I’m so excited about this news!
I followed Jason’s blog Creed, Code, Cult for many years. And for the longest time had no clue that he was even thinking about leaving Protestantism. I just enjoyed reading his thoughtful posts, even if I didn’t agree with all he said, and the interesting discussions that followed.
Many of the Reformed apologists and blogosphere luminaries, such as they are, have sought to psycho-analyze him, but his article firmly rebuts those errant claims. The simple fact is he was a Protestant pastor who really did understand and believe in Protestant claims (e.g. sola Scriptura and sola fide).
One could even say he was a Protestant of Protestants, an African missionary, a graduate of Westminster Seminary, zealous for the Bible alone and justification by faith alone, much as his Protestant ancestors were. So all this psycho-babble from the Reformed crowd is nonsense.
But they must resort to impugning his motives (“he’s gonna get rich with book deals and TV shows as a Catholic!”) and analyzing him (“his Two Kingdoms adherence certainly began clouding his judgment!”) since they cannot even conceive the simple possibility that Catholicism may just be true.
Jason, to his credit, did entertain that possibility. He did remain open to the chance that, while much of his beliefs were true, he was not in the fullness of the truth, not in full communion with the Church Christ built. If I could do a slow clap for him, I would.
I’m not triumphalistic. It’s not as if I were instrumental in his conversion. Nor was it “us brilliant Catholics” who lured him to the Church. It’s God work, and whatever part we humans played in it, we are grateful and humbled.
So I say, welcome to full communion with Christ’s Church, Jason! I hope to visit the Pacific Northwest one day to hang out and have a beer.
This story has made me so happy, not out of triumph as you said, but because it reminds me of how God recently called me home too. Of course, I was no renowned Protestant leader by any stretch of the imagination, but I certainly ascribed to Reformed theology and grappled with many of the same issues as a young woman in her 20′s trying to find “the church” (which I just knew had to be out there somewhere). I’m so overjoyed for Jason and his family!
Thanks Christina!
http://www.calledtocommunion.com/2012/09/i-fought-the-church-and-the-church-won/
Thanks George–I had the old link up, updated it with the correct one.
I too found the psychoanalysis inherent in conversion to be annoying (and often disrespectful). It’s annoying to dialogue with someone who cannot conceive of the fact that I converted *because* Catholicism is true, but because I didn’t understand Protestantism, or I wanted more certainty than God wants me to have, or because I’m reprobate. Ugh.
Glad for Stellman – the church is better off now that he’s in it. And, seriously, in the dark times that appear to be ahead, Lord knows we can use all the “good guys” that God gives us.
Right on Benjamin. Stellman can be my wingman, *anytime*!
Hi Benjamin,
You said:
I too found the psychoanalysis inherent in conversion to be annoying (and often disrespectful). …
I ‘m discussing this topic but in reverse on an anti-Catholic forum. On that forum, the Protestants are objecting that Catholics say, “Since you left “The (Catholic ) Church” you must have been poorly catechized.”
From experience, I know that this is true. I left the Catholic Church because I understood very little of it. But that wasn’t the only reason. There were many reasons and my own rebellious nature was probably the biggest reason of all. I know many people today who don’t know their catechism but would rather die than leave the Catholic Church. My mother chief amongst them. So, although that is a contributing reason for many who leave the Church, I doubt it is the only or even the most important reason.
I’m certain that my Catechism teachers knew their catechism, they were priests and nuns. So that wasn’t a problem. But I remember my classes and I remember thinking, “Oh my Gaaaawd! Why must I be here?!” It wasn’t their fault. Mea Culpa, folks! I was a restless kid who wanted to run and play. No one could have made me sit down and learn any subject.
But, then I came back. And the reason for that is because, when I came back to Christ from atheism, I came to Reformed Theology. I wanted no part of Catholicism. But when I compared Protestantism to the Scriptures to test the claim that they are Bible based, Reformed Theology failed utterly.
Sola Scriptura is not in Scripture.
Faith alone contradicts Scripture.
These are the pillars. If these fail, there is no need to continue. So, I studied many religions, before I came back to the Catholic Church. I remember thinking, “My goodness!? This can’t be true. But, either the Catholic Church is right on the money or the Catholic Church is off its rocker. There is no in between.”
