Holy Ground

"Principled and gracious, theological and practical, full of careful reasoning and warm illustrations---this is a book I will recommend to others. Even if you think Castaldo is too hard or too soft on Catholics here or there, you will surely benefit from his personal research and sensitive analysis. This book does a great service to the Evangelical church. And it just might help a few Catholics too." -- Kevin DeYoung "As a former Catholic turned Protestant who eventually ended up going to seminary in preparation for full-time ministry, I found Holy Ground to be an accurate and helpful resource. I wish it had been around when I was trying to understand church history and doctrine, especially as it relates to the chasm that still exists between Protestants and Catholics. I genuinely appreciate Chris Castaldo's sensitivity in approaching the differences in a way that is respectful, thought provoking, and accurate. I am certain that engaging, grace-filled dialogue will follow from this instructive book, leading Protestants and Catholics alike to a greater understanding of one another and what they believe." -- Mary Schaller "Chris Castaldo offers a provocative challenge. For Evangelicals to recognize that their Catholic friends and family can, yes, know Jesus. He also offers insight into why so many former Catholics---the second largest religious group in the U.S.---have found a home in the Evangelical Christian world." -- Peter Feuerherd "Holy Ground is much more than an excellent treatment of the longstanding and significant doctrinal differences between Catholicism and Evangelicalism, though it is certainly that. Breaking new ground, it also explores the personal dilemmas and real-life experiences which former Catholics face as they seek to move forward as Evangelicals. Well researched, up to date, and insightful, this book will enrich the most strained Catholic-Evangelical relationships with a compelling balance of grace and truth." -- Dorington G. Little "Holy Ground is the best tool available for helping former Roman Catholics witness to friends and family members without causing needless offense or compromising the gospel. Chris Castaldo's love for other people and firm grasp of biblical principles for discipleship and evangelism come through on nearly every page. His honest, charitable approach to Protestant-Catholic relationships will help many people honor God and demonstrate the love of Jesus in the very way they share their faith." -- Dr. Philip Ryken "I highly recommend Chris Castaldo's book, Holy Ground: Walking with Jesus as a Former Catholic, as a must-read for every Christian. Chris has done an excellent job providing insight and balance in an area that is rarely addressed. Holy Ground has power to change your life." -- Randal Ross "Holy Ground is a well-researched, historically sound, conciliatory treatise of the Catholic-Protestant dialogue. With integrity, balance, and his witty, no-nonsense New York sensibility---Chris Castaldo goes to great lengths to honor that which is good, pure, and Christ centered in both traditions. This is a great read for those looking to move past stereotypes, hearsay, and fill-in-the-blank responses to important questions." -- Ellie Lofaro "Chris Castaldo has given us a wonderful, grace-filled, helpful resource. The insights in this book are written with love and compelling credibility in an engaging style. Holy Ground will equip your heart and your mind to engage our Catholic friends in meaningful, compassionate dialogue about the truth of the gospel." -- Dr. Crawford W. Loritts, Jr. 'I'm going to take this book, give it to my Catholic friends, and ask them to underline what they most like and what they find most difficult. It will produce a wonderful discussion. Chris Castaldo has written with humility, reality, and above all, personal experience. Here we see such issues as Luther and Loyola and why they matter; Scripture and why it's authoritative; grace and how it is experienced; and church authority and why it's central. I thoroughly recommend this book as a great tool for those seeking to dialogue with Catholic friends, family, and colleagues.' -- Rico Tice "Admirably fair-minded, carefully documented, and pleasantly lucid and irenic, Holy Ground will grace the lives and relationships of those Evangelicals with Catholic heritage. An important read for Evangelicals and Catholics alike. Highly recommended." -- R. Kent Hughes "This is a sensitive, well-written, and helpful treatment of how to discuss one's Evangelical faith with Roman Catholics. They should not be offended because it is a friendly, understanding, and loving presentation. It lacks the polemical sharp edge found in many overzealous converts from Catholicism. Nonetheless, it states clearly why Chris Castaldo chose Evangelicalism over the Catholic faith in which he was reared." -- Norm Geisler "What an encouraging book from a fine young Christian leader! Chris Castaldo speaks from his own spiritual pilgrimage about the unity between believing Catholics and faithful Evangelicals, the important differences that still remain between us, and what all of this means to our witness in the world today. Great stuff!" -- Timothy George "This is the best book I have read that chronicles such pilgrimages. And it is full of godly commonsense." -- D. A. Carson "Because the accounts of a number of high-profile Evangelicals converting to Roman Catholicism have hit the press, we sometimes overlook the fact that, in America, Catholics are becoming Evangelicals faster than the reverse by a ratio of about three to one. What do these converts find? How do they cope? How do they---how should they---relate to their Catholic families and friends? This is the best book I have read that chronicles such pilgrimages. And it is full of godly common sense." -- D. A. Carson "How very important it is that conservative Evangelical and Roman Catholic laypeople should relate to each other with respectful insight on a basis of real mutual understanding. And how very helpful Castaldo's book is as a means to this end." -- J.I. Packer "Very important [and] very helpful!" -- J.I. Packer "A superb treatment and guide for understanding, appreciating, and sharing Jesus with Catholic people. I will commend it broadly." -- Lon Allison "If you've had enough of Evangelical writers who make a straw man of the Roman Catholic Church and then proceed to knock it down, Holy Ground is for you. As a Catholic-turned-Evangelical, Chris Castaldo is perfectly positioned to offer honest critique of his former church home and to help Evangelicals see their own shortcomings as well. Written from an insider's perspective, this book dismantles stereotypes on both sides of the Tiber. Anyone trying to bridge the worlds of Evangelicalism and Catholicism will benefit from the wisdom Castaldo brings to the conversation." -- Bryan M. Litfin, Author "Even those with no Catholic background will appreciate Chris Castaldo's wit and wisdom as he tiptoes through the landmines in Holy Ground." -- Collin Hansen, Author "Chris Castaldo is eminently qualified to address this topic, knows both Catholics and Evangelicals well, has a sense of humor, writes clearly, and displays a deep knowledge of the events and doctrinal differences surrounding the Reformation and the rupture it caused in the church. May this balanced treatment provide needed understanding for Catholics and Protestants alike." -- Ralph E. Mackenzie, Director "A refreshing change...[Castaldo] shows respect for the tradition from which he departed" -- Francis J. Beckwith, Professor "I teach a seminary course on Roman Catholic theology and have been looking for a simple, practical, popular-level book for my students to read so they can understand two issues: what is it like for Catholics to become Evangelical followers of Jesus Christ, and how can these former Catholics live and share the good news with their Catholic relatives and friends? Chris Castaldo's Holy Ground is the book for which I have been searching!" -- Gregg R. Allison, Professor "In a culture in which theological disagreements are treated as no different from matters of taste, Chris Castaldo's Holy Ground is a refreshing change. He is a former Catholic turned Evangelical Protestant who shows respect for the tradition from which he departed while at the same time not shying away from the doctrinal issues over which Catholics and Protestants are in serious disagreement. He has a knack for clearly and charitably explaining to Evangelicals the diverse factions within Catholicism and how each thinks about its commitment to Scripture, church, and walking with Christ. Although one may find oneself disagreeing with how Pastor Castaldo conveys or presents a particular doctrine or historical event, as I did on more than one occasion while reading this book, one cannot help but be impressed by his efforts to sincerely and graciously assess the issues that continue to divide, as well as unite, Protestants and Catholics." -- Francis J. Beckwith, Professor of Psychology

