Christian it is incumbent on me to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. In doing so I enter into discussions with others, which include those who are of the Catholic religion. This book is a valuable tool in understanding the basis of Catholic doctrines, and examining them with the final authority (The Bible). This book was not written to trash Catholics, and I believe all Catholics should read it. They will be surprised how little they actually knew about the true root basis, and message of their religion, I was. It also gave me additional information to be able to address questions directed to official Roman Catholic doctrine (Catechism). No one should be afraid to search for the truth, if they have the right motives. This book will serve at least as a tool for self-examination, and encourage further Bible study. Matthew 7:7 & 8 - John 8:32

This book is entirely Scriptural based and represents God's truth! The Catholics who are criticizing it just don't want to face up to the truth that the Catholic Church adds to God's Word. They refuse to accept things God has established and would prefer to put their trust in a manmade institution. I am a former Catholic and finally see the light! God revealed to me what He wanted of me in His Word.

Having Catholic friends and family members, I was very interested in reading this book. I read "Understanding Roman Catholicism" cover to cover, and even purchased a copy of the 1994 Catholic Catechism to independently verify quotes from the official cathechism itself. Every quote cited was word for word as it appears in the Cathecism. Jones argument is well thought out, and is a must read for Catholics serious about their relationship with God. If you love religion and tradition, however, you will find this book to be very disturbing.