Very well written with lots of biblical verse references and a very good description of church history explaining why tradition is so important as well. The author being very knowledgeable in beliefs of various Protestant denominations and where their beliefs originated aids greatly in understanding some of the misunderstandings Protestants have about Catholic beliefs. I especially liked the sample "conversations/debates" between a Catholic and Protestant. Being part of an ecumenical study group, this text is a great reference and has helped me many times to quickly locate verses which Protestants seem to need so desperately since most prefer to completely ignore the long tradition and discoveries of the faith in the first one and a half millennia of the Christian Church after Paul.

I love this book. I am a non-denominational charismatic born-again evangelical Christian. I was raised Catholic, and this book gave me some compelling insight into both my personal and religious heritage. This book, together with Scott Hahn's "Rome Sweet Home" almost convinced me to return to the Catholic Church. While I have instead remained Protestant, this book has inspired me to be become a bridge-builder to Historic Christianity, and has increased my understanding and admiration for Roman Catholicism.

Of all the recent books on Catholic apologetics, this is probably the best to begin with if you're a cradle Catholic (I'd recommend David Currie's "Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic" for Protestant Christians). The reasoning is straight-forward, comprehensive, and covers a very high level of the topics discussed. I actually read this one straight through, starting about 10 at night and finishing about 5 in the morning. It's that good of a read!

It does not go as in-depth as, say, Paul Thigpen's "The Rapture Trap," but that's perfect for an introductory work. The chapters are not unforgivingly long nor unnecessarily complicated, which adds to the readability.

This book is the second-best way to convince my evangelical friends that Catholicism is a Christian faith. The easiest way would be to have them go to a Mass, but that's next to impossible.

This is probably one of the best books written on Catholicism apologetics I have ever had access to. Dave Armstrong walks us through many different crucial points to the Catholic faith always making a remarkably fine point at last.
It is hard to not get out on the street and start debating with "Bible-owner" protestants after reading such a wonderful argumentation.

I recommend it. It is an excellent cover-to-cover reading as well as reference book for further studies.

This is a solid intro to Catholic apologetics, with a focus on lucid explanations of what the Church teaches and arguments for her biblical roots.

One of the aspects of this book I appreciated is the authors exegetical method: Instead of just asserting that certain biblical passages absolutely teach doctrine X, a case is made for its relative probability, often compared to protestant views.

One of the weaknesses is the book's reliance on long quotes from Catholic luminaries like James Cardinal Gibbons and John Cardinal Newman. While these explanations are impressive, I'd prefer to read them in their own contexts.

This is a solid intro to Catholic apologetics, with a focus on lucid explanations of what the Church teaches and arguments for her biblical roots.

One of the aspects of this book I appreciated is the authors exegetical method: Instead of just asserting that certain biblical passages absolutely teach doctrine X, a case is made for its relative probability, often compared to protestant views.

One of the weaknesses is the book's reliance on long quotes from Catholic luminaries like James Cardinal Gibbons and John Cardinal Newman. While these explanations are impressive, I'd prefer to read them in their own contexts.

There is a common misconception among Evangelical Protestants that Catholicism (and "high church" expressions of Christianity in general) is something less than Biblical. The fact that some of its followers may be poorly catechised and are incapable of a sound defense of their beliefs is considered evidence that no such defense is possible. Thus it must be a bit of a shock that an increasing number of Evangelical Protestants (often the "best and the brightest") are leaving for Rome. How is that possible? Don't they read the Bible?!? The answer, according to Dave Armstrong, is yes.

Armstrong, a former Evangelical Protestant, asserts in A Biblical Defense of Catholicism that a thorough reading of the Bible in its proper context does in fact support Catholic doctrine. Tackling points of dispute with Evangelicals, Armstrong builds up a defense using Scriptural passages with supporting evidence for his interpreations supplied by writings of the Church Fathers and Councils. A section of appendices covering additional related topics is also supplied.

Armstrong's exposition is very straightforward - often bluntly so - but his frankness never reaches the point of becoming pure triumphalism. The writing can be dry at times and might best be used as a reference work when investigating the Catholic defense of various positions. It presents Catholic apologetics written in a somewhat Evangelical style and Armstrong counters Evangelical Protestant "prooftexting" with some of his own. While some might object that a "bible thumping" approach does not do justice to the richness of Catholic theology, in apologetics one often has to meet people where they are and not argue about methodology.

