Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism

by Kimberly Hahn, Scott Hahn

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 Presbyterian minister, the top student in his seminary class, a brilliant Scripture scholar, and militantly anti-Catholic ... until he reluctantly began to discover that his "enemy" had all the right answers. Kimberly, also a top-notch theology student in the seminary, is the daughter of a well-known Protestant minister, and went through a tremendous "dark night of the soul" after Scott converted to Catholicism. Their conversion story and love for the Church has captured the hearts and minds of thousands of lukewarm Catholics and brought them back into an active participation in the Church. They have also influenced countless conversions to Catholicism among their friends and others who have heard their powerful testimony. Written with simplicity, charity, grace and wit, the Hahns' deep love and knowledge of Christ and of Scripture is evident and contagious throughout their story. Their love of truth and of neighbor is equally evident, and their theological focus on the great importance of the family, both biological and spiritual, will be a source of inspiration for all readers.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian, Theology, Biography

182 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1993

About the author

Mrs. Kimberly Hahn has been married to Scott since 1979. They have six children: Michael, Gabriel, Hannah, Jeremiah, Joseph, and David. Kimberly has been a full-time, stay-at-home Mom since their firstborn’s arrival. Currently, she home schools her younger children. She enjoys speaking with Scott, but ministry is a priority after family commitments.

Kimberly became a Catholic at the Easter Vigil of 1990 in Joliet, Illinois, after a difficult struggle during the four years following Scott’s entrance into the Catholic Church. She has completed a book with Scott on their journey into the Catholic Church entitled Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism. It has been translated into Spanish, French, Czech, Polish, Chinese, Italian, German and Dutch.

In addition to Rome Sweet Home, Kimberly’s newest books are Chosen and Cherished: Biblical Wisdom for Your Marriage and Life Giving Love: Embracing God’s Beautiful Design for Marriage published by Servant Publications. She has contributed chapters to Catholic for A Reason: Scripture and The Mystery of the Family of God, Catholic for A Reason II: Scripture and The Mother of God; Catholic for a Reason III: Scripture and the Eucharist, Catholic for a Reason IV: Scripture and the Mystery of Marrigae and Family Life, and The Gift of Femininity. She has also co-authored a book on Catholic home education with Mary Hasson entitled, Catholic Education - Homeward Bound: A Guide to Home Schooling.

Kimberly’s educational background includes a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Arts from Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, in May of 1979 (magna cum laude), followed by a Masters of Arts in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in May, 1982 (magna cum laude).

During past school years, Kimberly lead a weekly Bible study at Franciscan University. Her studies on the Mysteries of the Rosary, Proverbs 31, Knowing the Will of God, Finances, Praying from the Hearth, Dating and Courtship, and Women of Hope are available on audiocassette through St. Joseph Communications as are many of her talks on topics related to family life and the Catholic faith.

Reviews

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't really sure that I'd like this book because there was a lot that I didn't think I'd relate to. After all, it's a book about a couple converting from the Protestant faith to Catholicism, and I came from an atheist background. Second, Dr. Hahn and his wife studied their way into the Church, and my conversion was anything but academic.

However, the Holy Spirit was so present in this book that, despite myself, I often found myself laughing out loud or on the verge of tears! And this is anything but typical for me!

The integrity that the Hahns show and the love that they have for Our Lord are inspiring.

[David S. T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 popes (and according to one place the chains of Peter). Growing up I had always heard of the worshiping of statutes/idols by Catholics, but when I entered the churches, I didn't sense a feeling of idol worship, but instead looking at the statues/paintings I saw a love for what Christ did and I though about what had transpired and it was inspirational. Being there lead me to an interest to find out more about Catholicism, and so I finally read this book which a guy from work kept recommending.

Anyways the book was pretty good, I didn't care as much for the Kimberly parts, she seemed to not take any interest in Scott's work and was too busy with life/raising a family to care about any theological issues, but stayed adamant about not being Catholic. Also neither Scott's or Kimberly's stories really got into any detail about questions Protestants have some some Catholic traditions / beliefs (but then again that wasn't the main focus of this book). This book did make me more interested in learning more though.

[Yenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quoting the excerpt Scott Hahn shared on his fanpage, written by a girl named Bernadette: 'After a couple weeks of captivating late night reading, I have finished the incredible book, Rome Sweet Home, by Scott & Kimberly Hahn, two converts to Roman Catholicism. As someone born into the Catholic Church, it was cool and interesting to learn of and experience the journey taken by evangelical Protestants to come home to the very Church created by Christ. Their journey was particularly intriguing, though, because Scott was an anti-Catholic pastor, at first, and the way he came to find Truth was through his in-depth study of Scripture.

The true gift of His Church that God has blessed me with since I was born has really hit home through this book. I pray to God that I am never led away from this beautiful Church established by Jesus my Savior; the very Church that allows me to become a living tabernacle for my God when I receive Him in the flesh through Communion. What an awesome privilege! I can't describe my joy right now. Jesus, you rock!'

These are the words I want to express after reading it. I don't mind rereading it or share it to those in need of strength towards their Faith!

[Melissa Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ridiculously frustrating. I was born and raised Catholic and decided to leave the Catholic Church in 2012 after being granted an annulment. My entire family is Catholic, as is my husband’s family. I wanted to read this book to see if it could explain some of the things the Catholic Church practices which I found to be extremely hurtful and isolating. I have wanted answers for a long time. I guess I got some answers from this book, but the delivery was quite condescending. It felt more like they were justifying their reasons to join an elite club than anything else. I don’t believe it should take 4 degrees in theology to understand a religion. The grace of Jesus is available to everyone, and there’s nothing complicated about that.

The only reason I gave this book 2 stars was because the beginning was very engaging- but, as it progressed, it gained an air of superiority that was very disappointing. At the end of the book, Scott finally meets the Pope and presents him with a “beautifully packaged set of my tape series on ‘Answering Common Objections’”, I was done. Good thing there were only a couple of pages left.

I admire the dedication of the Hahns to their faith, but they are very ignorant about how many Catholics are raised: to believe certain things “because its tradition”, to not be encouraged to ask questions or read the Bible for yourself, etc. Kimberly Hahn states, “I was amazed how deeply the liturgy touched me. The call to repentance was so clear, I wondered how several ex-Catholic friends had missed it when they said they had never been called to the gospel in the Catholic Church.” Personally, I can recite the Mass to you backwards, forwards, and upside-down, but I have no idea what the majority of it means.

If you’re looking for a solid explanation of traditions in the Catholic Church, I suppose this book will do. But it’s pretty condescending and judgmental at times. I definitely didn’t come away with any “warm fuzzy” feelings, but that’s also why I left— so, I shouldn’t be surprised.

[Amanda Tindall · Rating 4 out of 5]

What did I think? Well, I'm Catholic now.

In reality though, while it is under one of the most repulsive titles for a protestant, he describes his journey to the Church in a way that Protestants might understand without the vocabulary that most Catholics use — he uses protestant terms to describe Catholic elements of faith. That, I think, is what makes this so compelling, as well as his description of his earnest pursuit of truth.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a lifetime Protestant. I also believe in the "church universal" and that all people of Christian faith should lift up each other in their walks through the world we navigate.

I give this book 2 stars because I appreciated Scott's clear description of the theology he explored and how he came to terms with the Catholic interpretations of scripture. I learned quite a bit about the history of God's covenants, Peter, the Host, and the theology of Mary; these things were very well explained. The one thing I related to also, was the love and comfort of liturgy. I've just changed churches and have joined a church that practices more liturgy than the one I have been attending for the last four years. I didn't realize how much I missed it. So, I understand how meaningful it was for this couple.

However, I was very turned off by their attitudes. Before Scott's conversion he outlined how much he "hated" the Catholics. I don't even get that. It was disturbing. Even worse is that after his conversion he wrote very loudly about all the rejection he received from his Protestant friends. He was obviously very hurt by some people, but to paint every non-Catholic in such a bad light diminished his message. The only Protestants he painted in a good light were the ones who admitted he was entirely correct. Scott really paints the Catholic church as the only "right" church. And, while he really does believe that, it's a scary attitude; one that spawned the entire Mormon cult. I wonder how they relate to their in-laws who go to the "wrong" kind of church.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mary Grace Nakao · Rating 5 out of 5]

You dont have to be a convert to appreciate this book. Im a "cradle Catholic" and this book made me appreciate my faith more.

