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Nothing in My Hand I Bring: Understanding the Differences Between Roman Catholic and Protestant Beliefs

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When Ray Galea submitted his life to Christ, he had a problem on his hands: Which church should he go to?

"I did not want to assume that just because I was born a Catholic, this was by definition the right choice. I knew I could just as easily have been born a Baptist or a Mormon. So I spent the next six months reading and talking to priests and ministers to find out the differences between Catholics and Protestants. How did each of their teachings compare with the teaching of Jesus and the apostles?"

This book is a kind of re-tracing of Ray's investigation, looking at the key issues which continue to divide Protestants and Catholics, and assessing them in light of the teaching of Scripture.

A challenging and invaluable book for Protestants and Catholics alike.

Chapter headings:

» Growing up Catholic
» Which Catholicism?
» Christ and the Mass
» The Bible and the Church
» The way of salvation
» It's just grace
» Mary
» It is finished
» Appendix: The new Catholicism

121 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2007

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219 people want to read

About the author

Ray Galea

10 books6 followers
Ray Galea is an Anglican minister who leads the pastoral team at St Alban's Multicultural Bible Ministry at Rooty Hill in western Sydney. His special brief is to work cross-culturally among second-generation Mediterranean and Middle Eastern people in the region.

Ray grew up as a member of a devout Roman Catholic family, and played an active role as a boy in his local parish church. Prior to training for the ministry, Ray worked as a social worker in Wollongong for three years where he specialized in marriage and family counselling. He is a graduate from Moore Theological College. He is married to Sandy and they have has three children: James, Amy and Madeleine. He has recently authored the book Nothing in My Hand I Bring (Matthias Media, 2008) which has become a focus of interest in the lead-up to Pope Benedict's visit to Sydney in July for Catholic World Youth Day.

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5 stars
116 (40%)
4 stars
130 (45%)
3 stars
25 (8%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Bill Forgeard.
797 reviews89 followers
July 28, 2015
A comparison between Catholicism and Protestantism, written in Ray Galea's typically engaging style. Having experienced a happy Catholic upbringing, he is positive towards his Catholic heritage, and well informed about Catholicism. However, his message is uncompromising: "To my surprise and hurt, I gradually, reluctantly and painfully discovered that every 'distinctive' teaching of Roman Catholicism seemed to undermine the person and work of the Lord Jesus". As he examines the Mass, the Bible, the way of salvation, the role of grace and the place of Mary, Galea draws out a consistent theme. In each area, Catholicism caters to the human desire to contribute to our own salvation, so that the death of Christ, God's revelation in the Bible and the promise of the gospel are no longer sufficient and must be supplemented.
Profile Image for Peter Yock.
241 reviews17 followers
September 2, 2018
In a couple of uni Bible studies lately I've been repeatedly told that the Catholic church and the Protestant church teach exactly the same thing. I'm absolutely certain that's not true, but when I turned to find a helpful resource to explain the differences, it wasn't easy to find a simple, clear book outlining the differences and pointing us to the Scriptural gospel.

Then I remembered this book. And read it. And I'm really glad.

As a protestant I found it a really refreshing reminder of the scriptural truths of grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone. I found it a refreshing lesson in the events of the reformation.

But I also REALLY appreciated looking first hand at what the Catholic church teaches. Ray doesn't just use hearsay - he's constantly quoting the Catholic churches own documents, which is very helpful and extremely enlightening. I'd highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Emma Grace Blumer.
172 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2025
A fellow believer mentioned awhile ago that God used this book to draw her out of Catholicism into genuine faith in Christ, so it’s been on my TBR since then. It’s a well articulated explanation overall- the quotes from the Council of Trent, Vatican II, etc helped me- I’ll need to read those in their entirety at some point.

I appreciated his exhortation to ask various questions and listen well with gentleness and respect when talking with professing Catholics. Grateful that Christ is sufficient and needs nothing added to His perfect life, sacrifice, and resurrection!

