Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism

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Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism

by Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Peter Kreeft (Foreword)

4.28 of 5 stars 4.28 · rating details · 1,661 ratings · 166 reviews

The well-known and very popular Catholic couple, Scott and Kimberly Hahn, have been constantly travelling and speaking all over North America for the last few years about their conversion to the Catholic Church. Now these two outstanding Catholic apologists tell in their own words about the incredible spiritual journey that led them to embrace Catholicism. Scott Hahn was a...more

Paperback, 198 pages

Published August 1st 1993 by Ignatius Press (first published July 31st 1993)

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Feb 02, 2013 Jean-Sébastien rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pourquoi je ne suis pas (et ne serai jamais) catholique romain...

Scott Hahn était un évangélique anti-catholique plus que convaincu et professeur au Gordon-Cornwell Seminary aux États-Unis. Il est maintenant un des apologètes catholiques les plus connus. Ce livre relate le cheminement théologique de leur couple.

Depuis quelques années plusieurs personnes ont quitté le mouvement évangélique pour retourner à l'église romaine ou à l'église anglicane. Ce «changement de mouvement» est souvent davanta...more

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Feb 22, 2011 Lynne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, non-fiction, catholic

I love conversion stories and have always enjoyed listening to Dr Scott Hahn, a famous convert, who brings complex theological issues down to a level that even *I* can understand so I thought the book by he and his wife, Kimberly, Rome Sweet Home, would be a happy story.

Well, it didn’t start out that way! I knew they had a happy ending because both they and their children made it into the Catholic Church many years ago but the book covered the whole process of their discovery of the fullness of...more

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Feb 22, 2010 Nicola rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Reason for Reading: Popular Catholic theologian Scott Hahn has written many books and I would like to read several of them. Before I started those, however, I thought I would start with this, his conversion story.

Comments: What can I say? An absolutely, inspirational story of a very difficult, journey that Scott and his wife found themselves on that ended with them coming home to the Church. Scott was a Presbyterian minister, self described as vehemently anti-Catholic, to the point where he didn...more Reason for Reading: Popular Catholic theologian Scott Hahn has written many books and I would like to read several of them. Before I started those, however, I thought I would start with this, his conversion story.

Comments: What can I say? An absolutely, inspirational story of a very difficult, journey that Scott and his wife found themselves on that ended with them coming home to the Church. Scott was a Presbyterian minister, self described as vehemently anti-Catholic, to the point where he didn't believe Catholics were even Christians and wouldn't go to Heaven. His wife's feelings were not so strong. She allowed Catholics a place in Heaven but was against everything she thought they taught.

It was from this mindset that Scott Hahn delves deeper into his own personal Bible studies to find himself coming up with truths that echo Catholic beliefs. Scott reaches out to many highly regarded professors, theologians and friends in the ministry for help to counter the Catholic beliefs that scripture is leading him towards, but none can adequately do so. In fact, several of them end up on their own journeys to conversion!

The book is a beautiful, inspiring and exciting read as the Catholic beliefs and doctrines are biblically explained with scripture. As a Catholic myself I found it wonderful to see Scott's light bulb moments, to see the truths of the Catholic Church come rushing forward when he and others looked at them with open hearts. The first part of the book is hard to read as Scott pulls no punches in letting the reader know just how anti-Catholic he was but this serves to show how far he had to travel on his journey. The book also shows the wonderful devoted relationship through Christ he and his wife Kimberly share as he gets closer to conversion she pulls further away yet their marriage holds together even when others interfere with the suggestion of the "D"-word.

An amazing book and a must read for people in the process of conversion, any Catholic who hasn't already read it and for any Protestant who thinks Catholic faith is not based on scripture. (less)

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Aug 03, 2011 Kevin de Ataíde rated it 4 of 5 stars

Compelling and dramatic story of an evangelical couple of the Presbyterian protestant tradition coming to intellectual discovery of the Apostolic descent of the Roman Church.

What I appreciate the most is the Hahns' difficulty in letting their cultivated hatred of Catholicism go; it helps us understand not only the current protestant situation but also that of religions like Islam where children are counseled from early ages to reject (if not hate) Christians and Jews as deceivers.

