Catholics and Evangelicals: Do They Share a Common Future?

Rating:
Summary: A true work of understanding and charity
Review: This book was truly the result of what happens when people take their blinders off and look at each other objectively. Having a shared Catholic/Evangelical authorship made the book very interesting indeed, especially for someone like myself who has deep personal ties in both of these camps.

The first part of this book discussed ECT, the Evangelicals and Catholics together pact, being careful to point out what it does NOT say, so that people don't get the idea that its false ecumenism. It does however go at lengths to explain the areas in which we do fully agree, and therefore can be said to have a common evangel.

The middle parts were interesting to me, as they explained sotierology from early and modern viewpoints. It didn't get too heavy, but it may not be of extreme interest to some readers. Next, church structure is discussed in a way that should help both Catholics and Evangelicals understand what each mean by "church" and the historical and Biblical reasons them.

Lastly was an essay by a man named David E. Bjork, an evangelical who tells of his experience evangelizing Catholics in France. What is so special about that? He encourages them to become better Catholics, rather than rip them away from a perfectly valid church, their roots, and their heritage! This was very heartening for me, as I've thought for some time now that this is how evangelism should be done in Central America and Western Europe. Further, his efforts seem to be having a good effect.

This is an encouraging book that I recommend all Catholics and Evangelicals read. For those endowed with open mind and a spirit of charity, there is much to be learned from the authors. I pray that all future cooperation and dialogue is as charitable as this.