Is Rome the True Church? A Consideration of the Roman Catholic Claim

Dr. Norman Geisler is one of my favorite writers because he writes with great clarity. I was expecting a little more than what was presented in this book, but this book is informative and concise nonetheless.

Allow me to say, that I do not think that Geisler and Betancourt are seperated enough on this issue of Roman Catholicism and Evangelicalism, and I would warn you not to think that the differences between the two religious system to be merely preferential, or superficial. Indeed there is a great gulf fixed between the two, that is the differences are doctrinal. Also I reject Geisler's idea of the body of Christ being the universal church (which is inevitably the ecclisiology of Protestants) thus creating a church within the church.

The strengths of this book lies in the historical and doctrinal refutation of a few albeit major claims of the Roman Catholic church: Papal Infallibility and Peter's primacy. Very interesting read.

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Roman Claim to Be the True Church

Chapter 2: The Historical Development of the Roman Primacy Structure

Chapter 3: The Roman Argument for the Primacy of Peter: Stated and Evaluated

Chapter 4: The Roman Argument for the Infallibility of Peter: Stated

Chapter 5: The Roman Argument for the Infallibility of Peter: Evaluated

Chapter 6: The Roman Argument for Apostolic Succession

Chapter 7: Is Rome the True Church?

Chapter 8: Why Some Protestants Convert to Rome

Appendix 1: Irenaeus on the Alleged Authority of the Church

Appendix 2: A Chronological List of Popes and Antipopes

Appendix 3: The Relation of Tradition to Scripture

Appendix 4: Sola Scriptura

Appendix 5: Iranaeus on Scripture and Tradition

Scripture Index

Published by: Crossway Books (C) 2008; 235 pages soft cover; ISBN-10: 1-4335-0231-3

UPDATE: My 2008 Christmas book wish list

Ahh, yes. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I now have two of the books that I wished for...The Effective Executive and Criswell's Guidebook. Once again, thank you!

My 2008 Christmas book wish list

My wife keeps asking me what do I want for Christmas. I would say, get me a book. And of course I would get the annual response: "c'mon, that's not really fun." I understand where she and all my friends and family alike are coming from. At the outset, it may seem dull, and a hackneyed response to say I want a book. BUT that is what I really want. In fact, I don't want just one, I want lots. So here is my "2008 Christmas book(s) wish list:" So if, Santa Clause is out there....please read this, and send it to my home in Red Lion.

“Dictionary of Latin & Greek Theological Terms” by Richard A. Muller (Baker Books) [$20.00]

“Baptist Confessions of Faith” by William Lumpkin (Judson Press) [$15.00]*

“The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done”
by Peter F. Drucker (Collins) [$12.00]

“Criswell’s Guidebook for Pastors” by W.A. Criswell (Baptist Sunday School Board) [used- $10.00]

“The Pastor: His Life and Work” by Charles U. Wagner (RBP) [used - $11.00]

“How Long O Lord?: Reflections on Suffering and Evil” by D.A. Carson (Baker) [$15.00]

“Preaching Words: 144 Key Terms in Homiletics” by John S. McClure (Westminster Knox Press) [$20.00]

(*) Indicates which one I really, really, really would like to have.

This is a small and easy read, but a valuable book on a topic that is not readily addressed.

Crescendos and Diminuendos - Meditations for Musicians and Music Lovers

I saw this book while I was browsing a Christian bookstore. They had a shelf dedicated to Church Music. This was tucked away in the back since the store double shelved the books to save space.

Anyway, this book is authored by Jack Coleman (1920-1985) who taught music on all levels, and served as music supervisor for the Santa Ana Unified School District, and a coordinator of music for Orange County Superintendent of Schools in Southern California. He worked as an educational director for Walt Disney Music Company.

This book takes those Italian accent markings and succinctly defines them and then he makes some really neat spiritual applications to the Christian life. He also includes relevant Bible passages. Just as a note he uses other translations than the KJV.

