Joseph Reilly
A Plain Statement of the Doctrines Objected to in the Church of Rome
And the Reasons Fairly Assigned for Separating From Her Communion
"A Plain Statement of the Doctrines Objected to in the Church of Rome" by Joseph Reilly is a theological treatise written in the early 19th century. The book presents a meticulous account of Reilly's reasons for leaving the Roman Catholic Church, focusing on the doctrinal grievances he has with its teachings. It aims to examine and critique the perceived discrepancies between these doctrines and the teachings found in the Holy Scriptures. In his work, Reilly shares his personal journey of faith, tracing his initial intentions to become a clergyman in the Roman Catholic Church, and the subsequent doubts that arose as he engaged with the Scriptures. He highlights specific doctrines such as the invocation of saints, purgatory, and transubstantiation, arguing that these do not have solid biblical foundations and ultimately challenge the core message of the Gospel. Reilly emphasizes that his separation was driven by a sincere desire for truth and a commitment to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, which he believes were obscured by the additional doctrines of the Church of Rome. His aim is to encourage others to search the Scriptures for themselves and to rely on their own understanding of God’s will rather than the traditions of men.