Chris Castaldo takes readers on a fascinating and practical exploration of the challenges and opportunities encountered by Catholics who become Evangelicals. More than just theological insight and historical background, Holy Ground shows you how to emulate the grace and truth of Jesus as you relate to your own Catholic past and the Catholic faith of those you love.

“This is the best book I have read that chronicles such pilgrimages. And it is full of godly commonsense.” —D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School “A refreshing change…[Castaldo] shows respect for the tradition from which he departed” —Francis J. Beckwith, Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies, Baylor University. Author of Return to Rome: Confessions of an Evangelical Catholic. “Very important [and] very helpful!” —J.I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College Do you dread conversation at Christmas dinner with your Catholic family? At weddings, funerals, and holidays? Chris Castaldo has wrestled personally with this question and many more. Perhaps you have too. Whether you are a former Roman Catholic or know someone who is, you’ll find helpful answers and encouraging support within these pages. Like: how can Evangelicals and Catholics reach such different conclusions from the same Scripture? When I talk about my faith with my Catholic family, why does someone always get upset? How does my Catholic background still influence my views of God and salvation? And how should I talk with my Catholic friends about Jesus? More than providing historical perspective, theological reflection, and practical lessons, Holy Ground is a dynamic exploration of how to emulate both the grace and truth of the Lord Jesus Christ in relation to the Catholic people you love.