It is softcover, 117 pages of good stuff, published by Baker Books. ISBN 10: 0-8010-6836-3

Things I Have Learned: Chapel Talks

This book is a collection of sayings and lessons taught and preached by the late and great Dr. Bob Jones Sr. This book is loaded with Dr. Jones' philosophy of life and various other lessons that he used to teach Bible students back in the days at the university. If you like to highlight books as you read them, you'll end up highlighting many of this book's pages. Paperback, with 224 pages of good stuff.

Dr. John R. Rice

Dr. Rice was an itinerant evangelist and founder of the Sword of the Lord, a Christian newspaper, and publishing company, among many other things. I do not endorse everything Dr. Rice taught, but so much of what he taught really captivates my heart and stirs me up to be a better Christian. From the time I first read his books I always knew that Dr. Rice was a special man. These are some of his books and booklets that I would recommend to you. Read on!



This book is a classic on prayer. It is called "Prayer, Asking and Receiving." It is somewhat redundant, but you will not be board with it. Replete with Bible verses that teaches on the importance of prayer and the sin of prayerlessness, etc. I have loaned this book out to one of our new converts, so when I get it back, I will list out the outlines and chapters of this book.



This is a great little booklet on the subject of Baptism. Dr. Rice explains with great simplicity the meaning and importance of baptism and refutes the idea of pardon through baptism or what theologians call "Baptismal Regeneration."







This is a soft cover pamphlet on the topic of Hell. Many people are denying the most basic Bible truth of eternal retribution. This is a classic by Dr. Rice.




This booklet has some amazing observations. Lots of things about the Millennial reign of Christ, which I don't read a lot about, but absolutely intriguing.

Christian Workers' Commentary on the Whole Bible

"Christian Workers' Commentary on the Whole Bible" by Dr. James M. Gray. I bought a copy from a used book sale. I picked it up for $1.00 and it is absolutely worth more than that. I have used it thus far in studying the Bible, and I can say that it has really been a blessing to have such a succinct book like this to refer to. The edition I have is published by "Spire Books" (c)1971. I checked out Amazon and they are selling a nicer version of what I have. Nicer cover, I am sure nicer binding because it is brand new (of course you do know they also have used edition of Dr. Gray's work). 592 pages and soft cover.

Charen's dynamic duo...

"Useful Idiots" subtitle: "How Liberals Got It Wrong in the Cold War and Still Blame America First." This book is an eye opener. Somewhat made me upset at the way some people take for granted the freedoms others fought for, and bashing our country. Mona Charen pulls from a lot of sources to put together this book, what a tremendous book. I like the way she writes, and the vocabulary words are scattered around so it does not necessarily make her work 'esoteric' but highly challenging and engaging. Anyone who reads this book is going to get an education and a half about the truth concerning America and Western Civilization's victory of Communism and why none dare call it victory.

The second book is similar although it is on the domestic side of things. "Do-Gooders" "How Liberals Hurt Those They Claim to Help." Talk about an eye-opener, every page of this book sheds tremendous light on why the liberal agenda is really self-defeating. No excuse zone - just plain facts. She, again, pulls from many sources, and stats to prove her point. And what can I say, you can't argue against the facts and expect to win. (P.S. - I am currently reading this book, and I really like the way Mrs. Charen writes, what an accomplished writer!)

Useful Idiots (c) 2003-2004 Perennial (Harper-Collins) - The Hardback edition is published by Regnery Publishing (c) 2003

Introduction: None Dare Call It Victory

Chapter 1: The Brief Interlude of Unanimity on Communism

Chapter 2: The Consensus Unravels

Chapter 3: The Bloodbath

Chapter 4: The Mother of All Communists: American Liberals and Soviet Russia

Chapter 5: Fear and Trembling

Chapter 6: Each New Communist is Different

Chapter 7: Post-Communist Blues

Epilouge
Notes

Acknowledgments

Index

"Do-Gooders" (c) 2004 Published by SENTINEL Penguin Group

Acknowledgments

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1: Judge Not - How Liberalism Created the Crime Wave

