Book of Romans

[peeteyg]

I have a protestant friend and we have had a raging battle lately over free will. I think I have made headway with him and have him questioning the basis for his views. I have encouraged him to read the Early Church Fathers on the subject.

I told him I would read a Protestant book if he would read a Catholic book. In the past he has spoken about RC Sproul and Luthers reformed theology. Since he has no basis for his systematic theology before the time of the Reformation he has gotten all “Sola Scriptura” on me. He won’t point to any Protestant Authors now he is only saying to read the book of Romans. I have read it and as I understand it it is totally Catholic. I am hoping to get some other Catholic perspective on this topic. If anyone can give me quotes and the catholic teaching or maybe any links to sites that give perspective on this topic.

I think our battle has shifted to “Justification” now that we are on Romans. I think the idea of works is where we are headed. I think this is also tied to Free will in some way. I would like the classic protestant position on this and especially the Catholic perspective and any good points to be made. I did a search and got NT wright and the New Perspective on Paul that seems totally catholic among scholars. Thanks in advance.

 

[NotWorthy]

The Salvation Controversy by Jimmy Akin may be a good read. Jimmy is a Catholic convert, so he has a good grasp of the typical protestant view of Justification and then presents strong Catholic arguments to the Protestant stance.

 

[Bookcat]

Make sure you read these from Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20081119_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20081126_en.html

 

[Bookcat]

The Salvation Controversy by Jimmy Akin may be a good read. Jimmy is a Catholic convert, so he has a good grasp of the typical protestant view of Justification and then presents strong Catholic arguments to the Protestant stance.

 

[ryanoneil]

scripturecatholic.com/justification.html

 

[myfavoritmartin]

I did a search and got NT wright and the New Perspective on Paul that seems totally catholic among scholars. Thanks in advance.

If your debating a typical reformed evangelic (if you’re heading in the direction of justification I can almost guarantee that’s what he is), NT Wright would have nearly heretical views to him in comparison. NT’s theology is closer to catholic as you mentioned.
If you’re trying to grasp what the other guys view more likely is, I’d recommend MacArthur
or Piper. or** woodrow kroll**