I realise tha...more

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Aug 06, 2010 David S. T. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, read-in-2010

I should mention that I read this from the perspective of a non Catholic (at least currently). When I took a vacation to Rome the places which I constantly found to be the most impressive were not the big archeological sites like the Colosseum or the Forum, but instead it was the beautiful churches. I have always attended plain Protestant churches and I was surprised at just how beautiful the inside of these buildings were, full of paintings of biblical events and statues of biblical figures and...more

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Apr 21, 2013 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: general-religion

It's easy to read and enjoyable. The title is a very fitting one for this sentimental memoir of two former protestant theologians. Kimberley struck me as the more humble of the two. Scott came across as an impulsive perfectionist(it takes one to know one--I have a weakness myself for this), but overall a pretty nice guy. I could definitely see the need for the disclaimer they gave at the front of the book. The linguistic quality was probably not up to it's full potential.

It's not the definitive...more It's easy to read and enjoyable. The title is a very fitting one for this sentimental memoir of two former protestant theologians. Kimberley struck me as the more humble of the two. Scott came across as an impulsive perfectionist(it takes one to know one--I have a weakness myself for this), but overall a pretty nice guy. I could definitely see the need for the disclaimer they gave at the front of the book. The linguistic quality was probably not up to it's full potential.

It's not the definitive work on this important religion by any means, but it's a nice reflection on the emotional and basic scriptural basis for Catholic conversion. I was a little disadvantaged as I am largely ignorant of Protestant theory.

My reflections on the conversion story:
There were a few oddly amazing moments. First, the conversion BEGAN with a rejection of contraception. It was a dead give away that they were kindred spirits all along with orthodox Roman Catholics (I respect and agree with their decision by the way). Secondly, Scott's PRACTICE of the Catholic religion didn't begin with regularly attending mass or something equally moderate. It BEGAN with praying the Rosary to Mary (came across as impulsive). He never convinced me that he didn't have a suppressed desire to become a Roman Catholic very early on. Though, I remain undecided. Thirdly, It was unclear whether Kimberly converted or just compromised out of necessity. Those are all truly thought provoking elements and I have a lot of private interpretations.

I admire Scott for studying it all out thoroughly, and definitely for some of the decisions that they both made. I felt bad for Kimberley (and still do). My own preference to the story line would have included Mormon missionaries knocking on the Hahn door the night of Kimberley's "Maybe the original church doesn't exist anymore" comment. The moment seemed rather ripe to hear the message of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints out. It would have made for a more comprehensive Christian story had the Hahn's been able to address that sphere of the faith. I think if the story happened a couple of decades later, it would have inevitably been an aspect of the debate.

I kept trying to imagine myself in their shoes and I don't know what I would have done. I would have had the same reservations and ambivalence as Kimberley. I can see myself having precisely the same thoughts as she did while contemplating whether or not to worship the Eucharist! Thankfully I can live life free of that burden. I'm obviously a Mormon, which happens to mean that I believe in the restoration of Christ's church rather than in the reformation of it.

This was my 3rd author so far in my education of Catholicism (1st-Kevin Orlin 2nd-Hillair Belloc). I'm absolutely in love with the the study of Catholicism, and am reading Patrick Madrid and the Catechism now. I've attended mass twice in the past few months and have spent quite a bit of time talking with Catholics about questions that I've had about the church. What an education I have received! Though I do still have a couple of important questions unanswered, I hope that I will have those resolved when I delve into the Catechism. Overall it's been well worth my time to learn about the "universal church". (less)

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May 17, 2013 Patrick rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion

They alternate chapters, this husband and wife,
In writing about how God shook up their life;
And while I like both and their story's compelling,
there is something detached about this retelling.

Perhaps they were badgered by fans far and near
To open a window on things they hold dear.
I'm glad that they did, but think they should have waited
To soak more in the grace where they're now marinated.