Chapter 2: Stoking Fear and Hatred In the Name of Racial Sensitivity

Chapter 3: The Promise of Compassion; The Reality of Degredation through Welfare

Chapter 4: Rewarding the Worst Families and Discouraging the Best

Chapter 5: The "Grate" Society - How Liberalism Created Homelessness

Chapter 6: The Liberal War on Rigor and Patriotism in America's Classrooms

Notes

Partial Bibliography

Index

Mona Charen has a weekly column that is worth reading at Townhall.com

Sound Music or Sounding Brass

"Sound Music or Sounding Brass" subtitle: "The Issue of Biblically Godly Music" by Pastor Kent Brandenburg. This is an excellent book on the topic of music that I believe would be a blessing and a help for students of the Word to consider reading to get a good dose of Bible teaching on music. Certainly one of the finest books on music available in the ever so small world of Independent Baptist books.

Preface
Introduction

Chapter 1 - Why Biblically Godly music is so controversial?
Chapter 2 - The Direction of Biblically Godly music - excellent point! a great reminder.
Chapter 3 - The Content of Biblically Godly music
Chapter 4 - The Purpose of Biblically Godly music - a very important chapter.
Chapter 5 - The Acts of Worshipping
Chapter 6 - Principles for Discerning Godly music
Chapter 7 - The Singers and Players of Biblically Godly music
Chapter 8 - Dealing with the Arguments Against Biblicalle Godly music
Chapter 9 - The Philosophical Basis For Not Having or Using Biblically Godly music
Chapter 10 - The Relationship Between Popular Culture and Biblically Godly music
Chapter 11 - Some Dangers with not Using, Singing, or Playing Biblically Godly music
Chapter 12 - The Benefits of Using, Singing, or Playing Biblically Godly music
Chapter 13 - Applications for Biblically Godly music
Chapter 14 - Separation and Biblically Godly music
Chapter 15 - Dress or Appearance as it Relates to Biblically Godly music
Chapter 16 - Warnings Concerning Biblically Godly music
Chapter 17 - Standards in the Church for Biblically Godly music
Chapter 18 - A Succint Summary of Biblically Godly music

Scriptural and Topical Index
Bibliography

The Dr. did a great job compiling and expounding on many Scriptures as well as providing to his readers many princinples derived from the Bible and not to mention the book also provides sections of practical ideas for musicians and pastors. 253 pages of good reading. ISBN:0-7388-5254-6; Published by Xlibris Corporation (2001). I do hope there will be other editions in the near future.

Thank you Pastor B, a book of this magnitude must have taken great time to get it into our hands.

I Will Build My Church

"I Will Build My Church" by Dr. Thomas Strouse subtitled: "The Doctrine and History of Baptists" is an excellent summary of the various doctrinal distinctions the Baptists have held to since the start of the New Testament church. Dr. Strouse has written other books, however this one seems to me an easier read in comparison to his other works. Not only did he do a great job summarizing doctrinal 'essentials' that have been abandoned in the name of "Fundamentalism", but he also summarizes movements that are characteristically Baptists and therefore provides his readers with the historical heritage of Christ's churches. 201 pages, softcover, and loaded with great bibliographical information for further study. Dr. Strouse has certainly demonstrated in this book the truth of Christ's words regarding His church: "and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Table of Contents:

Introductory Essay

I. My Church in Matthew
II. My Church in Acts and the Epistles
III. My Church in the Ante-Nicene Era
IV. My Church in the Medieval Era
V. My Church in the Reformation Era
VI. My Church in the Modern Era

Appendices

I. The 19th Century Baptists, Bible Translations and Bible Societies
II. The Soma Christou
III. The Life and Teaching of Micheal Sattler

