Holy Ground: Introduction

Well as promised the book I’ve chosen for the task ahead is Holy Ground by Chris Castaldo. I picked up this book for two main reasons. It addresses something of great interest to me which is Catholicism, the religion I was raised in, and secondly the book was recommended by men I highly respect such as D.A. Carson and J.I. Packer.

Chris Castaldo was a Catholic who grew up in Long Island, New York and worked full-time in the Catholic church. His book is a personal testimony of his journey from the Catholic faith to the Evangelical faith. He speaks with pastoral care and balance knowing where he came from and where he now is. This book is part testimony, focus-group research, theological study, and just excellent discernment in addressing the major differences between Evangelicals and Catholics.

Normally I’m not very comfortable with words like journey and pilgrimage because my theology of God’s sovereignty and election. Why is this? It’s because I can at times have an imbalanced perspective on doctrine and people. That is to say, I tend to look only at the doctrinal issues instead of the person whom I’m talking to! Castaldo attempts to address this very issue. He says,

When we communicate the gospel to Catholics we often make the mistake of thinking that our conversations should directly address doctrinal issues. This is not only incorrect, it is impossible. When speaking to a friend about faith, we don’t speak directly to his religious beliefs; we speak to a person who holds religious beliefs. This is a crucial, overlooked distinction.

Castaldo divides the book into two major parts. The first part discusses five major reasons why followers of Christ have left the Catholic church. The second part is concerned with how one is to naturally and winsomely emulate Jesus among Catholic loved ones and friends. This book is somewhat unique in that he intermingles a lot of personal testimony throughout. It helps for a very interesting and fascinating read. The effect is like when you’re listening to a preacher speak and your attention is piqued when he delves into an illustration or story that draws out a particular truth.

I hope that you’ll follow along with me and be encouraged as I am as we read through this book!