As for the veracity of his arguments, much of this probably depends one's outlook. More general points on the development of doctrine, the Eucharistic liturgy, and the Communion of Saints have an undisputed pedigree in Church history and the arguments in their favor from Scripture are long established. It is certain applications of these arguments in what may be called the "distinctives of Rome" where the links are not so strong. For example, while the Scriptural and historical arguments for the leadership and role of St. Peter among the Apostles is quite powerful, the application of these passages to the infalibility of the Bishop of Rome seems tenuous at best.

Still, Armstrong does at least provide sound arguements that Catholic belief and practice is not of necessity inconsistent with Scripture. Faced with the growing shallowness of much of the Evangelicalism one faces on Sunday, many are looking to Rome and the East for possible answers to the dilemma. A Biblical Defense of Catholicism presents arguments for Catholic doctine in terms an Evangelical can appreciate and may serve to bridge the theological gap for those seeking a richer and more historically rooted faith. Even for those who reject Rome's claims, it presents strong arguments that one can wrestle with and achieve a greater appreciation for the Roman position and the points of departure between Catholic and Protestant Christians.

Armstrong started his research of the Catholic faith as a pious low-liturgy Protestant. His initial investigations were undertaken for the sole reason of disproving the Catholic faith. Yet, God had other plans for him, and in a few short years he had entered the Catholic Church and became one of the leading Catholic apologists in the United States.

This book is inspiring to Catholics and those wishing to enter the Church, and it serves as a challenge to all non-Catholics. Anyone who reads this book unbiasedly (unlike the previous reviewer, who clearly carried their own biases into the reading of this book), will come to see the truth of the Catholic Church.

Highly recommended!

The form of the New Testament Church is clearly presented in the New Testament: charismatic, evangelical ("you must be born again"), and sacramental.

The 5-fold ministry of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher was smoothly integrated with the 3-fold church offices of bishop (the head pastor and head elder of a local congregation), elder, and deacon.

The Didache and the letters of St. Ignatius of Antioch attest to this.

There was no doctrine of the rulers and the ruled (Nicolaitans), no distinction of "clergy" and "laity," and the word "priest" only applied to the priesthood of all believers.

YOU NEED GO NO FURTHER.

I surely do not want to pass any judgment on Dave Armstrong, so let me write in reference to certain doctrines:

Paul states that to be absent from body is to be present with the Lord (II Cor 5:8) and that the corruptible nature is transformed to the incorruptible in a twinkling of an eye (I Cor 15:50ff). Rome teaches the corruptible nature is purified during gradual purgation before a person is presentable to the Lord.

Paul states all minister's have a right to marry: "Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas [Peter]?" (I Cor 9:5). Rome states that priests must make a vow of celibacy.

Paul states husbands and wives should not stop having sex except for rare instances which they both agree upon to devote to prayer (I Cor 7:3-5). Rome teaches period continence (the rhythm method) as birth control.

Jesus states "Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me" (John 6:45) and "No one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6). Rome teaches that all religions lead to God (CCC 842).

The fallacy that Armstrong, Hahn, and Thigpen fall into is in claiming that Scripture led them to the Roman Church only to adhere to the infallibility of the Magisterium even when it contradicts Scripture. Such reasoning calls for serious self-examination.

The doctrine of infallibility itself was pushed through in questionable circumstances. About 20% of the clergy disagreed with the doctrine and refused to show up for the vote. Isolated, they were pressured one-by-one and caved in. Two priests resisted and were excommunicated. I recommend Robert McClory's POWER AND THE PAPACY on the subject.

Be amazed as Dave demonstrates what Catholic catechisis and schooling has failed to teach you!! Catholicism is biblical and you have no excuse not to be as passionate as the Evangelicals down the street. At least now you can hold your own in conversation with Bible Protestants!
Makes me wonder if Vatican II foresaw the internet as a grand tool of evangelisation, which isn't suprising as the HS did guide it. In that case, Dave has heeded the call of the new evagelisaion. Better knowledge leads to charity, rather that ignorant fear, and leads to true ecumenism.

I work overseas. U.S. NAVAL ACTIVITIES ROTA,SPAIN.
I thought the book was great and very informative
of our Catholic Faith. I appreciate Mr.Armstrong's & Mr. Hardon's great arguments of the Faith. Great book and
Highly recommended for anyone who wants a great
overview and what to cover during and for
defense of the Catholic Church.

Albert

This is a very comprehensive book in Catholic apologetics and I recomend anyone read it.