If Protestantism Is True

Abrigham · #1 Jun 10, '12, 11:32 am

Has anyone else read this book? ("If Protestantism Is True" by Devin Rose) I'm currently reading it and it has raised some very convincing points for me to really want to join the Catholic church. Granted, I started reading it because I was already interested and was looking for more information on the subject. Any suggestions of other books I should read while continuing my current plans of joining an RCIA class in September? I would also like to lead my husband this direction through use of good logic. He's a math guy and less inclined to follow his heart and feelings over logical points. Any book suggestions that you think would be good for him would also be appreciated.

**JonNC** · #2 Jun 10, '12, 11:40 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abrigham

Has anyone else read this book? ("If Protestantism Is True" by Devin Rose) I'm currently reading it and it has raised some very convincing points for me to really want to join the Catholic church. Granted, I started reading it because I was already interested and was looking for more information on the subject. Any suggestions of other books I should read while continuing my current plans of joining an RCIA class in September? I would also like to lead my husband this direction through use of good logic. He's a math guy and less inclined to follow his heart and feelings over logical points. Any book suggestions that you think would be good for him would also be appreciated.

No, I haven't. Curious, which protestantism does the author evaluate, because to evaluate protestantism, which is simply, and quite innaccurately, a term used to collectively refer to the various western non-Catholic communions, would be rather useless, ISTM.
OTOH, I understand that for Lutherans, the book, There We Stood, Here We Stand
might be of value.

Jon

Abrigham · #3 Jun 10, '12, 2:25 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonNC

No, I haven't. Curious, which protestantism does the author evaluate, because to evaluate protestantism, which is simply, and quite innaccurately, a term used to collectively refer to the various western non-Catholic communions, would be rather useless, ISTM.
OTOH, I understand that for Lutherans, the book, There We Stood, Here We Stand
might be of value.

Jon

So far (I'm only 24% of the way through, though) he has discussed the origins of Protestantism and Martin Luther, not today's Protestants or individual branches. It's a quick read and really has me thinking about things, so I would recommend it.

I will check into that one, thanks!

CopticChristian · #4 Jun 16, '12, 8:25 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonNC

No, I haven't. Curious, which protestantism does the author evaluate, because to evaluate protestantism, which is simply, and quite innaccurately, a term used to collectively refer to the various western non-Catholic communions, would be rather useless, ISTM.
OTOH, I understand that for Lutherans, the book, There We Stood, Here We Stand
might be of value.

Jon

From Amazon...

Quote:

The book's title reveals its primary method of exploration: If Protestantism is True leans heavily on the logical tool reductio ad absurdum, "reduction to the absurd." This method says, "If you assume A is true, then the absurd conclusion B must follow. But if you can't accept the absurdities of B, then you can't accept A either." Devin applies this tool to many traditional Protestant beliefs like sola Scriptura, the dismissal of most Sacraments, and the rejection of papal authority, unveiling the natural ramifications of each claim.

But what's great about this book is that it's not just dry, intellectual gymnastics. Devin also includes anecdotes of real people wrestling with the claims of Protestantism. In the first chapter, for example, Devin lays out his own story, explaining his journey from atheism, to Evangelical Christianity, and finally to Catholicism. Devin's conversion strengthens his arguments since he has experienced both sides of the Catholic/Protestant divide, choosing his position only after weighing the claims of each side.

I have not read it and there are Evangelicals that make the leap to the OHCAC, ie Evangelical is not enough and the like.

I just stumbled on the fact that Devin posted who and what he wrote. I did see the name Jillian Rose as a member and wonder if there is a relationship?

Netty1 · #5 Jun 10, '12, 1:54 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abrigham

Has anyone else read this book? ("If Protestantism Is True" by Devin Rose) I'm currently reading it and it has raised some very convincing points for me to really want to join the Catholic church. Granted, I started reading it because I was already interested and was looking for more information on the subject. Any suggestions of other books I should read while continuing my current plans of joining an RCIA class in September? I would also like to lead my husband this direction through use of good logic. He's a math guy and less inclined to follow his heart and feelings over logical points. Any book suggestions that you think would be good for him would also be appreciated.

I recommend anything by our Holy Father Pope Benedict. He has an extraordinary gift of communication, and as his work is very logically set out and expressed, it may well suit your husband.

