Of the many books I've read explaining Catholic beliefs, this is definitely right at the top of my list of the best. As the author explains, the purpose of the book is to clarify the Catholic understanding of certain Christian beliefs in order to promote unity among Christians. After reading this book I must say I have a better understanding and appreciation of numerous Catholic teachings - some of which had been seriously misrepresented to me in the Protestant churches I've attended. The chapter titled "Salvation: God's Free Gift in Jesus Christ," and the chapter titled "The Work of the Holy Spirit" provide a clear exposition of Scripture, explaining how through faith in Jesus we are saved by God's grace, and how through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us we can go on to live a life worthy of calling ourselves Christian - a life pleasing to God.
The author does an excellent job of describing the role of faith and good works in salvation - in particular explaining that by "good works" Catholics do not mean the "works of the law" that the apostle Paul condemns, but rather the "works of charity" or love that "flow from living faith in Jesus Christ." As a Protestant I believe faith is not genuine unless produces good fruit such as charitable works as described by the Epistle of James. I'm delighted to see the author describe Catholic doctrine as also believing that good works are produced by the Holy Spirit in us and demonstrate active, living, saving faith.
The entire discussion of faith, grace, works, salvation and the Holy Spirit provided in this book would be an excellent tool to use for a Catholic to better explain his or her faith to a Protestant. And, since as candidly stated by the author, many Catholics do not grasp the principles described in this book, it would also be a great source for Protestants to share with their Catholic friends who are seeking a deeper, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As stated by the author, "Even if we do not agree in all points of doctrine, Catholics and other Christians do agree and proclaim together that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and we are united as Christians in the Holy Spirit, even while we still are divided in our understanding of certain doctrines." From this book, I believe the reader will see much greater commonality than difference in the faith of Catholics and Protestants.
Though it is sometimes a little bit too theological for the average non-Catholic, "Catholic and Christian" is a nice beginning book for those interested in the Church and her members. I converted to Catholicism in 2000, and I accepted the majority of the Church's beliefs on a Biblical and rational basis. Some of the beliefs, however, had to be accepted based on Catholic Tradition and faith. This is where things get tricky.
Schreck attempts to explain the major aspects of Catholicism to his readers using solid Biblical references. Most Protestants should find this very helpful in digesting some of the beliefs of the Church since I'm assuming that many of them attend Bible-based churches. Schreck makes a strong case for the belief in the Pope, quoting and referencing scriptures that many Protestants(as I once did) used against the Church. His argument for the Eucharist and the transubstantiation of it is brilliant, as he adds Biblical strength to an already strong, though tough to understand for most Protestants, argument.
When Schreck tackles touchier subjects such as the Communion of Saints and, the literal Mother of them all, Mary, he has to rely heavier on Catholic Tradition. This does make it a little easier for non-Catholics to refute these beliefs, but Schreck delivers his stance with ease and care. In other words, he states that his faith and reliance on the wisdom of the Church's elders kicks in. That's hard to argue with, and in the end, Schreck makes it clear that he isn't trying to convert anyone into becoming Catholic. Instead, he is merely stating his beliefs and the general beliefs of the Church as a whole in order to make non-Catholics a little more accepting of Catholics.
This is a good, inoffensive book to give to your non-Catholic friends and anyone who is interested in the Church in general. All of the facts of faith are laid out in a wonderful way that won't turn away even the staunchest Protestant. Another wonderful description of the Church's belief system can be found in "Why Do Catholics Do That?" It has an even looser delivery that is easy to take in, though it isn't quite as stacked reference-wise.
