According to one of the endorsements on the back, Roman Catholic Theology and Practice is “a landmark book.” I agree. This book reviews Catholic Theology as a whole system as the organizational basis for its evangelical assessment. I have read other resources that explain what unites and divides Catholics and Protestants but most take a topical approach. What is landmark about this book is its systemic approach. It allows Catholic theology to speak for itself while working through the entire Catechesis of the Catholic Church as the springboard for the assessment. Gregg Allison quotes official Catholic doctrine extensively and comprehensively. Then, in an organized and systematic fashion, Allison assesses each doctrine according to evangelical theology.

Allison’s goals for the book are summed up with the words intrigue and critique. He desires to display appreciation and fascination with the common elements of Catholic and Protestant theology and practice. The other goal is to constructively disagree with areas of Catholic theology that contrast using evangelical theology. Allison accomplishes both these goals well.

For intrigue, Allison points out the many areas of agreement such as the Trinity, the full deity and humanity of Christ, and the essential need for worship and prayer. But it is clear that within an evangelical assessment, there are many areas of critique, with disagreements such as apostolic succession, transubstantiation, Mary’s immaculate conception, and praying for the dead in purgatory.

Even though Allison describes many areas of critique, he does so with respect. He quotes Catholic teaching directly from official documents thus pointing the reader straight to the most important sources to read for themselves. As he walks through Catholic theology, he highlights areas of both agreement and disagreement. When Allison disagrees, it is thoughtful, biblical, reasonable, and respectful. In a day and age when disagreements often get nasty and dark, Allson’s example of Christian charity during critique shines brightly. Allison explains this approach,

It should be underscored that this book is not intended as a rabid anti-catholic diatribe. Though it will strongly critique certain Catholic doctrines and practices, this criticism must be placed in the context of intrigue – the book’s appreciation of and thanksgiving for the many commonalities between Catholic and evangelical theology.

Chapter two was the highlight of the book for me. I especially appreciate this chapter because it clearly and succinctly describes the basics of evangelical theology as a “vision of life with God and human flourishing.” And my “aha moment” with this book also happened after reading chapter two. What Allison describes as the two axioms, or the two foundations of Catholic theology, made so much sense to me in terms of viewing its theology and practice comprehensively.

Allison says his book represents an approach that, “considers Catholic theology as a coherent, all-encompassing system with two major features: the nature-grace interdependence, that is, a strong continuity between nature and grace; and the Christ-Church interconnection, that is, an ecclesiology (a doctrine of the church) that views the Catholic Church as the ongoing incarnation of Jesus Christ.” (p. 31).

After learning about these two axioms of Catholic theology, and thus the reasons behind Catholic practices such as transubstantiation and Eucharist, these curious practices finally made sense to me. As I use the two axioms as a worldview grid for Catholics, I can now clearly see the “why” behind many of the practices I have observed. Very helpful!

For example, water, oil, bread, and wine are elements of nature capable of receiving and communicating God’s work. They act as conduits for God’s continuing infusion of grace. This is why Catholic practices involve a priest blessing and administering sacraments using these elements of nature. They become a means for God to impart his grace to people (nature-grace interdependence). And they are channels of Christ’s ongoing incarnational presence through the blessing of ordained priests acting on Christ’s behalf (Christ-Church interconnection).

The final chapter provides a helpful summary of the book. It also gives practical tips for evangelical/Protestant-Catholic relationships. For example, one could start a Bible reading group with a mix of people using a simple method of observe, interpret, apply, and pray as a springboard for mutual learning and discussion. Getting into the Bible together is certain to provide blessings.

I could say much more about the particular aspects of Catholic theology and practice I learned, but I will keep that for conversations over coffee! Needless to say, I gained deeper knowledge, appreciation, and understanding from reading this book. And if you read it, you will too!

You can also go through Dr. Allison’s class on this topic for free at, biblicaltraining.org. I have been working my way through the videos as I read the book and it has helped solidify some of the concepts for me. You can also read one of Dr. Allison’s shorter treatments of this topic, 40 Questions About Roman Catholicism, or The Unfinished Reformation.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.