Bibliography

Index

The Gospel According to Rome

"The Gospel According to Rome" by James G. McCarthy. Romanism is a very decietful religion. It reeks with formalism, and heresy. Part of the complexity of dealing with Roman Catholicism is that its 'official' teachings change. That being true, it is also difficult because many who are in the religious machenery are not even aware of it's various teachings. What makes McCarthy's book special is that it is a response to the Catholic church's "Cathechism of the Catholic Church." It is also revealing as far as facets of Catholic theology. The book has two beginnings to help flesh out the various aspects of Romanism. The first is the story of "Joseph" a new born baby (born into "The Church"). The second is the story of a 23 year old 'convert' named "Rosa" (some one from the outside looking to join "The Church" after being led by a worker in an 'evangelistic crusade' (I bet I could guess which Crusade this could happen in- but I won't except to say "Billy"). 397 pages along with Scripture Index as well as Subject Index (which is helpful). Good 'end notes' section. It also has helpful appendices (A-E). Published by Harvest House Publishers. Extremely helpful and insightful.

Part 1: Salvation

Part 2: The Mass

Part 3: Mary

Part 4: Authority

A Survey of Old Testament Introduction

I would have to consider this book to be a classic, and one of a kind. In other words it is 'thick.' Although it is somewhat of a heafty read, it is a 'must have' for reference if you are wanting to study the Old Testament. The book is divided into two main sections: Part 1 "General Introduction" which deals with complex issues of canonicity, historicity, and among other things, higher criticism. Part 2 "Special Introduction" is more like a survey of individual O.T. books, with outlines and many other helps. This book is replete with illustration charts which helps keep the various topics in perspective. It has 4 major appendixes, not to mention a section of Selected Bibliography, subject, author and Scripture indexes. 608 pages of good stuff. Published by Moody Press.

A Consumer's Guide To Preaching: How to Get Most out of a Sermon

"A Consumer's Guide To Preaching: How to Get Most out of a Sermon" By Dr. Jay Adams. I came across this book at one of those buck a book places (Yes, one man's trash is another man's treasure!) and at fist I must confess the title threw me off, A consumer? how anthropocentric? how arrogant? but then again you can't judge a book by its cover, and in this case by the title (BTW, the cover looks funny - just sharing some thoughts here). Anyway, turns out to be an insightful book for a layman with practical helps and ideas on the topic described as the sub title. A very helpful book! 160 pages, soft cover published by Victor Books.

Chapter 1 There Is A Problem - neat little chapter that puts the blame where it most likely belongs (in the pew and not necessarily the pulpit).

Chapter 2 Before You Begin
Chapter 3 Preparing for Preaching - very practical suggestions
Chapter 4 Your Basic Attitude
Chapter 5 Expectations, Predispositions and the Spiritual State
Chapter 6 Work at Getting the Message
Chapter 7 Understanding the Message
Chapter 8 How To Handle Poor Preaching - 'good luck' on this one
Chapter 9 Berean Listening
Chapter 10 Distractions - Dr. Adams uses a funny illustration to open this chapter pointing out that distractions are really nothing new
Chapter 11 The Preacher and You
Chapter 12 Implementation - He provides excerpts ranging from good to heresy and basically asks his readers to think about what is being said.

Baker's Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics

"Baker's Encyclopedia of Chrisitian Apologetics" by Norman L Geisler. Apologetics (not apologetic or apologizing because of an error, it is a branch of study devoted to the defense of the faith). Geisler has an amazing way of putting things into words and writing with a lot of simplicity and helpful charts. If you are interested in finding answers to perplexing questions about the Christian faith then this is a book you may want to consult. Also he writes about some of the men that have been most influential in the medieval and modern Christian era. 1 Volume, and 841 pages of good stuff no doubt. Since the prolifiration of books on CD-DVD, Geisler's complete work on Apologetics is also available somewhere out there in cyberspace or your nearest "Christian" Bookstore. That one contains a boat load of his other writings - but that is beyond the scope of this blog thread.

