Catholic, Lutheran, Protestant is a remarkable book. At a time when doctrinal indifference is taught and practiced to varying degrees by all Lutheran Synods this book comes as a blessing from the Lord. For certainly we do not keep or teach His Word purely in and of ourselves but it is a gift from God given by grace through the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Gregory Jackson has appropriately addressed the similarities and differences between these doctrines of faith. They are presented clearly and without emotional emphasis by the author. Pastor Jackson remains consistent with his other writings by measuring every teaching by Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions and includes the scripturally faithful statements of our Church Fathers. This is the foundation which many in the churches and synods today are tearing down in favor of human reason, worldly success, personal relationships and temporary security.
I found his insights to be accurate and detailed concerning the doctrines covered and he thoroughly presents the origins and reasoning behind the false teachings being taught by Lutheran churches, Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church. I believe he gave appropriate emphasis of the Reformed doctrines which are so prevalent in Lutheran churches and Catholic heresies as these speak to where we are today and where the world is heading.
In our day, when the ELS is removing churches from membership because they exercise the office of the keys in response to public sin, the WELS enthusiastically rejects the work of the Holy Ghost through promotion of Church Growth practices and the LCMS lunges headlong toward fellowship with the ELCA and Rome, it is especially important to understand the differences between true Biblical doctrines and the false doctrines of men. For as we daily draw nearer to the glorious return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we will continue to be tempted, by our own sinful flesh, Satan and the doctrines of false teachers, to abandon our only Rock and sure Foundation for the false security and comfort of widely accepted false doctrines. As apostate pastors, corrupt synod officials, blind church leaders and an unbelieving world continue their journey toward Rome and the Antichrist it will remain the responsibility of the orthodox Lutheran layman to discern the truth using Scripture and our Lutheran Confessions in order to remain faithful to Christ and by God’s grace endure to the end.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who has an interest in pure doctrine and even more so to those who don’t. But I would be remiss if I didn’t also recommend Pastor Jackson’s other exceptional books Jesus Priceless Treasure, Thy Strong Word and Liberalism: It’s Cause and Cure.
Brett Meyer
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