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

Really appreciated this in depth study on the differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant beliefs. I love the respect with which they were presented and the heart behind them, how the passion for truth came through on every page. It wasn't so much a list of information as it was the author's story (filled with information in easy to understand language).

Though it's a small book, I found it took a couple of weeks to read, mostly because I kept being overwhelmed by the goodness of God throughout it and the wonder of what He's done for me.

Will definitely be reading this one again. Many thanks to the author for writing it.

Ray Galea writes this book both from a personal and theological point of view, his facts are very concise and you follow the journey through with him. It's definitely worth a read for everyone and is great to distinguish the differences between Protestant and Catholic beliefs, to be able to see things from their side of things and understand why they may not reason with things we (Protestants) believe in or the way we do things. Before reading this book, my information bank about the differences were very limited and in reading this book, I understand why Catholic friends may withdraw from certain 'Protestant' bible studies and events according to their belief.

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!). \\r\\n\\r\\nHowever Galea's book walks nicely between these two extremes. He is careful to distinguish where Roman Catholicism is wrong, but does so winsomely. \\r\\n\\r\\nAfter 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:\\r\\n(i) the Lord's supper (Mass);\\r\\n(ii) authority of Scripture;\\r\\n(iii) justification by faith alone;\\r\\n(iv) grace;\\r\\n(v) Mary. \\r\\n\\r\\nOne 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…