Are We Together?
A Roman Catholic Analyzes Evangelical Protestants
Eduardo J. Echeverria
Are Roman Catholics and Evangelical Protestants really together, united in a common faith in Jesus Christ? Yes, according to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). No, according to some Evangelical Protestants, such as Francis A. Schaeffer and R. C. Sproul, and more recently Gregg Allison and Leonardo De Chirico. Author Eduardo Echeverria is a committed Roman Catholic theologian doing theology within the normative tradition of confessional Catholicism, and thus in the light of Catholic teaching, this critical study is an ecumenical work. A member of the more than twenty-year-old American ecumenical initiative, Evangelicals and Catholics Together, Echeverria writes, “I have roots in the Evangelical and Reformed traditions and hence I listen attentively to the writings of fellow Christian theologians from these traditions of reflection and argument. In this ecumenical light, I engage the Evangelical Protestant writings of Gregg Allison and Leonardo De Chirico.” Furthermore, this study is a work in receptive ecumenism; it follows the guidelines stipulated by Vatican Council II’s Unitatis Redintegratio in order to promote mutual and improved understanding between Roman Catholicism and Evangelical Protestantism
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This is the sort of book I like, not because it is ecumenical in spirit or because I may or may not agree with the author, but mostly because it is written by a person I know personally (professor Eduardo Echeverria) about a person I also know personally (Leonardo de Chirico). Why would I—or anyone else for that matter—read this book? A Roman-Catholic professor with roots in the Reformed and Evangelical tradition investigates the claims of an Evangelical theologian regarding whether the two Christian traditions (Roman Catholicism and Evangelicalism) worship the same God. Knowing both the author and the person he writes about, having had the chance to see their personal dedication to the cause of Christianity, I am eager to recommend this work to anyone whose interest in furthering the Gospel is not only genuine, but also a matter of deep conviction.
Corneliu C. Simu, PhDProfessor of Theology
Aurel Vlaicu University, Romania
Eduardo Echeverria is one of the most important Catholic voices in ecumenical dialogue with Evangelicals. Although there has been, since the early 1990s, greater cooperation and understanding between Catholics and Evangelicals resulting in a better appreciation of our common theological heritage, some have resisted this movement. They argue that Catholicism and Evangelicalism are not communities in schism whose adherents worship the same Christ, but two incommensurable traditions that merely use the same language. In this timely volume, Professor Echeverria answers this charge with careful scholarship and gracious engagement. As someone who has lived on both sides of the Tiber, I am appreciative of the author’s remarkable conversance with both Catholic and Evangelical thought.
Francis J. BeckwithProfessor of Philosophy & Church-State Studies, Baylor University,
and former president of the Evangelical Theological Society (2006–07)
and the American Catholic Philosophical Association (2017–18)
ISBN: | 978-1-943901-24-1 |
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LCCN: | 2022940206 |
Format: | 6.14x9.21” B&W soft cover |
Size: | 216 pages |
Publication: | 20 June 2022 |
Price: | $ 21.75 USD |
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More Endorsements for Are We Together?: A Roman Catholic Analyzes Evangelical Protestants…
Eduardo Echeverria has written a beautiful Christian, ecumenical, Roman Catholic book. He does so as a scholar, rooted both in the Reformed Evangelical and in the Roman Catholic traditions. Where some evangelicals emphasize that Protestants and Roman Catholics only share words but live in different worlds, Echeverria stresses that we have common ground in the christological and trinitarian statements of faith. Baptized in one baptism and believing in one Lord, we might have differences concerning Scripture and tradition, nature and grace, ecclesiology, and sacramental economy. But what Echeverria does is important: cherish what we share, explain where we differ. With a strong ecumenical intention and from a committed Roman Catholic perspective, Echeverria gives a good example of how to keep Evangelicals and Catholics together. I hope that this book will contribute to a better understanding and a growing unity of Evangelicals and Catholics!
J.M. BurgerAssociate Professor of Systematic Theology
Theological University Kampen
A closely argued book revealing both areas of agreement and continuing challenges—and perhaps misunderstandings—between evangelical and Roman Catholic ecclesiologists. An important contribution to ecumenical theology.
Timothy GeorgeDistinguished Professor at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University,
co-chair of Evangelicals and Catholics Together
It takes fortitude to face the question posed by the title of this book. It takes heroism to answer the question, as Eduardo Echeverria has done. He frankly acknowledges the reasons for Evangelical-Catholic divisions, and still he finds greater strength in what unites us. This is not ecumenism lite. Nor is it a manifesto for mere co-belligerency against secularism. This book genuinely advances an important and difficult conversation. Echeverria seeks a reconciliation that’s true, that does not require compromise on essentials—which is the only possible fulfillment of Jesus’ prayers (John 17:11, 21-22).
Scott HahnFr. Michael Scanlan Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Eduardo Echeverria, by his combination of philosophical and theological gifts, and acquaintance with the best of Dutch Reformed dogmatics, is uniquely placed to critique the recent revival of an intelligent but misguided anti-Catholicism among (some) Evangelicals in Europe and America. His careful dissection of their body of work, and charitable reconstruction of the Christian doctrines concerned, exemplify Catholic ecumenism at its best.
Aidan Nichols, OPSt. Michael’s Theological College and Seminary
Kingston, Jamaica
This is an insightful and intricate work of theological rigor, ecumenical sensitivity, and apologetic precision, all at the service of authentic understanding and unity. Both Catholics and Evangelicals will benefit from this deeply learned and erudite book.
Carl E. OlsonEditor of Catholic World Report
Purchase
To purchase single or small quantities of the softcover edition either use the ADD TO CART
button below to pay with your credit/debit card (faster method), or call us to place an order and pay by check through the mail. For bookstores and bulk purchases, please contact our Textbook Adoption »
Exam Copy
Faculty members, to purchase at reduced price an examination copy to ascertain applicability for use in your post-secondary course, click here »
Eduardo Echeverria
Contents : Chapter Headings
- Introduction
- Incommensurability?
- Ecumenism
- Scripture and Tradition
- Evangelical Hermeneutics of Catholicism
- Christ-Church Interconnection: Prolonging the Incarnation
- Afterword: Beyond Anti-Catholicism and Essential Protestantism
This book is recommended for:
- Studies on Evangelical-Catholic Relations
- Courses in Comparative Religion