Related reading: Far from Rome, Near to God. I give that one away a lot, but will likely start giving this one out more often since it’s a shorter read.
Profile Image for Emily Maria.
1 review4 followers
January 27, 2014
If you're looking for an accurate explanation of Catholicism, what it is all about and what Catholics actually believe, I suggest you stay well away from this book. This book just sounds like it is written by a guy who was a Catholic, but didn't really understand it, then was influenced by Protestants and mislead to believe what they believe to be true about Catholicism. Protestants reasoning for their belief that "Catholics aren't real Christians" are all based around misinformation, mistruths and just plain ignorance.
If you want to really know what Catholicism is all about, go and talk to a Catholic, or read a book written by a Catholic. If you want to live in ignorance, then by all means, read this book until your hearts content.
Profile Image for sophia.
285 reviews18 followers
October 5, 2018
I would recommend this book to a Protestant trying to understand Catholicism, but situationally I'd be hesitant about vice-versa. This is a great explanation of a lot of Catholic beliefs in comparison to Protestantism, but the description is a bit misleading. The idea made in the blurb is that Ray Galea grew up in the Catholic church, and when he first decided to follow Christ entirely, he investigated the differences between the two beliefs, making this book a re-tracing of that investigation. The contents of this book are not built upon what Protestants and Catholics believe and the differences between the two, but what Catholics believe and how that differs from Protestantism. The reason why this distinction is important is that the book expects a prior knowledge on Protestantism, and therefore would not be as useful as a guide to some.

If accepted as so, this is an absolutely great guide for specific purposes. It was very helpful to me personally. The school I attend is run by Catholics, and with me being the only Protestant with many Christians, the topic of theology oftentimes comes up. I've had debates about praying to saints and transubstantiation, and something I usually realize by the end of the debate that not only to we believe different things, but we define our words entirely differently! For example, a teacher of mine told me that she believed in all solae except for Sola Scriptura, but also believed that one can be saved through mere practice of the sacrament. I think for Protestants and Catholics to engage in theological conversation, it is important to understand the differences.

One thing that was a big fault for about half of this book - the second half was good with this - was that there were a lot of claims about Protestantism that didn't cite the source. I was a bit annoyed to be told theology, but not be told where it was found in the Bible. I don't think Galea had any incorrect theology, only that it was difficult to discover where it was from by looking at his book alone. (I should note that with Catholicism, for all I noticed, he cited his sources, and had a very good collection of sources in the back!)

If you're into multi-colored highlighting, just in case, this is what I used:
Pink - Important theology/point
Yellow - On Catholicism
Blue - On Protestantism
Green - Note (written in the margins, bottom, or separate paper)
All else are underlined.

Actual rating - 3.5
Profile Image for Sally Poyzer.
Author 1 book19 followers
April 17, 2017
This is a quick, easy to read book that gives a great insight into what it's like to grow up as a Catholic...and the challenge of walking away from it. Ray gives an excellent, well written summary of the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, writing with grace and compassion. I would highly recommend this book to Protestants wanting to better understand Catholics, and to Catholics wanting to better understand both their own faith and the teachings of the Bible.
Profile Image for Michal Šubert.
55 reviews
June 4, 2020
This book opened my eyes in so many ways. First of all I discovered more about differences between catholics and protestants. Then it helped to understand Christianity overall.
Profile Image for Addie.
227 reviews7 followers
September 21, 2022
'Theology is like the captain of an ocean liner. It gives us our bearings and steers us in a certain direction, and even a small change in course can result in a very different destination.'

A bite-sized read, with plenty to think through:
- A brief overview of some key doctrinal differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant beliefs, based on Ray Galea's experience of exploring his faith during his uni years. It's written in a conversational tone, with minimal jargon. This would make a great jumping off point for Protestants starting to consider how Roman Catholic traditions differ, plenty of food for thought despite being a very quick read.
- I regret not reading this in high school. It would have saved my Catholic friends a lot of annoyance after I found out about transubstantiation in year 11 (I was indignant!) It's a stereotype that young Christians are a bit brash when entering their theology nerd phase (Google "cage stage Calvinist memes"). I wasn't "put her in a cage" bad, but after a few more years of maturity, there were conversations I definitely could have handled better. I love Galea's reminder that there is a right time and place for conversations about different beliefs, and 'if we are going to argue for 'grace alone', we should speak with grace alone as well - that is, with gentleness, respect and love.' (p. 103)
- Pretty impressed by how many concepts were touched on in a mere 114 pages. A list of ideas/doctrines covered: the Eucharist, priesthood of all believers, Christ alone, sufficiency of Scripture, scriptural perspicuity, justification, sanctification, faith alone, grace alone, sacraments and grace, purgatory, Marian devotion, and possibly a few more I don't yet know the fancy names for.
- The edition I've got has a very pretty cover, but alas, Goodreads hasn't updated it yet :(
- TL;DR: A very brief overview, but helpful. Would recommend to young Protestants (understand what you believe but be gentle, don't hound your Catholic mates).
Profile Image for Andrzej Stelmasiak.
218 reviews8 followers
December 22, 2020
Generally OK. Puts forward good case for Biblical Christianity as expressed along common denominator for historical Protestantism.
His engagement with Rome, despite himself being ex-Roman Catholic, is a wee bit wanting. It looks like reading Rome through the lenses of Herbert Carson instead of Vatican II (of which Galea is obviously not ignorant, and appendix is somewhat rescuing this book).