Also, although it is pretty shameful and hard to swallow but he is right about one thing: Catholics all over the world should really learn how to read the Bible by themselves and learn about Catholicism more.

"Yep, sometimes it takes an immigrant to explain it for the natives."

Also, this shows both the beautiful and ugly sides of Catholics. Although there are some bad fruits in the bunch, it doesn't mean all fruits are bad as well. All in all, a great read!

If you find yourself in a slump, especially during Mass and Eucharist, this is a good book to start so you could appreciate the Holy Mass and Eucharist more :D

[Alan Rennê · Rating 1 out of 5]

Livro ruim e fraco! É difícil acreditar que os dois caíram por causa de argumentos tão ruins. Chega a ser risível! Não há uma única afirmação correta do que os protestantes realmente creem acerca da justificação, da aliança e do sacramento da Ceia do Senhor. Bobagens e mais bobagens! É como o Dr. John Gerstner afirmou: Scott Hahn nunca saiu do protestantismo porque nunca entendeu o que o protestantismo e, consequentemente, nunca foi protestante realmente, a despeito de quaisquer titulações acadêmicas.

[Trisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hahn's book is a fascinating and heartbreaking read. He at least makes clear the many differences that continue to divide Protestants and Catholics. As R. C. Sproul reminds us, we are not together. Hahn says it perfectly when he declares that if the Catholic church is wrong, "it was nothing less than diabolical." And diabolical It truly is.

Knowing this, the Hahn's were still shocked and hurt when some of their Protestant friends did not accept their swim to the other side as a good and right thing. Perhaps there wouldn't be as much fuss about it today, for our current ecumenical spirit seems to encourage such conversions, albeit unintentionally, perhaps, and while we might be troubled by a Protestant joining the Catholic or Orthodox Churces, we fail to grasp what a devastating abandoning of Truth has just occurred. We used to call it apostasy.

This book has been credited for the conversion of many Protestants to Catholicism, and I can see why. For this reason, it can be a dangerous read, like playing with fire. The heart is an idol factory, and this could certainly be a defining read for that Protestant who just wants something "more". The Catholic Church stands ready, false gospel and all, to welcome such a person "home". God help us.

[Michele Pfrogner · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this title for a spiritual book club at my Catholic Church. The text came highly recommended, but, after reading it, I was highly offended. The Hahns are arrogant and self-serving. For someone who thrives on quoting scripture, Scott should remember the importance of humility: "The last shall be first." He practically abandoned his young family during his spiritual "quest." His wife repeats throughout the book, "under Scott's spiritual leadership," as if she herself has no influence over her children. At the end this book, Scott, through his father-in-law, meets Pope John Paul II, and weasels his way into a private Mass celebrated by the Pontiff. Instead of exiting the chapel as instructed after Mass, Hahn arrogantly stays and prays privately with the Pope. His disobedience is discovered and he is asked to leave the chapel, but still monopolizes the Pontiff's time when the Pope has completed his private prayer. If the Hahns' intent is to influence me to be a better Catholic, they have failed. To me, their story of conversion is one of entitlement, arrogance, and disrespect.

[Nicole Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite! It starts off like a fairy tale - boy meets girl. He wants to be a pastor, she wants to be a pastor's wife. They get married. But along the road, things get complicated. He gets involved in a huge, 2000-year-old mystery, which at its heart is a search for truth - and neither of them is really ready to deal with the truth he finds. This book is not based on a true story, it IS a true story! Told alternatively from Scott Hahn's point of view and from his wife Kimberly's, this book plunges you into the lives of these two amazing people. It was first a detective story, and then a romance - about these two people's love for each other, yes, but primarily about God's love for them. I laughed, I cried, I learned. A great read.

