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Summary: SO GOOD that we've bought & given away 4 copies already.
Review: "Suprised by Truth" is so good that my wife and I have already bought four other copies to give to friends and family. Amazon.com - can I buy these wholesale to give away to my parish's RCIA class? (steveh@ixpres.com)
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Summary: Classic conversion storys presented by Roman Catholics
Review: The Common DenominatorOne might suggest many commonalities between the stories of Bob Sungenis and Julie Swenson. But the one that strikes me most is this: aside from the constant repetition of the same tired arguments for Roman supremacy (i.e., a denial of the sufficiency of Scripture, the "fractured" nature of Protestantism in light of the alleged unity of Rome, etc.), we do not hear our converts to Rome speaking of how they managed to abandon the life-changing realization of their utter sinfulness and their dependence totally upon Christ for all of salvation. I am speaking of that self-shattering moment when we realize we are undone before God, helpless to save ourselves, in need of a perfect Substitute, a perfect Savior. Those who were once truly Reformed know of what I speak. Those who were not cannot understand what I am referring to. One does not easily deny justification by faith and embrace concepts such as purgatory, indulgences, the treasury of merit, and the sacrifice of the Mass, when one has truly dwelt upon what it means to be have peace with God because of the work of another, the work of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2). Those who have knelt at the foot of the cross in utter despair of self, works, and merit, and have seen, by God's grace, the perfection of the work of the Savior in their behalf, cannot quickly or easily embrace a system that makes salvation a joint venture between God and man. Mr. Sungenis and Mrs. Swenson have made their homes in Rome. But one thing is certain: they had never built a home upon a firm foundation in Geneva. Anyone with title to a home there knows that at the top one reads, Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Soli Deo Gloria.
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Summary: Outstanding!
Review: As a practicing Catholic I found I was unable to put this book down. It answered many of the questions I have had in dealing with other Christians. It also enhanced my own personal beliefs.
Rating: 
Summary: A Tool for Conversion
Review: This book is quite a useful tool in the conversion process. Though it seems a bit hard hitting at times, overall the motivation seems to affect ones approach to the Catholic church in an objective fashion. The sentimental aspects of these "converts" stories gave a human quality to the "matter of fact' assembly. I would recommend this book.
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Summary: Non-Catholics should read this book.
Review: These conversion stories reveal what converts go through in the process of becoming Catholic. I've given this book to a non-Catholic associate who has read it and is wrestling with the information it presents. I'm confident that, with the help of "Surprised by Truth," the Holy Spirit will win this particular wrestling match. Go ahead . . . get a copy for a non-Catholic friend. He or she will thank you for it!
Rating:
Summary: Quite useful
Review: The real life stories presented in this book were helpful in aiding my own family members with their struggles. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a fuller picture of the struggles of others along with those wanting a fairly objective presentation of the basis of the Catholic Faith. I thought the price to be a bit high. If this book was availible in a pocket size, it would be more affordable and therefore more widely distributed.
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Summary: Powerful testimonies of Evangelicals who became Catholic
Review: These eleven personal conversion accounts are unlike any you've ever read. They're packed with biblical, theological, and historical proofs for Catholicism. Each year thousands of atheists, Evangelicals, Mormons, Fundamentalists, and Pentecostals are being surprised by Catholic truth - and these converts tell you why. In his foreword Scott Hahn described his reaction to "Surprised by Truth": "While reading each of these incredible journeys I laughed, cried, grunted affirmations, and basically relived my own journey into the Catholic Church. I heard echoes of my own struggles in their words. I relived the anguish I experienced on that lonely and sometimes frightening path of conversion, and I relived the deep, abiding joy of coming home. But enough, Read these stories. They're prayerful, heavy-on-doctrine, evangelical, scriptural witnesses of people who discovered that what they had once thought was the most 'unbiblical' church is really the Church of the Bible."
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Presentation!
Review: The search for the truth isn't always comfortable or pleasant,especially when emotions run high. For the non-Catholic who is sincerely looking, you can't go wrong with this book. The personal struggles and triumphs described will motivate you in your own search! For the Catholic, "Surprised by Truth" offers you a way to charitably and convincingly share your faith with others. It's a great way to "refresh" your knowledge and love for the Catholic Church.
Rating:
Summary: Certainly a family heirloom
Review: I found these stories both moving and educational. Most of us have been struggling on our journey, and the struggles and experiences expressed in the many stories in this book shed much light in areas significant to our walk with God. I have shared many copies with both Protestant and Catholic and ALL have recognized the individual value which this book holds. A definite necessity for all families.
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Summary: A great tool for sharing the Catholic Faith with Protestants
Review: Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver called Surprised by Truth "A masterpiece of Catholic apologetics." He's absolutely right! This book delivers a (charitable) one-two punch of scriptural and historical evidence for the Catholic Church and its doctrines. It's legendary for its power to convince and make converts.
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