Good to give away to get people thinking and start the discussion if read charitably by both sides.
Profile Image for Victor Labrada.
45 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2020
Necessary reading for Protestants in catholic contexts

I’m a Presbyterian minister in Miami, which means that more often than not the visitors to my church have a Roman Catholic background. Often they enjoy the preaching but listen through their catholic schema, so that they take what was taught in wildly different ways than intended. Ray Galea does a great job of defining some terms that both Protestants and Catholics use and how they differ in meaning, and ultimately how much Catholics depend on their own works (and Mary) more than on Christ.
Profile Image for Peter.
25 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2022
Decent evangelistic book to give to questioning Catholics
Profile Image for Patrick Rodda.
10 reviews
June 26, 2022
Not only have the Protestant faiths been lumped into one belief system that is Ray’s, but it seems that he had not accounted for other denominations in his “detailed” rebuttal to Catholicism; which, in truth shares much more in common with Anglicans and Lutherans than say Calvinists or Anabaptists, etc.

Though he quotes correctly the Church Councils (e.g. the Council of Trent) in this book, Ray’s analysis and evaluation is off the mark – having both personally read these Council papers and spoken with Priests too.

There seemed to be many things that Ray did bring in his hands when he wrote this book!
Profile Image for Roman.
50 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2017
A quick, easy book to read that clearly highlights the differences between Catholicism and Protestant beliefs. Drawing on his own upbringing in the Catholic faith, Ray clearly and succinctly showcases the differences between these two Christian beliefs, highlighting the way Catholicism seeks to add man to an equation where only God should exist. Having only a passing knowledge of Catholicism, I was surprised by the vast differences in belief it had to other denominations of Christianity, and opened my eyes to how those differences could be harmful to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Highly recommended.
1 review
November 10, 2019
This is a quick read with some interesting thoughts. I would suggest that you read it with an understanding that the author’s goal is to persuade about the wrongness of Catholicism and the rightness of Protestantism. If you are actually looking for an understanding of the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, read this book, but also make sure that you read books written by Catholics and that you talk with Catholics.
Profile Image for Daniel.
168 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2016
This book is not only an excellent primer on the differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant beliefs, it is a heart-stirring reminder of the glory and power of the gospel. I found myself glorying once again and the doctrine of justification by faith. This was a fitting and wonderful read as we approach the 500-year anniversary of the Reformation!
Profile Image for Daniel Im.
Author 6 books45 followers
June 26, 2020
I read this book because one of my congregants grew up Catholic and was asking about the differences. Although I have an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Masters degree in Missiology, never have I read such a compelling book on the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. Do yourself a favour and pick up this book. You won't regret it.
Profile Image for Christine Dillon.
Author 20 books198 followers
October 25, 2016
Simple, clear and gracious. A testimony of why a Maltese background would risk hurting his family and seeming to reject his culture.

Profile Image for esther .
146 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2022
(Ignore the amount of time I took to read it lol, this is a fairly short book and it's easy to read.)