[Stefanie Lozinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and encouraging. I would recommend this to any Catholic, especially converts. And to our other Christian brothers and sisters who are willing to consider the Catholic faith :)

[Ramón S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring real story of a conversion to Catholic Church of a marriage couple.
Simple, deep, touching and full of Grace.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I attended Catholic Mass with my parents this past weekend and was handed this book on the way out. (They were passing out to all.) My parents had already received a copy at another parish, but since I am no longer Catholic and attending mass regularly I had not so I took one. It tells the story of a Presbyterian minister and theology student and his wife who slowly convert to Catholocism. They reveal that their study of scripture led them this way and away form Protestantism. This was an interesting read since I had recently left the Catholic church for a Methodist church. I found it ironic that many of the reasons that this couple was driven towards Catholicism were the reasons I was led away. The Hahns are very devout and take scripture very literally so it interesting that they were eventually led towards Catholicism which is not a bible-based or as they put it "sola scriptura" religion. I could totally understand their arguments put forth in the book supporting their conversion and I credit them for following their hearts and the call of the Holy Spirit. I could also relate to their struggles with their family and friends in taking this huge step of conversion.

I do not take the Bible as literally as the Hahns or other Evangelicals so their arguments did not affect me in a way that made me doubt my own decision to leave the Catholic Faith. I also firmly believe that God is o.k. with Christians worshipping in many different ways. He just wants them to be committed to their faith in him and to serve others in his name. I will say that one of the greatest joys (there have been many) in leaving Catholicism has been being introduced to Bible Study. I have learned more through 3 or 4 studies than I did from 12 years of Catholic schooling. The Hahns seem to be on a mission to bring more of a Bible Study tradition to the Catholic Church which I think is great. I agree with the Hahns that it would be great to see more emphasis on scripture study in the Catholic Faith. This is really a powerful tool in connecting people to their religion and spirituality.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 Truth of the Catholic Church. First Kimberly made the discovery that the Church was correct about contraception (this book was written in the early 1990s by the way). Then Scott questioned one tenet of Protestantism, sola fide, and for him, that started unraveling the whole ball of yarn. He fought his conversion every step of the way, at least in the beginning and Kimberly, while being a supportive wife, fought the idea and prayed and read books and prayed some more.

It was a real page-turner for me and made me respect the Hahns’ struggles to get to where they are today.

[Jenna Galakatos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in 36 hours. It had me punching the air in excitement; it also had me crying. It had me reading in late at night because I couldn’t fall asleep because I was thinking about it. It had me contemplating not attending a social gathering so I could read it. Powerful testimonies of the Hahns. I love the Catholic Church.

[Tyler Sawatzky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book that will sit well with anyone who already accepts the framework and paradigm of the Roman Catholic Church and its presuppositions. Don't expect this book to be a legitimate defense of Catholic doctrine or a take-down of Protestantism. Indeed, Hahn explains in the intro that it isn't meant to be.

It tracks the story of him and his wife coming to the RCC. And Hahn gains points for telling a sweet, patient story of how he and his wife loved each other despite their differences and challenges.

However, he loses points for his pot-shots and constant misrepresentations (misunderstandings?) of Protestantism. If it isn't meant to truly defend RC doctrine or refute Protestantism, he seems to think he can still engage in that arena while hiding behind his 'intention'. For someone who claims to be a former Protestant, and even a Calvinist, it is almost infuriating how he presents the position he supposedly used to know and accept.

[Rubie Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - one of the most captivating books I have ever read. A beautiful, raw, and heartfelt conversion story full of Truth. The way Scott Hahn can be so humble, and yet carry such a love of the Father while also calling his readers higher is incredible. I’m on fire for my faith even more than I was before I read this book.
Highly recommend to all people!