The bottom line is this, in my opinion, Protestants don’t have enough faith to be Catholic. I know that was true for me. But some of the doctrines of the Catholic Church simply seem fantastic. Yeah, right. That cookie is God almighty. We believe it, Protestants don’t. They can’t.
Just like atheists can’t believe that God can become man. They put limits on God. Just at a different level.
God can’t cleanse your soul with water, they claim.
God can’t attribute merit to your works, they insist.
God can’t this and God can’t that, that is the Protestant mindset when they object to the things which the Catholic Church teaches.
And so, it is a lack of faith to leave the Catholic Church for Protestantism or any religion.
It is a step in faith to come to the Catholic Church from any religion.
Sincerely,
De Maria
Although I agree with the sentiments expressed here and am very happy for Mr. Stellman, is it fair to imply that the psychoanalysis that goes on when one crosses to “the other side” is somehow a unique issue with the Protestant side? If a Catholic converts to the evangelical side, is there not a sense that the ex-Catholic simply didn’t understand his/her faith well enough, sought more excitement perhaps or must have had a rebellious streak to begin with? Is there not a sense that the ex-Catholic couldn’t possibly have converted because Protestantism is actually true? Just trying to be fair, that’s all.
@JeffB – No, no, no& no, there isn’t; unless you want there to be.
I don’t think anyone said the tendency to psychoanalyse is unique to one “side”.
I hope and expect to hear of more of these conversions in the coming days.
@JeffB,
I’m sure there is psychoanalysis on both sides, to be sure. The thing of it all, I think, is letting a convert tell his or her own story rather than saying “Well, you think you converted for reasons XYZ but what you *really* converted is your deep unfulfilled Freudian issues with your mother”. I jest, but you get the idea.
So if I ask a convert from Catholicism to Protestantism why he converted, and he says it’s because he likes Protestant worship styles better than Catholic liturgy, then I think it’s OK to ask if that’s a good reason or not. Similarly if someone converts from Catholicism to Protestantism because they agree with sola fide (in its uniquely Protestant sense), then we can talk about that too. BUT that’s allowing the convert to tell their own story rather than me trying to psychoanalyze out some deeper seated reason why they converted. Hope I’m making sense (?); home sick for the day so hopefully I’m vaguely coherent.
Sincerely,
~Benjamin
Benjamin,
HI, yes, I agree. Take the person at their word for their reasons. My point was just that it’s very natural to do the sort of “analysis” at issue even if it’s unspoken, regardless of which direction the person is moving across the Tiber. I have not had any real exposure to views/reactions from the Catholic side when someone converts to Protestantism but I would assume that similar thoughts about “that person must not have fully understood” would also occur. I wholeheartedly concur though with the sentiments here (and elsewhere) that the spirit and character of the “analysis” in Mr. Stellman’s case seems way overboard and not very constructive or kind.
Peace,
Jeff
Jeff, yes but the funny thing is that typically Catholics who become Protestant really don’t have a clue what Catholicism is. That’s the fault of us Catholics, for sure, so we have only ourselves to blame for the woeful lack of catechesis and formation.
Whereas Protestants who become Catholic usually have to overcome powerful anti-Catholic biases, family and friends who abhor Catholicism, and they also usually know their (Protestant) faith well.
Hi Devin,
Yes, that’s my perception as well. If I remember your story, you came from an atheist background (right?) so in a way, your conversion to Catholicism from Protestantism might have been much easier than it is for many long-time Protestants with deep family roots in Protestantism. That “powerful anti-Catholic bias” is quite an obstacle.
Jeff
Do many Protestants really say those things about those who jump horses? That’s weird. I would think, given how many Evangelicals are converts, that they would remember what it was like when their own old friends, even family members, psychoanalyzed their decisions to become Christians.
Yes, I think because becoming Catholic is such a huge shift and is viewed by many Protestants as going over to the Dark Side.
Funny…God called me OUT of the Catholic Church. Praise the Lord for showing me the truth (biblically and for freeing me from the guilt/bondage of works and good deeds) and leading me to full conversion in Christianity. Once one wakes up they can no longer stay in the Catholic Church with its man-made rules and non-biblical rituals. My priests (yes many as they rotated in and out) encouraged us to not read the bible. No wonder I didnt get converted in mass, I wasnt hearing the WORD. I am sorry for Jason for he is a lost confused soul and entering into the snares of Catholism. Catholics take such pride in “winning” one to your side. Just the opposite when a Catholic converts to Christianity. Christians dont gloat they do the opposite and are humbled remembering before they were saved.