Did they hear, "Swim the Tiber!" and then "Hop right to it --
Please tell us just why you decided to do it!"...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Katrina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Story of a Protestant minister and his wife finding truth in God's Word... and a new home in the Catholic Church. Some profound revelations for me, some of them life changing. A lot of questions were answered, a lot more initiated. Overall, a compelling read even if I don't agree with all of their sympathies. It was thought provoking and gave me a jumping off point for some of my own studies.

I don't pretend to be a theologian and have no great desire to be, so I can admit that some of the argum...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful story. If you're Catholic, it will just reconfirm why you're Catholic. If you're a Protestant, it may challenge your beliefs....Scott Hahn was an Anti-Catholic Presbyterian minister who never dreamed of becoming Catholic. But he's a man of incredible integrity. He spent several years in intense study over Scripture, Protestant beliefs, and Catholic beliefs. He found his way to the Catholic Church because no Protestant theologian/writer/pastor/friend...could disprove or invalidate the C...more

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Nov 22, 2012 David rated it 2 of 5 stars

I read this at the request of my son. It was an interesting story of a family's journey to Catholicism, but I had some issues with his arguments. He doesn't ever seem to address the most thoughtful arguments against Catholic doctrine, but instead tackles the most anti-Catholic biases out there. I agree with him and with many points of Catholic ethics and doctrine, but I can affirm those areas that line up with a proper understanding of scripture without fully affirming Catholicism. And it seems...more

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Mar 13, 2010 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Nicole by: Bible Study Group

Shelves: 2010, memoir, religion, favorites

Husband & wife Scott & Kimberly Hahn recount their journey from strong anti-Catholic Protestantism (he was even a pastor) to Roman Catholicism. I like that their journey was one of study and self discovery. Too often it seems that people's poor opinions of Catholicism is based on misunderstanding. Even we cradle Catholics don't always have the clearest picture of why we believe certain things. While this book didn't seek to explain those misunderstandings, the couple did a great job show...more

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Feb 17, 2010 hirtho rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to hirtho by: Grammy

Shelves: i-had-a-catholic-phase

Knocked this out in one night (not gonna count it in my 10,000 tho, since I kinda skimmed/skipped the wife's sections, oh well) - it's mega!

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Jan 14, 2012 Steven rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just a really great book. Whether you agree with his conclusions or not; whether you're catholic or protestant you need to read this book. Scott walks the reader through his path from Reformed Christianity to Catholicism in a beautiful and moving way. He treats the Protestant position with respect and dignity as he focuses on the real issues that divide prot's and cath's. Probably the best systematic argument for Catholicism that I've read. This book has forced me to dive deeply into working out...more

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Aug 15, 2011 Ron rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit, Scott and Kimberly Hahn’s book, “Rome Sweet Home," is one of the most enjoyable and theologically satisfying books I’ve read in a long time. In this book, the authors chronicle their journeys from Presbyterian Calvinism to Catholic orthodoxy. Both Scott and Kimberly Hahn are upfront about their initial struggles with certain aspects of Catholic doctrine (and their struggles with each other in their conversion process), but “came home to Rome” after finding irrefutable evidence f...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Rick Dooley added it

I read this book with a different perspective - as a life-long Roman Catholic who recently left the church looking for something different. I found the links between the Catholic theology and the Scriptures very interesting, and I have to say I hadn't thought of it in quite that context before. However, I continue to be bothered by the idea that the Roman Catholic Church is the one "true church", despite his scriptural arguments. While the Mass may have scriptural roots, the policies and cultura...more

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May 04, 2012 David rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianity

I was hoping for for of an in depth evaluation of Hahn's points of contention. At times it appears that Hahn gave very little thought to Catholic point of view before believing it. Almost as if any reasonable argument against a Protestant principle had to be true so long as he had never heard it before. In any case, this really was a narrative about the Hahn's emotions during conversion. Perhaps I shouldn't have expected much more.
Last thing...how did this book get past the copy editor? An examp...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Excellent for those of us who feel so alone on our journey into Catholicism. This books is taken from an interesting perspective, with two sides to every story, both Scott and Kimberly Hahn share their separate stories of their separate journeys into the fullness of truth.

