Rome Sweet Home

1. Scott Hahn's journey from anti-Catholic Protestant to devout Catholic

"I discovered that nowhere did Saint Paul ever teach that we were justified by faith alone! Sola fide was unscriptural!"

Biblical revelation. Scott Hahn's journey from anti-Catholic Protestant to devout Catholic was driven by his intense study of Scripture. As a Protestant theologian, he initially believed in the core Protestant doctrine of sola fide (justification by faith alone). However, his rigorous examination of the Bible led him to realize that this central tenet of Protestantism was not explicitly taught in Scripture.

Intellectual honesty. This realization shook the foundation of Hahn's Protestant beliefs and sparked a deep exploration of Catholic theology. Despite his initial anti-Catholic bias, Hahn's commitment to intellectual honesty and biblical truth compelled him to consider Catholic interpretations of Scripture. This openness led him to recognize the biblical basis for many Catholic doctrines he had previously rejected, such as the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the authority of the Church.

Gradual conversion. Hahn's conversion was not sudden but a gradual process of discovery and acceptance. He wrestled with each Catholic doctrine, thoroughly examining its scriptural basis before accepting it. This methodical approach eventually led him to embrace the fullness of Catholic teaching and enter the Church, despite the personal and professional costs.

2. Kimberly Hahn's initial resistance and gradual acceptance of Catholicism

"I was very recalcitrant—that's the best word to use. I wanted to want to study, but I was fearful of it at the same time."

Emotional turmoil. Kimberly Hahn's journey to Catholicism was marked by intense emotional struggles. As a devout Protestant and the daughter of a Protestant minister, she initially viewed Scott's conversion as a betrayal of their shared faith and dreams. Her resistance was rooted in deep-seated fears and misconceptions about Catholicism.

Gradual softening. Despite her initial resistance, Kimberly's love for Scott and her commitment to their marriage kept her open to at least considering Catholic teachings. Over time, she began to engage with Catholic theology, albeit reluctantly at first. Her gradual acceptance was facilitated by:

• Experiencing the beauty of Catholic liturgy and sacraments
• Recognizing the biblical basis for Catholic doctrines
• Encountering the depth of Catholic spiritual traditions

Personal conviction. Ultimately, Kimberly's conversion was not simply a matter of following her husband, but the result of her own study, prayer, and personal conviction. She came to embrace Catholicism fully, finding in it a deeper understanding of Scripture and a richer spiritual life than she had known before.

3. The role of Scripture study in Scott's conversion

"I discovered through my reading that Saint Francis de Sales was such an effective preacher and apologist that, through his sermons and pamphlets, over forty thousand Calvinists were brought back into the Church."

Scriptural foundation. Scott Hahn's conversion was fundamentally rooted in his intensive study of Scripture. As a Protestant theologian, he approached the Bible with fresh eyes, determined to follow its teachings wherever they led. This commitment to biblical truth became the driving force behind his exploration of Catholic doctrine.

Catholic interpretation. Hahn discovered that Catholic interpretations of Scripture often provided more coherent and historically grounded explanations than Protestant ones. Key areas of discovery included:

• The biblical basis for the papacy in Matthew 16:18-19
• The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist in John 6
• The role of tradition alongside Scripture in 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Historical context. Hahn's study extended beyond the Bible to include early Church writings and historical context. He found that the early Church Fathers' interpretations of Scripture aligned more closely with Catholic teaching than with Protestant doctrines. This realization challenged his preconceptions and led him to reconsider the Catholic Church's claims to apostolic authority.

4. The importance of the Eucharist in Scott's spiritual journey

"I felt as if the last drop of doubt had drained from me. With all of my heart, I whispered, 'My Lord and my God. That's really you! And if that's you, then I want full communion with you. I don't want to hold anything back.'"

Transformative encounter. Scott Hahn's experience of the Eucharist was a pivotal moment in his conversion journey. Despite his initial skepticism as a Protestant, his study of John 6 and his participation in Mass led him to recognize the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This realization was not merely intellectual but a profound spiritual encounter that deeply moved him.

Fullness of communion. The Eucharist represented for Hahn the fullness of communion with Christ that he had been seeking. He came to see it as:

• The literal fulfillment of Christ's words in Scripture
• A tangible expression of God's love and desire for intimacy with His people
• The center of Christian worship and spiritual life

Driving force. The desire to receive the Eucharist became a powerful motivator in Hahn's journey towards full communion with the Catholic Church. It represented for him the ultimate expression of faith and the most intimate form of union with Christ available on earth.

5. Kimberly's struggle with Mary and the saints

"I thought, Oh, Lord, this guy has lost his faith over the summer. Give me the words to say."

Initial aversion. Kimberly Hahn's struggle with Catholic teachings on Mary and the saints was one of the most significant obstacles in her journey to Catholicism. As a Protestant, she viewed these doctrines as potentially idolatrous and detracting from Christ's unique role as mediator.