[Sandra Vel · Rating 4 out of 5]

La fe es un don que se recibe, no se puede forzar y, una vez llega, cambia tu vida por completo.
Vivir el proceso de conversión de adulto te permite vivirlo y apreciarlo plenamente.
Los Hahn nos muestran un camino que no es fácil, lleno de dudas, resistencia y dolor, pero un camino que les mereció la pena.
Lo mejor de todo es que son personas súper estudiosas y documentadas que llegaron a sus propias conclusiones tras infinitas horas de estudio, lecturas y debates.
También me ha ayudado a comprender mejor el protestantismo.
Me lo recomendó una amiga, y yo lo recomendaría a su vez a todos los “nuevos” católicos (probablemente se sientan identificados en algunas partes) o a los católicos de “nacimiento” que quieran (re)vivir su fe plenamente.

[Krysta Ann Orscheln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott and Kimberly's story is incredible!! I especially appreciate the way they highlighted the teaching of the Church they struggled with and how they came to understand them through in depth BIBLICAL STUDY. The number of Biblical references the included was very much appreciated and helped me to understand the best way to approach apologetic discussions. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to understand the tension between Protestants and Catholics.

Sidenote: Not that I was disappointed or anything, but this book is not about Rome as I expected. Scott visits Rome at the end and speaks about his trip very briefly.

[Kari · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting, but very hard to get past the narcissism of the first author. Although my priests have endorsed the book, I would like to hear more about the basis of his theology other than "the Catholic Church is right". I myself am a convert for similar reasons, but his story is hard to listen to. His wife, however, is a Saint. I just wish she had more voice in the story.

[Mike Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has heard Dr. Hahn speak on multiple occasions and read some of his other works, this book really surprised me. I had no idea how anti-Catholic his convictions were prior to his conversion, and had heard only pieces of his story. This book could inspire anyone of the truth of the Catholic Faith, if they are willing to take the chance and read Scott’s story.

The way the story is told from the perspectives of both Scott and his wife Kimberly helps to emphasize the deep impact and real struggle that came upon their marriage as Scott began to discover, over and over again, that the Catholic Church had the right answers. The depth of his search for the truth is evident, and it is fascinating to walk with him through his exploration of each challenging issue, each time discovering that the true Biblical answer had already been proposed by the Church fathers, many centuries before.

Maybe the most interesting part of the story is Kimberly’s testimony of her resistance to joining the Church, even though her husband was convinced of the truth of the Faith. I think many Protestants would identify with her view, and her unwillingness to leave behind the security offered by her devout Christian upbringing, in order to pursue full communion with the Lord she had grown to love. The darkness and isolation she experienced at being separated from the spiritual leadership of her husband might have led many to abandon their faith altogether.

Thankfully, the Lord had other plans, and she was received into the Church as well, now able to minister with Scott and share their story to countless souls unaware of the depth of truth they are missing! I would highly recommend this book to anyone searching for the truth - Protestant, Catholic, Christian, Agnostic, or Atheist. The Catholic Church truly has the fullness of truth, and the Hahns are a living testament to the transformation of life God wants to bring to each and every person who comes home to Him through His Church, the Bride of Christ.

[Colette Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

6/10 (great book, but not my typical read. I give it 6 but rated it 4/5 because I really did enjoy it, and didn't want to knock it's rating down overall)

As simple as this book is, it really offers a lot. As a convert from protestantism, relating to the general sentiments and feelings of the Hahns was not a struggle. However, seeing as Scott and Kimberley were both respected and highly educated Presbyterians, both with extensive religious education at the college level and having both read the Bible likely multiple times, I was a bit intimidated. But this book is a breeze to read.

Yes, this book can be a little cheesy at times because it is the story of a couples search for God, marriage struggles, and emotional/spiritual challenges condensed into a short and very readable paperback. However, it feels authentic, and their struggles and triumphs as a family are easily felt through the pages.

This is not a book meant to convert people. I think people get upset reading this book because the author posits that the Catholic Church is the one true church and gives the very broad reasons as to why. But this book would simply not make much sense if he did not. If he did not, the book would read as extremely flat and confusing. I think it's okay to read a very personal memoir from a birds eye view and not get offended. If I were still a protestant and read this, I would likely have been slightly offended, simply because his beliefs would have directly countered my own. And it's okay to feel that way too, but at the end of the day, the book is in print and the author feels the way he feels and believes what he believes, and his reasons only served to strengthen my own beliefs.