They begin chronologically from childhood, college, marriage, children and continue through Scott Hahn's conversion in 1986 and end with Kimberly's conversion in 1991. For the Protestant, a surprising examination of the theolo...more

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Dec 09, 2009 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: faith

This book is the testimony of Scott and Kimberly Hahn and their journey to the Catholic Church. It addresses the main issues that separate the Protestants from the Catholics and gave scriptual support for the Catholic stance. As a convert myself, it was good to read a book written by someone better educated than I who could explain these differences well and help me understand my chosen faith much better. I still have questions , so this book was just one more help to me as I continue on my Chr...more

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Nov 22, 2012 Kevin Bensema rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rome Sweet Home is the powerful testimony of Scott and Kimberly Hahn's conversion from Presbyterianism to the Catholic Church. Scott Hahn was a theology student at Grove City College (!) whose study of Scripture, especially covenantal theology, caused him to reject the Protestant doctrine of sola fide, and eventually reject sola Scriptura and accept the Real Presence. Formerly an ardent anti-Catholic, Scott comes to realize that he holds doctrines - ones he perhaps thought he was alone in holdin...more Rome Sweet Home is the powerful testimony of Scott and Kimberly Hahn's conversion from Presbyterianism to the Catholic Church. Scott Hahn was a theology student at Grove City College (!) whose study of Scripture, especially covenantal theology, caused him to reject the Protestant doctrine of sola fide, and eventually reject sola Scriptura and accept the Real Presence. Formerly an ardent anti-Catholic, Scott comes to realize that he holds doctrines - ones he perhaps thought he was alone in holding - that were unique to the Catholic Church. Having just finished Chesterton's Orthodoxy, I can't help but note the parallels: Both Scott and G. K. work out some truths on their own, and slowly and independently arrive at Catholic truths, before being shocked to discover that they are indeed Catholic truths. Scott and Kimberly take turns telling their story, relating their painful and joyous journey to the Church. Their mix of bare emotional struggle and excellent apologetics makes for a powerful, compelling, and at times difficult read.

A couple of interesting take-aways for me: Dr. Hahn hits the nail on the head when he says a major problem in Catholic practice is the lack of Bible studies, enthusiastic singing, and preaching. As a revert to Catholicism, these are lacks that I see too, and can't quite explain them fully. I think we've gotten somewhat lax and superficial in handing on the faith, teaching parts and pieces rather than a Gospel whole. Second, the trails undergone by the Hahn family after Scott's conversion but before Kimberly's conversion give me something to think about for any future relationships. Most of my social group is Protestant (though that may be slowly changing) and out of our social groups do we look for or find a spouse (at least typically). Religious and devout disunity is really not something I would want for my children, so that is something serious to consider.

As a Grove City alumni, I have to say that the Hahn's make a very stereotypical Grover-couple. I think 'adorkable' is the proper term.

Finally, I'd like to deduct half or maybe a quarter of a star because the book is absolutely riddled with typographical errors, but I don't think it's worth a full star, especially given the rest of the book.(less)

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Jan 11, 2008 Nate rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: catholic

So, Scott Hahn is a former Calvinist anti-Catholic who jumped ship and is now one of the American Catholic church's top apologists, along with his wife Kimberly.

I enjoyed this book, because I enjoy reading about people's spiritual journeys. It was interesting to watch as he uncovered fresh explanations for accepting Catholic dogma and practice, i.e. transusbstantiation, praying to saints, etc...

I didn't have a problem with most of his conclusions. Although I don't practice these things, I unders...more

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Apr 25, 2013 Juliana Tomingas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: spirituality, biography

As a former Evangelical Christian, I would have said I hated the Catholic Church. After a few years of Atheism, I revisited the idea of faith. C.S. Lewis convinced me of Christianity, and Scott Hahn ushered me straight into the Catholic Church. This book is personal, interesting, and full of explanations for anyone who seeks to better appreciate some of the basic Catholic understandings of the usual hot topics: the Eucharist, Mary, the Saints, etc. Read with an open mind, and enjoy this couple!s...more

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Jun 12, 2012 Adam Shields rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Short Review: A memoir of a couple's conversion from Presbyterian to Roman Catholic. This was recommended by a friend that has recently converted as well. It is a helpful memoir that speaks of the pain of rejection of by Protestant friends and family as well as demythologizing some of the areas that Protestants often misunderstand Catholic theology.

