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Summary: Great Book but might not be what you expect.
Review: This was an interesting book to me. A collection of stories of mostly former Protestants telling their stories as they converted to the Roman Catholic Church. At first I thought these would be stories of everyday people like me and how they came to the church. Instead what I go were stories of ministers, divinity students, theological experts, etc. and how they came to the church. This was better than I expected. When you read stories of informed people with lots of bible knowledge you can't help but be affected. When these informed people tell you how they came tot he church with a great deal of investigation, it makes quite an impact. I realized that I was not an expert and their journeys helped me in mine.
Rating:
Summary: Surprised By Truth
Review: Patrick is a genius, whether you are a cradle Catholic, convert, thinking of becoming Catholic or just plain curious, you will not put this book down. Nobody ever tires of conversion stories it's awesome, powerful and nothing like on earth. Keep up the great work Patrick, can't wait to read Surprised by Truth II
Rating: 
Summary: Remarkable and Touching
Review: I am always fascinated by the testimony of those who convert to Catholicism. This book contains 11 such tales, and none of them disappoint the reader.It is truly remarkable to read of the anguish that people feel as they discover the doctrines of the Church, and become "surprised by truth." I am touched by the sacrifices that many have made by becoming Catholic. They risk alienation from family and friends, and in come cases even their livelihood. This book permits many insights into the thoughts and doubts that are part of the conversion process. I especially enjoyed seeing how the converts reasoned from scripture, how each started from a different point, and all ended up in the same place! Each testimony is a mini-course in apologetics, and demonstrates the scriptural basis of the Catholic Faith.
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Summary: Excellent for any Fundamentalist
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It is an excellent introduction for fundamentalists really interested in the catholic postiion on issues. Being from a Church of Christ background, I really thought catholic beliefs were "man made" nonsense. This book changed my mind and gave me the courage to examine the issues and eventually enter the catholic faith.
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Summary: Simply read their stories
Review: The authors of their own stories are not out to prove a point or convert those whom they despise. With love in their hearts filled with gratitude for what they have found, the personal stories these people share are written so very well that I grew to have a profound respect for their intellectual integrity and their honesty and openness in sharing their stories. I was convicted that I need to follow God where I see Him leading me, as these authors have written about so very clearly. You will not be disappointed!
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Summary: Surprised by Truth 2 dovetails into this "must have" book.
Review: . It is difficult to say enough good about the benefit that both his books have--'Surprised by Truth" and his powerful and moving new "Surprised by Truth 2". Where SBT leaves off, his new one fits perfectly. When you order this book, don't forget to place an advance order for his new one. As if subscribing to periodical, his new one will arrive right when you are begging for more!
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Summary: A blessing
Review: Conversion stories packed with scripture and the sacred tradition of the early Church fathers in a reader friendly fashion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it has enhanced my passion for our Lord's Church. Reading these conversion stories has also helped me to better understand our Protestant brother's disagreements, and how to explain the Truth of our Faith when questioned.
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Summary: This book started a Title wave 6 years ago
Review: I can't believe what this book has accomplished. Quite full in its defense of Catholicism other than the Charismatic part in the begining.(maybe Patrick Madrid thought it would give the book Charisma? )That was the only Qualm I had about it. I highly recommend this book to Families with members that are no longer in the church. They should be given this book. (multiple copies TOO!) Have fun, and Envoy(enjoy)(typo)Surpised By Truth...
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Summary: on catholic perspective
Review: I am a catholic and I found this book very touching. This book might be not really appropriate for protestants since indeed, there are parts of the story that could be consider as offensive to their denominations. However, this book is a must for catholics since I know that many of us don't really know why we have to come to church each Sunday. It's really sad to realize that fact that's why reading this kind of book will certainly help to solve this problem. ps: when I read this book I know that the Holy Spirit works on each of the testimony.
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Summary: Fair review of a Protestant
Review: I was surprised by this book, I'll admit that. And in all honesty, it gave me a lot to think about. I do have to give some 'points' over to the Catholic church. However, I found the book to be terribly unfair in it's portrayal of Protestantism. It made it sound like we all just hop from branch to branch like a day on the couch with a remote control. This is absolutely not so! I speak for myself, and the many many Christians I deal with over the Internet, from all over when I say this just isn't so! Sure, some fair weathered Christians fit your descriptions, but that is equally true in both the Catholic church AND the Protestant denominations! What makes one a true follower of Christ isn't which church he goes to at all, and I'm saddened that the writers of this book still don't get it. The book certainly speaks poorly of our 'imaginary' image of the one true church, but I couldn't believe it more, even after reading the book. We really are one church, ALL who believe and follow Jesus! We (as Protestants) don't just say we believe, we ask Jesus into our hearts, and the consequent transformation is what this book is not understanding. I'm sorry we can't get along better, Catholics and Protestants, because I really do feel we are all a part of Jesus' body. I do thank the book for the food for thought though, there were several good points in there that I was able to use and learn from.
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