Justification, regeneration, unity, even the Gospel - in Same Words, Different Worlds Leonardo de Chirico uncovers how the same words reveal deep differences between Evangelical and Catholic theology.
Leonardo De Chirico (Author)
Leonardo De Chirico is pastor of the Church Breccia di Roma and
lecturer in historical theology at the Istituto di Formazione
Evangelica e Documentazione in Padova, Italy. He earned degrees in
History (University of Bologna), Theology (ETCW, Bridgend, Wales)
and Bioethics (University of Padova). His PhD is from King’s
College (London) and was published as' Evangelical Theological
Perspectives on Post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism' (Bern-Oxford:
Peter Lang 2003). He directs the Reformanda Initiative, cohosts
it's podcast, and is author of several books, including A
Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Papacy, Same Words, Different
Worlds. Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same
Gospel?, and Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach.
He blogs on Vatican and Roman Catholic issues from an evangelical
perspective at Vatican Files.
Just as Luther’s own debates with Rome clarified his theology, so
this book helps evangelicals think more clearly about the gospel
and so helps us be more truly evangelical... this book not only
gives us wisdom: it takes us deep into the joy-giving world of the
gospel.
*Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology, Union School
of Theology*
Leonardo De Chirico’s Same Words, Different Worlds is an
authoritative, clear, and compelling account. He knows of what he
speaks: fluffy-minded evangelicals confused about "contemporary"
Roman Catholicism, read and learn.
*Dr. Josh Moody (Ph.D. University of Cambridge), Senior Pastor of
College Church, President of God Centered Life Ministries*
Laboring for the gospel in the shadow of the Vatican, Dr. De
Chirico knows Roman Catholicism of the past and present, of its
doctrine and practice, of its American and global identity. He then
adds his deep knowledge of the historic orthodox Christian faith.
And he then adds his winsome and gracious nature. The result is a
book that with clarity and grace shows the profound difference
between Roman Catholicism and Evangelicalism—and why that
difference is of such ultimate, eternal significance.
*Stephen J. Nichols President of Reformation Bible College Chief
Academic Officer of Ligonier Ministries Author of R. C. Sproul: A
Life*
How can I stand next to my Roman Catholic friend and say the words,
"We believe in the one holy catholic and apostolic faith" and mean
something completely different by the words: "We", "believe", "in",
"the one", "holy", Catholic", "Apostolic" and "faith"?
De Chirico, an Italian National and church planter in Rome, is
better placed than anyone to act as a bridge between evangelicals
and Roman Catholics. This book provides the key to understanding
these differences, avoiding pitfalls and communicating more
effectively with Roman Catholics.
De Chirico’s book is a powerful tool to help us talk about the
Jesus whom we love with the people in our lives whom we love who
live in a world influenced by Roman Catholicism.
*Rev Dr Mark Gilbert, Catholic Evangelist, Sydney, Australia.*
In current ecumenical dialogue the emphasis is on agreement, with
disputed points either left to one side or treated as secondary. Dr
De Chirico takes issue with this approach and argues that the
questions that divided the Western Church in the sixteenth century
have not gone away and must still be faced. Evangelicals and
Catholics hold some things in common, but as this book shows, their
differences are important and cannot be overlooked.
*Gerald Bray, Research Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity
School, Alabama, USA, and Director of Research for the Latimer
Trust.*
In this helpful book, my friend Leonardo De Chirico proves why he
is one of the preeminent Protestant scholars of Roman Catholicism.
He accomplishes just what he sets out to prove: that even though
Protestants and Catholics may use similar words, they believe in
very different gospels. As he accomplishes this, he displays his
characteristic wisdom, charity, kindness, and expansive knowledge
of both Protestant and Catholic doctrine.
*Tim Challies, www.challies.com*
This book is easily the most profound analysis of the Roman
Catholic ‘world’ available today. The fact that it is also the most
lucid and accessible makes it remarkable. In a measured and eirenic
way the author peels back the subtle deceptions through which, over
the best part of two millennia, the Papacy has mis-represented the
Chistian faith"
*Ranald Macaulay, Founder, Christian Heritage*
When Vatican II met at Rome 1962-1965, global Protestants were
helped to assess the developments taking place there through
‘observers’, invited from various communions. In more recent times,
this service has been admirably fulfilled by Leonardo De Chirico,
who by his on-site residence and his digesting of fresh Papal
pronouncements and activity today serves as the eyes and ears of
evangelical Protestants globally. Now, in Same Words: Different
Worlds, De Chirico offers us a fine distillation of his
observations.
*Kenneth J. Stewart, Emeritus Professor of Theological Studies,
Covenant College*
This is a challenging read which sets out the crucial doctrinal
differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, especially
those hiding within some apparent verbal similarities. It is a
provocative counter-point to the sometimes naive ecumenical thrust
of much modern discussion on inter-church relations.
*Dr Lee Gatiss, Director of Church Society and author of Light
after Darkness: How the Reformers Regained, Retold, and Relied On
the Gospel of Grace.*
I am thrilled to see this new book by Leonardo De Chirico. I
benefitted immensely from reading De Chirico's doctoral thesis
several years ago on Roman Catholicism. As one who teaches
theology, including a course on the church fathers and medieval
theology, it is tempting to say that Rome and Protestantism simply
agree on many things. But I have been persuaded by De Chirico's
analysis that central tenets of Roman Catholicism put even
seemingly common theological territory in a different light. If you
want to understand the deep principles of Roman Catholic theology,
I strongly encourage the reading of this book.
*Bradley G. Green, Professor of Theological Studies, Union
University, Jackson (TN).*
Ask a Question About this Product More... |