My favorite quote from the whole book was at the very end where the couple, "calls all Catholics to be Bible Christians and vice versa"
The simple but profound truth behind this really got through to me. That I should embrace my American and protestant roots and dive deeper into the Bible alongside my fellow Christians who are protestant, while still seeking a deep unity among all to come back home to the Church out of the fractured and broken Christianity we have today. This book helped me to reconcile with the anger I had towards the reformation, because after converting I wished so badly it had never happened and we could all be unified still.
But ultimately, there is something to learn from everything, and I really do appreciate the Bible driven education that spawned from the reformation and the love for scripture that thrives in protestant America.

I hope anyone who gets the chance to read this book enjoys it as much as I did! It was not my FAVORITE book ever but it was well worth the read and I will definitely be keeping it on my shelf to re-read later on down the road.

[Clare Campbell]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! This is a phenomenal book, a must read for Catholics and Protestants alike. I have such a desire to learn more about the faith after reading this. Consider me ~inspired~

[Erin Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crying just a little bit, believing the faith a lot a bit!

[Allison Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top tier book, knew it would be five stars the moment I started reading it!! Read this instead of studying for finals😌. Literally recommend this to everyone!! Kevin said if I finished it he’d let me come pick out another book, and I will most definitely be taking him up on that offer. I know he has more Scott Hahn’s books.

[Jim Gulley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a dual memoir of Scott and Kimberly Hahn’s spiritual evolution from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism. Scott wrote two-thirds of the book from his perspective, and his wife wrote the remainder. Scott’s portion of the book is a flimsy disputation of Reformed theology and an equally flimsy promotion of Catholicism. He bases his turning point on no longer believing in sola fide and sola scriptura. In my view, he grossly misinterpreted Scripture to arrive at these conclusions. He does not address the other three “solas” of the Reformation, and he does not address at all the five core tenants of Reformed theology. Mr. Hahn deployed the intellectually dishonest device of creating “strawman” arguments whereby he portrays the weakest aspects of an opposing view to argue against. He also recounts debates he supposedly had with reformed theologians, in which he bested them. Particularly egregious is an exchange he purports between himself and Dr. John Gerstner, who died in 1996.
The painful part of this book was reading the passages of Mrs. Hahn. Her husband’s transition from her theology and that of her family (Presbyterianism) caused her much pain and confusion. She was torn between the truths of her faith, her love for her husband and their growing family, and her duty as a Christian wife. Mr. Hahn, after reneging on his promise to her about the timing of his potential Catholic conversion, finally wore her down after many years of constant hectoring. Her conversion story reads more like a hostage drama than a joyous spiritual pilgrimage.

[Andrew Howell · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are looking for biblically-based reasons for why Scott Hahn converted from a Protestant to a Roman Catholic, you will not find it here. The book is primarily a narrative of the events that him through his conversion. I found it incomplete, shallow, and filled with emotionalism. I would have liked to understand the key biblical texts he understood differently or what led him to deny the reformation doctrines he once affirmed. As a former reformed protestant pastor I would have expected him to bring up the reformed understanding of the solas doctrines (Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria), he did not seem to want to discuss these issues and when he did in a small way he did not represent them fairly. I had a hard time understanding how someone who is supposedly that knowledgeable of the issues in the Protestant Reformed/Roman Catholic division did not represent them in a consistent and honest way. If he is trying to show that the Roman Catholic organization is the true church, he did not do it through reasoned thought and biblical arguments but rather through incomplete mischaracterizations, emotion, and light-hearted stories.

[Stephen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I, an atheist teen, was forced against my will by my Catholic Conservative Extremist mother, saying that "it would give me all the answers." It just confused and depressed me, and perhaps Catholics would enjoy this, but it was basically like "Catholic humans are better than all other humans! Nya nya nya nya nya we're better than everyone else! The only true religion is my religion just because that's what I believe in!" It seemed as though the author was trying to force the non-Catholic world population to believe in something that they don't. It made me dislike religion a little more than it did before, unfortunately. :/