The Catholic Church: Why I Left It
The Catholic Church: Why I Left It by James F. Gauss is a self-published book in which the author, a former devout Catholic, shares his personal journey of leaving the Roman Catholic Church. Gauss, who served as an altar boy and taught Catholic doctrine, recounts his transition after discovering what he believes to be the true teachings of the Bible. He argues that the Catholic Church promotes doctrines and traditions not found in Scripture, which he views as spiritually misleading. The book aims to contrast Catholic teachings with what Gauss considers biblical Christianity, urging readers to seek what he describes as the authentic Gospel message.Amazon
Where to Find the Book
- Amazon: Available in both paperback and Kindle formats. The Kindle edition is free with Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased separately.
- eBay: The Second Edition paperback is listed for around $12.78 with free shipping. eBayeBay
- Bookshop.org: Offers the Second Edition paperback for $8.95, supporting independent bookstores. BookshopBookshop
- Knetbooks: Provides rental options for the textbook edition. knetbooks.com
- Biblio: Sells used copies of the 2012 softcover edition.
Reader Reception
The book has received mixed reviews. Some readers appreciate Gauss’s firsthand account and his emphasis on biblical teachings. Others critique the work for lacking formal theological training and for presenting a one-sided perspective on Catholicism. A review notes that while Gauss addresses doctrinal differences, he may oversimplify complex theological concepts.
If you’re interested in personal narratives about faith transitions or critiques of Catholic doctrine from a Protestant viewpoint, this book may offer valuable insights.
Amazon 5-star Reviews.
Scripturally accurate comparison of the Bible to Catholic doctrines and false teachings.
March 10, 2023; Paula Root
This book explains in great detail the Biblical scripture that debunks the false teachings of the Catholic Church throughout the church’s existence. Having also left the Catholic Church, I found this book to be a compelling testimony to share with others so they, too, can know God’s truths.
Amazon 5-star
Awesome book about the false CC.
July 22, 2018
I just left the CC three years ago, God opened my eyes and I ran for my life. They love to teach their church traditions are authority….. but they are not. They pray and kneel to Mary, ask intercessions to the dead, pray with beads, belief in purgatory, falseness of Peter being the first pope. It’s an ungodly mess. Scripture does not teach that. No where did Christ say to pray to Mary. If their traditions don’t match up with holy Scripture, you toss it in the trash. And that is what I did. Every rosary bead and Catholic book went in the trash. This book was awesome, it will help Catholics question why they are told to do the things they do from the church. A must read.
By Ariel Bialik on August 18, 2016
Format: Paperback
This is an excellent book for those interested in the differences between Catholic doctrine and biblically based Christian teaching. As a Jew who is considering converting to Christianity, it was important for me to read this book when considering the differences between Protestantism and Catholicism. Dr. Gauss did a good job of showing how much of Catholic doctrine is not biblically based and is in some cases heretical. What should matter to us is not what doctrine or beliefs we most prefer or were raised with, but rather what is most important is whether the beliefs and principles we are following are based on biblical truths. Dr. James Gauss does an excellent job in this book of quoting and connecting scripture to the topics he is addressing as evidence for the arguments he puts forward. This book is a must read for protestants, Catholics, and potential Christian converts.
Amazon 5-star
If you are a true student of the Bible, Study to shew thyself approved.
June 9, 2015
It’s not about tearing down anything. It’s about the true body of Christ seeking truth, studying truth and teaching the truth about Gods word. Not traditions of man. Do you lead or follow?
Amazon 5-star
Excellent overview of the direct conflicts of Catholicism with the Bible, April 5, 2015
This review is from: The Catholic Church, Why I Left It: Second Edition (Paperback)
This is a must read for both Catholics and non catholics who are interested in learning the truth about what Catholicism teaches and what is actually in the Bible and what Jesus and the apostles taught. It will be shocking to Catholics who don’t read the bible to find out the truth and it will change your entire view of this religion. This book was written to set you free to worship Jesus as Jesus and the apostles taught not to destroy Catholicism. If you want to know the truth then read this book with an open mind. If you are Catholic, you should want to know the truth about what you are being taught so that you can make your own decision on who or what you want to follow. If you know the Bible, it will shock you to learn what the Catholics are being taught. The author was born and raised in the Catholic church and has personal and internal insight to the problems with Catholicism. He has left the Catholic church because he found the truth in the Bible and learned of its direct conflicts with what Jesus and the apostles taught.
Amazon 5-star
I have had the opportunity to meet James and I …
I have had the opportunity to meet James and I am proud of his work in this book. I appreciate his honest approach to exposing the teaching that holds millions in bondage. I look forward to its’ release in Spanish to help those in Central and South America. July 28, 2014
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