Holy Ground: Walking with Jesus as a Former Catholic

by Chris A. Castaldo

“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.

Genres: Theology, Catholic, Evangelism, Faith

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2009

Reviews

[Donald Owens II · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this an educational, charitable, and carefully reasoned explanation of the similarities and differences between Evangelicals and Roman Catholics. A book of this caliber on this subject isn't published every day.

[Gus Johannesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far better than I expected. Castaldo challenges your preconceptions about the Catholic / Protestant discussion and then very skillfully directs you toward the heart of Christ. Way more than a book on Catholicism, it was a book about faith and love and the Gospel.

[Gina Pettitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for helping me to articulate what it has been like for me personally, as a former Catholic, to become a born again Christian.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not often that you find someone who fairly represents both Catholic and Protestant positions. Most commonly you find each side building strawman arguments against the other side and making statements about what the other side believes, which they themselves would disagree with. Castaldo does a very good job of showing that Catholicism today does not teach the truth of the gospel. However, that doesn't mean that everyone claiming to be Evangelical teaches the truth either. There are things that Evangelicals can and should learn from the Catholic Church. It's more than just which camp to you fall into, but about making Jesus the Lord of your life and submitting to Him in everything.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former Evangelical turned Catholic, I always appreciate the way that Chris charitably talks in his writings. I wish there was more of that. Though I disagree with him on many things, and think that he never truly understood Catholicism, I thought this was a pretty good book and recommended it to a Protestant friend of mine that is looking into the Catholic Church. I want to make sure he gets to "hear" both sides before any decisions.

[Tim Augustyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written for Evangelicals by a former Catholic, Chris Castaldo writes as a seasoned pastor who knows his Bible, holds firmly to evangelical theology, and intends to minister to real people—including real Catholics.

Holy Ground’s approach is refreshingly respectful and gracious toward Catholics, without sacrificing conviction, truth, or humor. Is Holy Ground worth skimming? Browsing a chapter or two? Reading from cover to cover? Yes. Yes. And yes.

What sets Holy Ground apart from other books about Catholics and Evangelicals is the nearly 60 pages on Relating to Catholics. This section alone is worth the price of the book. And it is at its very best when it helps us see that there are different kinds of Catholics—traditional, evangelical and cultural—and how to relate to each.

If you skip right to the practical stuff, what would you be missing? For starters, the top five reasons Catholics are leaving the church (he calls the #1 reason: Motivated by Grace Rather Than Guilt). Not only is this section fascinating, but by the end of it you’ll begin to see what makes a Catholic a Catholic and what makes an Evangelical an Evangelical—really!

Holy Ground gets very practical when it comes to sharing the Gospel with Catholics, using the imagery of a stoplight—red light (habits that must stop), yellow light (areas of caution) and green light (good regular practices). It reminds, encourages, and warns us about the emotional, relational, and practical opportunities and pitfalls of sharing the Gospel with Catholics.

If you’re looking for something that will minister to you and encourage you to live more graciously and truthfully with your Catholic mom or dad, brother or sister, boss or employee, childhood friend or neighbor—then I commend to you this very good and godly book.

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good study of Catholicism in its main forms written by a former Catholic and now Evangelical pastor. A good study of what unites us, what divides us and how we perceive each other. The author draws from many sources yielding a book well worth reading and for study use.

[Zach True · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fellow Moody Bible Institute and Culby 19 alumni, I was greatly intrigued by a book coming from a space in which I was so heavily apart of. What furthered my desire to read the book was when Chris came to speak to our floor. The depth of his piety and love for Christ’ grace and truth has shown in how he conducted his actions and speech.

Upon further investigation, I can tell that Chris went through a significant change of faith and theology at numerous points in his life that came to a spearhead at his undergraduate time at Moody Bible Institute. I am thankful that Chris took the time to pick apart the Catholic faith and gave us loving and gracious ways to care for Catholics as Protestants

[JennanneJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good, clear entry-point to looking at the differences between Protestantism and Catholicism. Obviously from a Protestant viewpoint, but with a bit of carefulness taken when talking about Catholicism. Perhaps not the best book, but a pretty good start.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The outline for differences between Protestants and Catholics is great and easy to differentiate. But the best part of the book is the tone and the method for interacting with Catholics, which is to say a helpful method for interacting with anyone who differs in matters that are important to you.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a helpful book for me as I taught on Roman Catholicism to junior highers, high schoolers, and young adults. Highly recommended for those NOT from a Catholic background especially. Castaldo is super-gracious, very clear, and above all, biblical!