Gradual understanding. Over time, Kimberly came to a new appreciation of Mary and the saints through:

• Studying the biblical basis for these teachings, particularly in Revelation 12
• Recognizing the difference between worship (reserved for God alone) and veneration
• Understanding the concept of the communion of saints as a family relationship

Personal connection. Kimberly's acceptance of Marian devotion and the intercession of saints became more than theological; it developed into a personal relationship. She came to see Mary as a spiritual mother and the saints as older siblings in the faith, enriching her spiritual life rather than detracting from her relationship with Christ.

6. The impact of personal suffering on Kimberly's faith journey

"I say in his mercy because he has a tremendous way of using pain and suffering to strip a lot of nonessentials away and to draw us closer to him."

Transformative suffering. Kimberly Hahn's experience of personal suffering, particularly through miscarriages, played a crucial role in her spiritual journey towards Catholicism. These painful experiences:

• Deepened her understanding of redemptive suffering
• Opened her heart to Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life
• Led her to a greater appreciation of the communion of saints

Spiritual growth. Through her suffering, Kimberly discovered new depths in her faith. She found comfort in Catholic teachings that gave meaning to her pain and connected her more closely to Christ's suffering. This experience helped her to see the Catholic faith not as a set of abstract doctrines, but as a source of strength and consolation in real-life struggles.

Relational healing. The shared experience of suffering also became a point of connection between Kimberly and Scott, helping to bridge the gap that had formed due to their religious differences. It fostered a deeper empathy and understanding between them, ultimately contributing to their spiritual unity in the Catholic faith.

7. The power of prayer and divine intervention in their conversion

"Scott, I have to be honest. I'm reading a lot of Catholic books these days, and I think God might be calling me into the Catholic Church."

Persistent prayer. Both Scott and Kimberly's journeys were marked by persistent prayer, both their own and that of others. Scott's prayers for Kimberly's conversion and Kimberly's prayers for guidance played a crucial role in their spiritual development.

Divine orchestration. Throughout their story, there are numerous instances of what they perceived as divine intervention:

• Unexpected encounters with knowledgeable Catholics
• Timely discovery of relevant books and resources
• Spiritual experiences that addressed their specific doubts and fears

Community support. The prayers and support of the Catholic community, including friends, priests, and even strangers, were instrumental in their conversion process. This reinforced their growing belief in the power of intercessory prayer and the reality of the communion of saints.

8. The challenge of maintaining relationships during conversion

"Close friends became distant. Family members grew silent and turned away."

Relational strain. Scott and Kimberly's conversion to Catholicism put significant strain on their relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. As former Protestant leaders, their decision was often met with:

• Disbelief and disappointment from fellow Protestants
• Suspicion and mistrust from some Catholics
• Concern and confusion from family members

Navigating conflicts. The Hahns had to learn to navigate these relational challenges while remaining true to their newfound convictions. This involved:

• Maintaining open and honest communication with loved ones
• Respecting others' beliefs while firmly holding to their own
• Finding new sources of community and support within the Catholic Church

Eventual reconciliation. Over time, many of their relationships were restored, though often changed. Their story demonstrates the possibility of maintaining love and respect across denominational lines, even in the face of significant theological disagreements.

9. The significance of the covenant in understanding Catholicism

"I was convinced from Scripture of the need to give higher priority to the sacraments and liturgy than the Presbyterian tradition gave them"

Covenant theology. Scott Hahn's understanding of covenant theology became a key factor in his acceptance of Catholic teaching. He came to see the Catholic Church as the fulfillment of God's covenant promises throughout Scripture.

Sacramental worldview. This covenant perspective led to a deeper appreciation of the sacraments as:

• Tangible signs of God's covenant love
• Means of grace that actually convey what they signify
• Integral to the life of faith, not mere symbols

Ecclesial understanding. The covenant concept also informed Hahn's acceptance of Catholic ecclesiology, seeing the Church as:

• The New Covenant family of God
• A visible, hierarchical structure established by Christ
• The authoritative interpreter of Scripture and Tradition

10. The transformative nature of the sacraments in their spiritual lives

"I received the sacramental 'grand slam': conditional baptism, reconciliation, confirmation and First Communion."

Sacramental encounter. Both Scott and Kimberly came to experience the sacraments as transformative encounters with Christ, not mere symbols or rituals. This shift in understanding was particularly evident in their approach to:

• The Eucharist as the Real Presence of Christ
• Confession as a genuine experience of God's mercy and forgiveness
• Confirmation as an empowering gift of the Holy Spirit

Spiritual growth. The regular reception of the sacraments became a source of ongoing spiritual nourishment and growth for the Hahns. They found in the sacramental life of the Church a depth and richness that surpassed their previous Protestant experiences.

Evangelistic zeal. Their newfound appreciation for the sacraments fueled a desire to share these gifts with others. This led to their active involvement in Catholic apologetics and evangelization, seeking to help others understand and experience the transformative power of the sacraments.

Last updated: October 23, 2024