Anchored in Christ

A few weeks ago, I saw Chris Castaldo, the Director of the Ministry of Gospel Renewal for the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, speak at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church – Barrington.

As a former Catholic and current evangelical Christian, Castaldo brings a unique perspective that will help you understand theological views of Catholics and Evangelicals in a new light. I thought he did a helpful job of graciously explaining the differences between Catholics and evangelical Christians and how each group views each other. Instead of trying to persuade either side, he seeks to clarify what each side believes and is something that can help both Catholics and Evangelicals understand each other better.

Below, I share Chris’s presentation as well as a few summary notes.

For your video browsing pleasure:

0:00 Introduction

07:30 Chris shares his story

32:30 Chris speaks on the fundamental theological differences between Catholics and Evangelicals

53:40 Sharing Christ with Catholics

The Fundamental Differences between Catholics and Evangelical Christians:

1. Authority.

Protestants say Scripture alone is the authority.

Catholics say Scripture and Sacred Tradition together (along with the Magisterium, which is the teaching office of the church that explains what Scripture and Sacred Tradition mean).

2. Worship (as seen at worship services, the way spiritual life is imparted).

Protestants say the Bible is at the center.

Catholics say communion is at the center.

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Two great quotes from Chris Castaldo (among many):

There is something wrong when we preach a message of grace without the tone of grace.

The greatest need in the Catholic church is to make the Gospel explicit.