That said, it was still a pretty thorough comparison between Catholic and Protestant beliefs. The author was raised Catholic but became Protestant-- for reasons he lays out in this book. For me, coming from a Reformed point of view, it was helpful in teaching me what the Catholic church's beliefs were, and why they held these beliefs, and how they compare to what the Bible says. I'm not sure if it would be equally helpful to a Catholic reader; Galea does quote a good number of verses to support his points but overall I think it's mostly geared towards the Protestant reader. (Additionally, just about each piece of information about catholic beliefs is followed by or said in a way that makes clear the author's personal opinion. So though it may be biased in that way, I don't think the truth is altered in any way. Galea also provides a list of sources at the end.)
Through this analysis, Galea's central thesis could be summed up in this quote: "Roman Catholicism kept wanting to find a place for human participation in the work of redemption-- in particular, the participation of the Catholic Church and its priests. It was not content to watch from afar as Christ died for the ungodly.... It said with one breath that the sacrifice of Christ was 'once for all', but in the next breath wanted to insist that the sacrifice of Christ was only available and effective if the Church and its priests played their indispensable part in re-offering it." (pg 47-48)

Overall, I found this book to be a good, not too long read for someone looking to understand the Catholic religion more and how it compares to the Bible.
14 reviews
April 24, 2025
Visai gerai apibendrinama Katalikybė ir Protestantizmas, jog Katalikybė tiesiog daugiau kaip religija, nustatyta žmonių o protestantizmo visa esmė yra 5 solos

Sola Scriptura: Protestantai tiki, kad tik Šventasis Raštas (Biblija) yra neklystantis ir galutinis tikėjimo šaltinis. Bažnyčios tradicijos ir autoritetai yra vertinami tik tiek, kiek jie neprieštarauja Raštui.
Sola Fide: Išganymas gaunamas tikėjimu, o ne per gerus darbus ar sakramentų laikymąsi. Tai buvo esminis skirtumas nuo katalikų mokymo.
Sola Gratia: Išganymas yra visiškai Dievo malonės aktas, žmogus negali jo užsitarnauti savo pastangomis.
Solus Christus: Tik Kristus yra išganymo šaltinis ir tarpininkas, ne šventieji ar dvasininkai.
Soli Deo Gloria: Viskas, kas daroma, turi būti Dievo šlovei, o ne žmogaus ar institucijų garbei
Profile Image for Jon Pentecost.
352 reviews62 followers
June 29, 2019
Concise explanation of key differences between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. Uses the Bible is clear ways to address where RCC errs.
Galea’s own story as someone who grew up in a devout Catholic family is a helpful background to his explanations, and provides a tone of practicality to the discussion, as well as a gentle and respectful tone. He is also careful to acknowledge the wide range of beliefs among actual Catholics.

The book is similar to Sproul’s Are We Together?, but feels a bit more personable and more obviously applicable to discussions with Roman Catholic family and friends.
Profile Image for Charlie.
95 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2022
My husband and I read through this together (I was raised Catholic and he is a recent convert from the Baptist church) and we both noticed huge misconceptions and untruths that Rob Galea shares. Our copy is now full of our own notes and corrections!
Rob does not understand the Catholic faith for what it truly is, and it is sad that this book spreads so much misconception about our faith! We would not recommend this book; it has some heretical and dangerous teachings that many Protestants and Catholics alike would disagree with. If you read it, keep a clear and open mind, aided by the Holy Spirit, to notice the untruths about Christianity subtly woven in.
Profile Image for James.
7 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2019
Excellent book!!

The top two reasons I would recommend reading is to:

1. Understand the core differences between Catholicism and what the Bible teaches
2. Share with your Catholic friends what the Bible teaches

I pray that this wonderful book will be placed in the hands of many Catholics, that they may come to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ.
Profile Image for John Antony.
24 reviews
June 5, 2024
If strawman arguments had a patron saint, it'd be this book. My family and I converted from Roman Catholicism when I was very young, at great personal cost, so I am not unsympathetic to wanting to see how Protestants disagree with Catholics. But this book is just filled with lazy stereotypes of Catholicism than with any substantial critique (of which there is much to be made).
Profile Image for Ashley McKnight.
101 reviews17 followers
November 1, 2018
I enjoyed this look at the differences between Catholics and Protestants. In particular, Galea's heart for the tradition he was raised in is evident. This is a helpful book for Protestants and Catholics alike.
11 reviews
Read
July 7, 2020
Easy read and has a good balance of Ray Galea's personal story and experience growing up Catholic and strong theological explanation of the differences in beliefs and practices and the implications flowing from those differences.
Profile Image for Jeremy Pynch.
58 reviews
May 13, 2018
This was a brief overview of the Roman Catholic Church by an ex-Catholic. I look forward to reading more on the differences between the RC Church and Protestant Church.
Profile Image for Nathan Ormond.
120 reviews78 followers
December 29, 2019
A mixture of personal testimony and theological differences between Roman Catholics and Protestants
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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