My longer review is on my blog (about 1000 words) at http://bookwi.se/rome-sweet-home-our-...

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Apr 19, 2012 Becky rated it 3 of 5 stars

I am sure the book would be fine to read, however I got the Audio book. I could not listen past the 3rd disc. The quality of the recording is very poor. I would have never guessed that a reader would actually stop and say they are going to re read. It was so bad I just could not listen. I even thought about getting the book, and record myself reading it and sending it to them.
The Hahn's story is a wonderful one. I just think they should pay someone else to read it.

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Aug 31, 2009 Eric rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: belief

The whole book was based off of the initial assumption that the covenant was made with the church. Since Protestants also make the same assumption, many of the arguments between Catholics and Protestants are founded on that initial error. Ah, so much bloodshed in history because of this error! Once that assumption was laid as "foundation", it was easy for the author to trust the more controversial Catholic traditions because "they'd been right up to this point!".

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Jul 31, 2011 Angela9600 rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a very fast read about the Hahns finding their way to Catholicism from Presbyterian roots. Scott was very vocal about being Anti-Catholic in his high school and college years and led many people away from RC church...but after more and more in depth study of the bible and biblical works he was led back to "Rome". I borrowed many other Hahn books from my Mom (this one I purchased last weekend) and now I am pretty pumped up to read them all.

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Feb 27, 2013 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars

Scott Hahn drops unsubtle references to his own theological brilliance on every page. "And then I came up with all these entirely novel arguments for Catholicism that no one had ever thought of before, and no Protestants, living or dead, could refute them, because I am so awesome. But I won't tell you what they are, just hint that you need Latin, Greek, and Hebrew to really understand my genius." And that's the book. Um, thank you?

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Jun 25, 2012 Judy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Story of Scott Hahn and his wife Kim. Scott is protestant minister and very anti-Catholic. He is also a professor of theology. With both heels dug in the sand he slowly converts his heart to thinking Catholics might have a few good points. After attending a Catholic Mass he is convinced. This book accounts he and his wife's struggle with changing religion.
I had also heard this account on a CD in our Bible class. Dynamic teacher.

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Oct 06, 2008 Kristy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Jessica, Emily, April

Recommended to Kristy by: Marie

This story of Scott & Kimberly Hahn is moving and inspiring. I loved it. It's from the perspective of husband and wife when their views on religion change after a few short years into their marriage. It is heart-wrenching at times when the Hahn's tell their story (back and forth in chronology) of their conversion and acceptance into the Catholic faith. A moving story that will be challenging especially to Protestants who were raised in the reformed tradition. I was especially drawn to the ar...more

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May 19, 2011 Maren rated it 5 of 5 stars

This Book to me was really inspiring! I was raised a Catholic, finished all my Sacraments and then decided to go to a non-denominational church. through life's twist and turns I fell away and now have recently decided to go back to the Catholic faith but am having a hard time settling in again. This book has helped me to learn more about the Catholic faith as well as given me a different persepective on Catholisism. I would recommend this book to any Catholic as well as any non-Catholic.

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Oct 02, 2009 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

Being a converted catholic myself, I enjoy hearing/reading conversion stories from others. It strengthens MY faith. With that being said, the reason that this conversion touched me so deeply is because Scott and Kimberly Hahn were baptized Prebyterian. He became a minister, and taught at a Theological University. Kimberly's dream was to be a minister's wife. They had it all!
However, Scott set out to try to prove biblically that what Catholism teaches is total bunk. After years of trying to prov...more

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About Scott Hahn

Dr. Scott Hahn was born in 1957, and has been married to Kimberly since 1979. He and Kimberly have six children and are expecting their fifth grandchild. An exceptionally popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Hahn has delivered numerous talks nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith. Hundreds of these talks have been produced on audio and vi...more

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Books by Scott Hahn

The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth

Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God

Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith

A Father Who Keeps His Promises: God's Covenant Love in Scripture

Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots

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