Roman Catholicism: Nothing in my hand I bring by Galea

Today I'm adding the 'Nothing in my hand I bring' by Ray Galea (Available from Amazon) to the Master Reading List under the category of Roman Catholicism.

Protestant titles on Roman Catholicism seem to swing to two extremes.  One extreme is that the author appears to be so favourable to Roman Catholicism that the book doesn't appear to be written by someone 'protesting' against Roman Catholicism.  The other extreme is that the author writes in such a heated and condemning manner that you certainly wouldn't be able to give the book to a Roman Catholic friend (and possibly not even able to give it to some of your Protestant friends!).

However Galea's book walks nicely between these two extremes.  He is careful to distinguish where Roman Catholicism is wrong, but does so winsomely.

After an initial chapter explaining his own Roman Catholic background and eventual acceptance of Protestantism, Galea begins to help the reader understand the crucial differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.  He includes chapters on:
(i) the Lord's supper (Mass);
(ii) authority of Scripture;
(iii) justification by faith alone;
(iv) grace;
(v) Mary.

One of the most important points Galea makes is that for Roman Catholics, religion is often more about belonging: 'Catholicism is as much, or sometimes more, about belonging than believing. You are born a Catholic, and as I used to be told, "Once a Catholic, always a Catholic".'  Whereas Protestant Christianity requires personal faith in the fundamental teachings of Scripture.  And it is using Scripture that Galea shows the errors of Roman Catholicism for those who are willing to believe, rather than simply belong.

On the whole the book is well written and quick to read.  Some may have a problem with its length, but it is not supposed to be a comprehensive survey of Roman Catholic dogma.  Rather it is a brief overview of an enormous subject.

If you're looking for a fair-minded book to help you understand why Protestants protest against the Roman Catholic faith, 'Nothing in my hand I bring' serves as a helpful introduction.