It might seem, at least to some of my evangelical readers, that I blame evangelicals alone for the kind of warfare lingo of the “Reformation Wars” that I pray will cease. Let me begin this post by stating that EWTN (Catholic) and Relevant radio (Catholic) can be equal opportunity offenders in these “polemical wars” in a way very similar to conservative Protestant programming on various evangelical networks. The program “Coming Home,” hosted by Marcus Grodi, is one of the most egregious examples I know, though it is set in a very gentle tone. (You can read Grodi’s conversion story online.) This program is well-produced and includes an occasional account of conversion from no faith to a living Christian faith. (The majority of stories, however, are from ex-Protestants!) Grodi, himself a former Presbyterian minister, came to a personal crisis about what he believed while still in the ministry. He had clearly confessed personal faith in Jesus. But he saw some major problems in his Protestant faith. (I’ve seen the problems that he saw and agree with much of his analysis of the problems, though […]

I referred earlier to the way in which apologists for Catholicism and evangelicalism often employ methods that are not helpful to the better understanding of our real differences. The style chosen does not help to tamp down the rhetoric of theological warfare and thus fosters further misunderstanding. By saying this I expect that some, on both sides who have a vested interest in these “Reformation Wars,” will take offense with me. I expect some friendly Catholic readers will take offense if I provide an example that bothers me from their side of the dialogue/debate. I shall take the risk and beg for your forgiveness if offense is given. I assure you that none is intended. (If you read me regularly you must know I mean this and have demonstrated it time and time again.) I have in mind the doctrine of the Mass.

Popular Catholic apologists have a lot to say about “the real presence” of Christ in the eucharist. When they present their Catholic view in various broadcasts as the center of their Christian faith (I strongly disagree […]

I begin this post by sharing, as openly as I know how, that I have seriously considered God’s call on my life in terms of the very pressing questions that I’ve engaged with in this series. I have earnestly considered my relationship with Christ’s Church on earth, including both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. I think everyone who takes the visible church seriously should at least remain open to these questions. This is especially true if you have encountered all three of the great traditions personally as I have done through my charism that has led me to work for unity. Those who have struggled with these ecclesial questions, and many of you have who are my faithful readers, know that I regard your own journey with utmost respect. There are readers here who have become Catholic and still others who have become Orthodox. Your “conversion” is something that I have celebrated with you as my friend if we know one another. (This stance confuses people who are resolutely opposed to every side but their own. For […]

The comments made on Michael Mercer’s April 24 blog about the Catholic and Protestant wars of the last five hundred years – “Memo to Tim Challies: The War is Over” – allow a person to encounter a number of all-too-common responses to Catholic-Protestant disagreements. Some of the comments at this blog were astute and thoughtful. A few revealed raw prejudice. Most simply revealed various forms of what I would call an all-too-common ignorance. Some of this ignorance, such as what we can see in the original blog written by Tim Challies, is egregious. Tim Challies has recently gone from bad to much worse in his spirited and unpleasant post against Lectio Divina. Read Mark Moore’s fine comments for a thoughtful evangelical writer’s response to the Lectio Divina discussion.

Most of the comments made on these several sites about the pope and Catholicism are quite innocent. There is a particular kind of innocent ignorance that is common on both sides, at least among everyday Christians. The more egregious kinds of ignorance are far less tolerable. These variety of […]