Drawing from his Roman Catholic background and personal interviews with other former Catholics, Chris Castaldo takes you on a dynamic exploration of the challenges and opportunities encountered by those who become Evangelical. More than historical perspective, theological reflection, and practical lessons, Holy Ground casts a vision for emulating Jesus in relationship to Catholic loved-ones and friends.
"…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"
Philippians 2:10-11
Advance Praise for Holy Ground
The last part of the twentieth century has seen thousands of Catholics convert to Protestant evangelicalism, many from Latin America. Conversely, of late, a number of evangelical intellectuals have gone the other direction, deciding that "Rome is home." Pastor Castaldo is in the former group. In his book, he puts it this way: "As one whose life has been spent floating down both sides of the Tiber, I offer a portrait of how I moved from the Catholic side to my current position serving as an Evangelical pastor."
Chris continues: "Some of us have walked with Jesus as Catholics before we moved in an Evangelical direction. Others of us were converted to Christ as we made the move. Either way, our ambition is simple. We now want to live for Jesus Christ by embodying his grace and winsomely share it with Catholic friends and loved ones."
It should be noted that some important leaders in the Roman Catholic Church have spoken to the need for Catholics to have a personal commitment to Christ as their savior. Avery Cardinal Dulles has written: "...many Catholics are over sacramentalized and under evangelized." Others including Peter Kreeft, Ralph Martin (A Crisis of Truth), Léon Joseph Cardinal Suenens (A New Pentecost?), and Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, who is the Preacher to the Papal Household, have addressed this need as well.
Chris Castaldo is eminently qualified to address this topic, knows both groups well, has a sense of humor, writes clearly and displays a deep understanding of the events and doctrinal differences surrounding the Reformation and the rupture it caused in the Church. May this irenic and balanced treatment provide needed understanding of a difficult subject.
Ralph E. MacKenzie
Director, San Diego Christian Forum
Co-author of Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences