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Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining, but Really Practical?
Review: I am awed by the theological, doctrinal, linguistic, and scriptural dexterity of Mr. Staples (and others affiliated with Envoy). And perhaps this awe is what makes me doubt the utility of this work.If apologetics is the frontline of ecumenical engagement, and the "straw men" that serve as examples in this book are indicative of real evangelical challenges, then count me out. My memory is far too shoddy to recall chapter, verse, and number, let alone the variations in ancient Greek and how its gender-sensitive derivations impact our interpretation of Aramaic. Even if I had this book on hand during an apologetics confrontation, I'd spend more time thumbing through it than actually arguing. Still it's a great read, and provides a converted-Catholic perspective to us poorly catechized (and never scripturized) cradle-Catholics. So, to Mr. Staples, et al... go get 'em! As I see we're in good hands, I'll just go back to reading St. Augustine. Let me know how the whole ecumenical outreach thing goes...
Rating:
Summary: Well written and very descriptive from a Biblical standpoint
Review: Tim Staples focuses on the Bible to support Catholic Doctrine. All of the chapters and arguments are in the context of debates between a Catholic and a non-Catholic. Even though Staples portrays the Catholics in the debates as negative and severally critical individuals towards the Catholic Church, his picture is fairly accurate. I am of course speaking from personal opinion. I found the arguments made in "Nuts and Bolts" to be similar, if not identical to those that are always made by fundamentalists and non-denominationals towards Catholics.
A previous reviewer seemed to think that this was very imaginitive and that Staples wasn't speaking from personal experience. However I can tell you that from personal experience that the situations he describes are arguments that most passionate Catholics have with fundamentalists and non-denominationals. Chances are that Staples is speaking from experience.
Rating: 
Summary: Superb Book
Review: Truth be told, I am Catholic. I loved this book since it sets up so many real life scenarios of how a Catholic can defend the faith to non-Catholics. Tim has an addictive way of writing. And having heard him lecture I know where this energy comes from - his love for the Catholic Church. While I can imagine how some would take offense to the "Catholics always win the argument" style of the book I will only respond by saying this... When I hear anti-Catholic arguments such as silly statements like, "why do you 'worship' Mary" my faith grows stronger since I know the truth. For someone to take offense to this book they may want to make sure they aren't really upset because the arguments Mr. Staples make are difficult, if not impossible, to dispute. Buy the book and judge for yourself. Pax Christi
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