A Guide to the Textual Criticism of the New Testament

"A Guide to the Textual Criticism of the New Testament" By Edward Miller is a book worthy of consideration. Although it is writen some time ago (1886) it is available (thanks to the ministry of Dr. Donald Waite and Bible For Today) and an 'easier' read in comparison to Burgon's works. I am not shifting the blame: I am at fault for not being able to 'read Burgon' but at least Edward's level of writing is on a shelf where I can reach (hopefully the cookie jar is there too).

"THE ensuing treatise is intended to be a brief Manual on the Textual Criticism of the New Testament for ordinary students of the Bible, and induce those who may be disposed to enter more deeply into the important subject of it to prosecute further research in "The Plain Introduction" of Dr. Scrivener, the learned works of Dean Burgon, and in other well-known sources of information upon Textual Criticism." (Preface by Miller)

Chapter 1 Intro. Importance of the Subject - a short chapter laying the foundation of the seven verses in question: Luke 11:2-4; 22:19-20, 43-44; 23:34; 24:15; Matt. 6:13; among many others 'by addition of other omissions.'

Chapter 2 - History of Textual Criticism - great insights in the early stages of text crit.

Chapter 3 - " "- enter the chop shop (mine): Greisbach,Lachmann, Tregelles, Tishendorf, Wescott, and Hort. Also Miller introduces the opposition to the modernist Revision Committe: Scrivener, Burgon, Cook among many others.

Chapter 4 - School of Extreme Textualism - an asessment and refutation of Wescott and Horts theories.

Chapter 5 - The Rival School - highlighting Burgon and companies expertise on the issue. (relatively short chapter - but thoughtful and carefully worded).

Chapter 6 - History of the Traditional text till the era of Chrysostom - an amazing chapter that answers a lot of question: particularly who were the gnostics in Alexandria that corrupted the MSS (manuscripts).

Chapter 7 - From Chrysostom till the Printing Era (title mine - his was too long) - Covering the supremacy of the Traditional Text.

Chapter 8 - Materials of Criticism - exploring the actual documents.

Chapter 9 - Principles of Criticism - basically if any one does their homework they would not chuck the verses out that was thrown out by the modernists.

Like every good book there is an appendix and index to this one also. All that in just 147 pages.

The Eternal Sonship of Christ

"The Eternal Sonship of Christ" By George W. Zeller and Renald E. Showers. This book is certainly one of a kind. An extremely helpful book in combating the false teaching known as the "Incarnational Sonship" theory (that Jesus became the Son of God at His birth). I was reading the book "Kingdom of the Cults" (W. Martin) - which happens to be a good book on Cults -except where Dr. Martin promotes the false view of the Sonship issue trying to defend his position against the Jehovah's Witnesses teachings. Also another proponent of the false view is John MacAurthur, Jr. With this book the issue is laid out in simple to understand terms. Any student of the Bible can profit greatly from this book, basically it is an easy read. The kind of book that if you owned it, you probabbly will be highlighting it or underlining it (or whatever you do or don't do). 10 relatively short chapters are:

Chapter 1 - The Diety of the Son
Chapter 2 - The Pre-existence of the Son
Chapter 3 - The Incarnation of the Son
Chapter 4 - The Doctrine of Eternal Sonship
Chapter 5 - The Denial of Eternal Sonship
Chapter 6 - The Defense of Eternal Sonship
Chapter 7 - The Meaning of the Term "Son of God"
Chapter 8 - The Meaning of Ps. 2:7
Chapter 9 - Dealing with Problems and Objections
Chapter 10 - The Necessity and Importance of the Doctrine

Like all good 'juicy' books it has an Appendix (two as a matter of fact):Appendix A - The Term "Son of God" In Light of Old Testament IdiomAppendix B - The Testimony of MenEnd notes and Resources for further study are also included in the book. Well documented!

(All that in just 128 pages)

BTW, It has been brought to my attention that John MacArthur has changed his position on the Sonship issue. It is the good kind of change.