Holy Ground: Walking with Jesus as a Former Catholic

by Christopher A. Castaldo

Overview

“This is the best book I have read that chronicles such pilgrimages. And it is full of godly commonsense.” —D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School “A refreshing change…[Castaldo] shows respect for the tradition from which he departed” —Francis J. Beckwith, Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies, Baylor University. Author of Return to Rome: Confessions of an Evangelical Catholic. “Very important [and] very helpful!” —J.I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College Do you dread conversation at Christmas dinner with your Catholic family? At weddings, funerals, and holidays? Chris Castaldo has wrestled personally with this question and many more. Perhaps you have too. Whether you are a former Roman Catholic or know someone who is, you’ll find helpful answers and encouraging support within these pages. Like: how can Evangelicals and Catholics reach such different conclusions from the same Scripture? When I talk about my faith with my Catholic family, why does someone always get upset? How does my Catholic background still influence my views of God and salvation? And how should I talk with my Catholic friends about Jesus? More than providing historical perspective, theological reflection, and practical lessons, Holy Ground is a dynamic exploration of how to emulate both the grace and truth of the Lord Jesus Christ in relation to the Catholic people you love.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310292326
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	10/10/2009
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Chris Castaldo (Ph D) was raised on Long Island, New York, as a Roman Catholic and worked full-time in the Catholic Church for several years. After eight years as pastor of outreach and church planting at College Church (Wheaton, Ill.), followed by three years as Director of the Ministry of Gospel Renewal at Wheaton College, Chris currently serves as Lead Pastor of New Covenant Church in Naperville, IL. He is the author of Holy Ground: Walking with Jesus as a Former Catholic and Talking with Catholics about the Gospel: A Guide for Evangelicals. Chris blogs at www.chriscastaldo.com

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Chris Castaldo offers a provocative challenge. For Evangelicals to recognize that their Catholic friends and family can, yes, know Jesus. He also offers insight into why so many former Catholics—the second largest religious group in the U.S.—have found a home in the Evangelical Christian world.” — Peter Feuerherd

“Holy Ground is much more than an excellent treatment of the longstanding and significant doctrinal differences between Catholicism and Evangelicalism, though it is certainly that. Breaking new ground, it also explores the personal dilemmas and real-life experiences which former Catholics face as they seek to move forward as Evangelicals. Well researched, up to date, and insightful, this book will enrich the most strained Catholic-Evangelical relationships with a compelling balance of grace and truth.” — Dorington G. Little

“Principled and gracious, theological and practical, full of careful reasoning and warm illustrations—this is a book I will recommend to others. Even if you think Castaldo is too hard or too soft on Catholics here or there, you will surely benefit from his personal research and sensitive analysis. This book does a great service to the Evangelical church. And it just might help a few Catholics too.” — Kevin De Young

“Holy Ground is the best tool available for helping former Roman Catholics witness to friends and family members without causing needless offense or compromising the gospel. Chris Castaldo’s love for other people and firm grasp of biblical principles for discipleship and evangelism come through on nearly every page. His honest, charitable approach to Protestant-Catholic relationships will help many people honor God and demonstrate the love of Jesus in the very way they share their faith.” — Dr. Philip Ryken

“I highly recommend Chris Castaldo’s book, Holy Ground: Walking with Jesus as a Former Catholic, as a must-read for every Christian. Chris has done an excellent job providing insight and balance in an area that is rarely addressed. Holy Ground has power to change your life.” — Randal Ross

“Holy Ground is a well-researched, historically sound, conciliatory treatise of the Catholic-Protestant dialogue. With integrity, balance, and his witty, no-nonsense New York sensibility—Chris Castaldo goes to great lengths to honor that which is good, pure, and Christ centered in both traditions. This is a great read for those looking to move past stereotypes, hearsay, and fill-in-the-blank responses to important questions.” — Ellie Lofaro

“Chris Castaldo has given us a wonderful, grace-filled, helpful resource. The insights in this book are written with love and compelling credibility in an engaging style. Holy Ground will equip your heart and your mind to engage our Catholic friends in meaningful, compassionate dialogue about the truth of the gospel.” — Dr. Crawford W. Loritts, Jr.

'I'm going to take this book, give it to my Catholic friends, and ask them to underline what they most like and what they find most difficult. It will produce a wonderful discussion. Chris Castaldo has written with humility, reality, and above all, personal experience. Here we see such issues as Luther and Loyola and why they matter; Scripture and why it's authoritative; grace and how it is experienced; and church authority and why it's central. I thoroughly recommend this book as a great tool for those seeking to dialogue with Catholic friends, family, and colleagues.' — Rico Tice

“Admirably fair-minded, carefully documented, and pleasantly lucid and irenic, Holy Ground will grace the lives and relationships of those Evangelicals with Catholic heritage. An important read for Evangelicals and Catholics alike. Highly recommended.” — R. Kent Hughes

“As a former Catholic turned Protestant who eventually ended up going to seminary in preparation for full-time ministry, I found Holy Ground to be an accurate and helpful resource. I wish it had been around when I was trying to understand church history and doctrine, especially as it relates to the chasm that still exists between Protestants and Catholics. I genuinely appreciate Chris Castaldo’s sensitivity in approaching the differences in a way that is respectful, thought provoking, and accurate. I am certain that engaging, grace-filled dialogue will follow from this instructive book, leading Protestants and Catholics alike to a greater understanding of one another and what they believe.” — Mary Schaller

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