For something a little less formal, but very "tight" in terms of getting to the point, the (relatively) new book Catholicism by Fr Robert Barron is also good imo.

I wish you our Lord's blessings on your journey towards RCIA and eventually, your journey home to Holy Mother Church.

Newsy · #6 Jun 10, '12, 2:25 pm

As far as books to help in a logical progression to the CC, "Rome Sweet Home" by Scott and Kimberly Hahn. It reads as a his/hers view point. Scott Hahn is very theological as well as easy to understand.

No, I haven't read "If protestantism is true". I'll have to look into it.

Abrigham · #7 Jun 10, '12, 2:29 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newsy

As far as books to help in a logical progression to the CC, "Rome Sweet Home" by Scott and Kimberly Hahn. It reads as a his/hers view point. Scott Hahn is very theological as well as easy to understand.

No, I haven't read "If protestantism is true". I'll have to look into it.

I have that one on my Kindle as well and is next on my list.

I've heard good things, so I'm excited to get started on it!

PeterJohn · #8 Jun 10, '12, 2:37 pm

I've recently read the book. Devin Rose is an interesting author. His podcasts are available on iTunes. That's where I first saw his name. He doesn't dissect Protestantism. He mainly argues against sola scriptura and sola feida. He uses a good path of logic based on laymans terms. He is a self taught catholic I believe. He converts from evangelical Protestantism. I thought the book was very informative but in need of a better editor. Great man. Devout family man. Have fun reading it, it's a great book.

ChrissyB364 · #9 Jun 10, '12, 3:04 pm

When I first began rekindling my Catholicism it was with If Protestantism is True. Loved it! The if A then B then C logic of it was wonderful. I also so read Dead on Arrival: Seven Fatal Errors of Sola Scriptura by David L Gray (available on Kindle), it was good but a but had a much more confrontational tone than If Protestantism is True. While Rose is appealing to a sense of logic gently; Gray is more like "any idiot could see this". I also enjoyed the first Surprised By Truth. They're all great but if you're looking for more concrete, logical, biblical examples the first one is chock full of it. Reasons to Believe by Scott Hahn was also good. I am waiting for Catholic Controversies by Stephen Gabriel to arrive. My Protestant husband has a lot of trouble with the history of the Church and hoping this will give a more unbiased account than most Google searches. Happy Reading!

snarflemike · #10 Jun 10, '12, 3:26 pm

Don't know how helpful this will be, but when I first recovered my belief in God (was granted the grace to recover it, I should say) I had to decide where God's Church was to be found. Logically it was clear to me that if Catholicism was false, everything that sprang from it was also false, so it was either Catholicism or Judaism. And between those two, the choice was clearly Catholicism.

lutherlic · #11 Jun 10, '12, 3:49 pm

FWIW, I recently reviewed the book here.

It is a good, approachable book that covers a lot of territory and well worth the read. The book is very logical and explores many common Protestant beliefs (which Protestants have which beliefs varies, of course).

From another perspective, it is a list of Catholic beliefs that various forms of Protestantism disagree with. Both can not be true, so what logical conclusions could be drawn if Catholicism is wrong and Protestant teaching is correct.

Devin blogs at St. Joseph's Vanguard. He is an Evangelical convert.

CleverUserName · #12 Jun 10, '12, 5:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by snarflemike

Logically it was clear to me that if Catholicism was false, everything that sprang from it was also false, so it was either Catholicism or Judaism. And between those two, the choice was clearly Catholicism.

Brilliant- love it!

7 Sorrows · #13 Jun 10, '12, 9:01 pm

so, what does the title mean then . . what point does the book make when it says If Protestantism is True?

JillianRose · #14 Jun 10, '12, 9:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7 Sorrows

so, what does the title mean then . . what point does the book make when it says If Protestantism is True?

It quote this phrase thru out the book. "If protestantism is true then....." It will go on to say its beliefs and why they would not be right. Kind of a play on words. (He brings up Luther and Calvin.)

7 Sorrows · #15 Jun 10, '12, 9:49 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by JillianRose

It quote this phrase thru out the book. "If protestantism is true then....." It will go on to say its beliefs and why they would not be right. Kind of a play on words. (He brings up Luther and Calvin.)

could you give some examples? i have never heard of this book before. it sounds very interesting.