Marcus Grodi

"How Firm a Foundation" is an excellent effort from this first time novelist. It accomplishes a very important goal: it presents solid arguments for the Catholic faith targeted specifically at Protestant ministers who are struggling with the issue of authority (i.e., How is one to know that his interpretation of divine revelation is the correct one?). And it does this not in a perfunctory way (after all, the book has over 500 pages), but provides solid, in-depth expositions, explanations and answers to the questions and criticisms of the Catholic faith that Protestants often have.

All of this is done in an engaging way (it is quite well written –a real page turner) as we follow the life of a Protestant pastor through the joys and sorrows of ministry, family life, and searching for the truth. In this, both Catholics, and non-clergy Protestants gain some appreciation for what ministers have to deal with, both in their regular ministerial/family duties and in struggling with matters of doctrine. Thus, this book has something to offer any interested reader. And, for anyone who is interested in apologetics and conversion stories, approaches to defending the Faith and arguments for Protestantism and Catholicism are learned that one may never have heard before.

As for a weakness in the book, the only significant one has to do with the main character’s primary antagonist. This storyline allows for suspense to build and highlights virulent anti-Catholicism, but it all feels a bit too contrived and the book ends by resolving matters a little too neatly. I have not yet read the sequel just recently published ("Pillar and Bulwark"), but the book description indicates that the main character’s problems were not wrapped up as tidily as one is led to believe in the first book.

As a Protestant pastor convert to Catholicism who has a long-running ministry helping Protestant ministers on their journeys, author Marcus Grodi is in a unique position to provide the insights this book offers. He has done a great service in writing this volume. Here, a much more palatable and interesting presentation is offered for those not interested in standard apologetic texts or expositions of doctrine. Highly recommended for your reading and as a gift to someone you think might benefit from its approach and content.… (mais)