CFTE8 - Roman Catholicism

In this volume, we aim to present a concise and clear, yet sufficiently in-depth, exposition of the theological system of the Roman Catholic Church. The author is convinced that Spanish evangelicals urgently need to better understand this system, both in its traditional structure and its modern formulations, not only to know what to expect in any dialogue with Roman Catholics but also to deepen their own convictions and clearly see both what unites us and what separates us. Only then can our testimony offer a defense when we are asked for the reason for the hope that is in us.

The Roman Catholic system is very complex and, at the same time, very compact, although the reformulation of its dogmas may change from time to time. Only through continuous and in-depth study (which perhaps is only possible from within in most cases) can one reach the true roots of the system. This is why it is so difficult for most evangelical theologians and polemicists to clearly understand and correctly describe the basic principles of Catholic Theology.

On the other hand, only from the outside can one observe the flaws that, in our judgment (based on an unprejudiced study of the word of God), are found in the very foundations of said Theology. The concepts of "one Church" and "Mother Church" color the emotional zone of even the most progressive Roman theologians like H. Küng so intensely that it becomes almost impossible for them to carry their critical attitudes to their ultimate consequences.

We hope that this volume will help our evangelical brethren to acquire precise information on such an important topic; likewise, to the "brethren from whom we had to separate," we wish to present here, with humility and love, with respect and firmness, in short, with a sincere invitation to a dialogue based on the correct interpretation of the word of God, a constructive critique of what, according to our beliefs, is still in need of reform in their system, aware that we all must observe the principle of Ecclesia semper Reformanda ("a Church in need of continuous reform"), and therefore we do not consider our own churches immune to error or decadence either.

We will divide this volume into five parts: 1) Doctrines on the Church; 2) Doctrines on the Virgin Mary; 3) Doctrines on Salvation; 4) Sacraments; 5) Some Basic Principles of Morality. We will conclude with a brief Appendix containing some practical rules worthy of consideration for dialogue with Roman Catholics.