I was eager to read Chris Castaldo’s book Talking with Catholics About the Gospel. As a someone who grew up in the Roman Catholic church and who ministers in a city where Catholicism is the largest religion, this subject is close to home. I welcome books that help equip evangelicals to engage with their Roman Catholic friends and family.
I will admit that as I opened the book and began reading I wondered what kind of Catholic evangelism book this might be. Perhaps you have noticed that some books written by Protestants aren’t exactly charitable, and sadly some even create unfair and false characterizations of Roman Catholics. I was encouraged to find that Castaldo appeared to take great pains not only with the truthfulness of what he wrote but also the tone in which it was delivered. The author seems to have a commendable burden for Roman Catholics. This was a pleasure to encounter.
The book is straightforward. The author is aiming to help readers to better understand Catholic history, doctrine, and people. He also labors to show the similarities and differences between Roman Catholics and Protestants. All of this is done with a goal to equip us to winsomely and faithfully talk with them about the gospel. In the concluding chapter Castaldo provides detailed answers to his “top ten” questions about Catholicism.
Two stories told by the author bear mentioning. The first involved him and some friends doing open-air preaching to a line of Catholics coming to the funeral of a local bishop. His burden, zeal, and transparency in this story endeared himself to me as a reader; I couldn’t put it down afterward if the author was this guy. The second noteworthy story involved him meeting a Catholic priest on a plane to Italy. They talked extensively, became friends, and remained in contact. These two stories unite a rare but refreshing combination of zeal and enduring care in evangelism. In addition to all of the facts, theological examination, and clarifying points, these two stories equipped me in my pursuit of evangelistic faithfulness, particularly to the Roman Catholics in my community.
I’m grateful for Chris Castaldo’s labor to write this book. I highly recommend it and look forward to giving away some copies to some friends here at the church.
If you think you might benefit from Talking with Catholics About the Gospel, pick up a discounted copy at Amazon (kindle).