[DocHolidavid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good discussion on the differences between Evangelic Christianity and Roman Catholicism. It discusses the history of Christianity and how it started with the Roman Church.

Further Chris Castaldo, a former Catholic school product turned Evangelist, discusses Martin Luther’s separation and the evolution of Evangelic Christianity. He encourages discussion between Evangelicals and Roman Catholics, emphasizing the correct language for those discussions.

It’s a good book.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It's easy to see why Catholics and Protestants alike have endorsed it. I've been reading Chris Castaldo's blog for quite awhile and have actually had this book sitting on my Kindle reader for several months. A recent blog post brought it back to mind so I pulled it up and finally read it. I'm glad I did! The goal of the book is to address the issues and difficulties lifelong Catholics who leave Catholicism for evangelicalism encounter when dealing with family and friends who are still Catholic. If you're not in his target audience (ex-Catholic) it's still definitely worth your time. His candid assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of both traditions make this a valuable read for anyone. He writes with a generous, humble spirit and wit rarely seen in books with this subject matter, yet doesn't compromise on the areas of disagreement. His explanations of differences are clear and thorough, but his main concern is our response. He makes it quite clear that it really all comes down to our call to live out the gospel. I highly recommend this one!

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very informative book about Catholic families and the Catholic religion. You will put the book down understanding what being a Catholic is all about.

The idea behind this book is for Evangelicals to understand the Catholic religion so they can better witness to them about their views of what being a Christian is all about.

Whether you want to witness to a person in the Catholic church or just better understand what Catholics believe, this book will help. The stories that are used for examples are easily understood. The author’s personal examples are well placed and written. The end of the book has a section filled with discussion questions for each chapter.

I was given this book by christianreviewofbooks.com to review.

[Adam Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short Review: Holy Ground: Walking With Jesus as a Former Catholic by Chris Castaldo - While there are some good parts of this, I was concerned with the overall tone that treated most Catholics as non-Christian. There was no place that Castaldo specifically said that Catholics can be orthodox Christians. On the positive side he presents a much more positive view of Catholics than many Evangelicals often do and attempts to treat Catholic beliefs fairly. He also had a good section on what evangelism should look like and places where Evangelicals and Catholics often misunderstand one another because of different language or definitions.

My full (nearly 1500 word) review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/holy-ground-walking-...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was helped me understand a few of the critical ways I disagree with Catholicism, yet it also taught a way to communicate that with grace AND truth. Oftentimes, Protestants either avoid the disagreements altogether, or they attack Catholic theology like a pit bull, and neither of those reflects the Gospel. A little slow in the beginning, but it's worth powering through to get to the middle.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt this was a good book to help understand the differences between the Catholic and Protestant religions. It covers the history of the Catholic church which is interesting. I like that this was written by a former Catholic. I recommend this book if you are a Protestant trying to understand the Catholic beliefs.

[Chris Deforge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for those interested in meaningful dialogue on matters of faith with those of the Catholic faith. Very helpful in helping me sort out some of my own thoughts and understandings as a former Catholic.

[Lynn Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, informative and honest. This is not an in-depth presentation of all the theological issues that divide Catholics and Protestants; but the author gives a very thorough overview, and does so in a winsome manner. I will be recommending it to both Protestant and Catholic friends.

[Paul Rubio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided a very layered discourse on the relationship between Roman Catholics and Evangelicals, in an effort to fully understand this situation and how to appropriately respond to it.

[Dan Sudfeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview on differences between evangelicals and Roman Catholics. The author writes from first-hand experience. Also some good tips on how to understand Roman Catholics.

[Bauer Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read -- engaging, clearly written, helpful 'conversation' on how to love, listen, and minister to Roman Catholics as an evangelical Christian. Great book!

[Stewart Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview of Catholicism. As a former Catholic Castaldo writes from a position of experience. Also, some very simple but good advice for Protestants I our interactions with Catholics.

[Victor Chininin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book to bring reflection to our discussions with and about Roman Catholics.