Nothing in my hand I bring – by Ray Galea
Book Review
In preparation for some recent talks on the 5 Solas of the Reformation, I read Ray Galea’s new book Nothing in my hand I bring (published by Matthias Media). I believe that Galea’s book is a very helpful read for all Protestants in the lead up to the World Catholic Youth Day 2008 (which incidentally will cost NSW tax payers $86million).
Ray Galea grew up in the Roman Catholic Church. He writes with a love and affection for the church of his childhood, but likewise with a passion for the truths of the Protestant Reformation: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone and To the Glory of God Alone. It means that the Roman Catholic reader may actually make it to the end of the book.
“I did not want to assume that just because I was born a Catholic, this was by definition the right choice. I knew I could just as easily have been born a Baptist or a Mormon. So I spent the next six months reading and talking to priests and ministers to find out the differences between Catholics and Protestants. How did each of their teachings compare with the teaching of Jesus and the apostles?”
Galea has a very helpful analysis into the differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant beliefs after such a thorough investigation. His chapter on Mary is particularly insightful. He was able to summarise most of the problems of the Roman Catholic Church by discussing their adoration and response to Mary.
The gospel of Jesus’ finished work on the cross is clearly proclaimed throughout the book, from beginning to end.
Get hold of this book. Read it. Give it away. Start thinking of ways to engage with Roman Catholic and non-religious/irreligious friends alike during the next few months.
Download the first chapter of the book (pdf)
Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to thy cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
was me, Saviour; or I die.
Rock of Ages – A M Toplady (1740-1778)
Soli Deo Gloria.
My wife, who has a Catholic background, recently read this book and found it very succinct and helpful. It has helped her thinking as she engages with Catholic friends and family.
With regards to government support for WYD08, I wonder if we can criticise the government for this? Protestant churches and ministers receive benefits under tax legislation. In NSW, government schools must allow time for religious instruction. Some government funds also go towards independent schools, many of which are Protestant.
I guess I’m asking, whether it’s fair to criticise the giving of funds to a Catholic event that we oppose when in other areas we receive benefits that others may dislike.
jeremiah – glad to see you are blogging!! i’ve subscribed to your blog and look forward to reading your gear.
my linking to the $86 mil was intended to be neutral. i’m not sure what i think! i don’t really have a problem with it.
i linked
to an article from phillip jensen that i think is very helpful in thinking through the issue. here’s the link again
25% of the population are at least nominally catholic – so it’s not unreasonable for them to get some funding!
here is a blurb i read of another guy on a comment on another blog, i don’t think it’s as clear cut as he suggests:
[Jeremy Halcrow said:]
I see the Dean’s point about hospitality as well as secularism, but I do think there are flaws in his argument.
The fact is that all religious groups do not get equal Govt financial support for their proslytism… or even at a ‘per capita’ rate.
The whole rationale behind State support here is a) scale and b) tourist $$..
My trouble is this: why should a large religious organisation which has the capacity to put on such a huge event be given additional financial support? When everyone else can’t put on such an event and so can’t benefit from the support.
Does the Govt provide security for the Hillsong Conf? No
Should it? No.
Case closed.
Yep, I guess I jumped to a conclusion there. Perhaps that reveals the limitations of online communication. Without talking face to face it’s easy to assume a tone that is unintended.
Thanks for the link. Looks like a clear and helpful statement.