And the irony. He rejects Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide but will accept taking communion every Sunday crucifying Christ at the table, to which he knows (in his conscious) as unbiblical.
Hi Kris,
You said,
And the irony. He rejects Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide but will accept taking communion every Sunday crucifying Christ at the table, to which he knows (in his conscious) as unbiblical.
Thanks for bringing this up.
Let’s compare. You preach the Bible alone, which is the doctrine of “Sola Scriptura”. What does Scripture truly say?
2 Thessalonians 2:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
You preach faith alone or “Sola Fide”. What does Scripture actually say?
James 2:22-24
King James Version (KJV)
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
You reject communion every Sunday and what does Scripture say about those who do so?
Hebrews 10:25-31
King James Version (KJV)
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
It is those like you, who fall away from the Faith which Christ died to provide us, who leave the Church which Christ died to establish, it is you who re-crucify Christ:
Hebrews 6:4-10
King James Version (KJV)
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
The Catholic Church understands the Scriptures because the Catholic Church wrote the Scriptures. Protestants have taken the Faith of our Lord, His very word and made a shambles of it:
1 Timothy 1:19
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Sincerely,
De Maria
Kris,
Welcome to my blog. You have listed many caricatures and false ideas about Catholicism here. That may convince some people, but not readers of this blog, nor Jason Stellman, nor those who are truly seeking the truth.
you werent hearing the WORD? well that seems to be more your fault because there is more scripture read on a sunday at mass than there is in any protestant church I can guarantee that! You may read 8-10 verses than go on for an hour hearing a mans interpretation of what it means and then call it biblical!
Hi Kris,
You said:
Funny…God called me OUT of the Catholic Church.
THAT, wasn’t God. If you left the Catholic Church it was completely against the will of God that you did so.
Praise the Lord for showing me the truth (biblically
The Bible truth is taught in the Catholic Church. Protestants teach the man made doctrines of those who rebelled against God’s word.
and for freeing me from the guilt/bondage of works and good deeds)
If you feel no obligation to do the works of God, then God is not obligated to grant you eternal life:
Romans 2: 6 (God) will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
and leading me to full conversion in Christianity.
Only those who accept wholeheartedly the Teachings of the Catholic Church enjoy that privilege. Protestants only have a partial truth and a partial knowledge of the faith of our Lord.
Once one wakes up they can no longer stay in the Catholic Church with its man-made rules and non-biblical rituals.
It is Protestants who obey man made rules and perform non-biblical practices. The Catholic Church teaches the fullness of God’s word.
My priests (yes many as they rotated in and out) encouraged us to not read the bible.
You misunderstood their advice. They encouraged you not to read the Bible ALONE, without a thorough understanding of the Traditions of Jesus Christ which are the base and underpinning of the New Testament. Did you never notice that Jesus Christ did not write even one word of Scripture? He established Traditions and a Church to pass them down. It is the Church which wrote the Bible in order to accomplish this mission.
No wonder I didnt get converted in mass,
Don’t blame the Church for your rejection of God’s remembrance. It is in the Mass that we, in one mind and voice, call out to God (Rom 15:6).
I wasnt hearing the WORD.
You rejected the Word of God which was being taught to you and preached to you.
I am sorry for Jason for he is a lost confused soul and entering into the snares of Catholism.
We are sorry for you. For you are bound and trapped in the errors of the Protestants.
Catholics take such pride in “winning” one to your side.
What does Scripture say?
Matthew 18:12-14
King James Version (KJV)
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Just the opposite when a Catholic converts to Christianity. Christians dont gloat they do the opposite and are humbled remembering before they were saved.
It is better for you that you not gloat for taking anyone out of God’s Kingdom, the Catholic Church, for Scripture warns:
Matthew 18
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
People over-analyze everything. Jason simply realized that the righteousness of God as revealed in the cross of Christ, and as taught by the Scriptures, is not enough. God requires us to mix our own righteousness (and that of Mary and the Saints) in with Christ’s!
Salvatore, come back to the Catholic Church.
I don’t get it. How could someone like Jason jump ship and swim the Tiber? I wonder how well he knows RC doctrines such as the Marian doctrines and practices and purgatory. If he doesn’t, he is in for a shock.
Bob, you should ask him.
It was a costly move on his part, as their are few career paths from Protestant pastor of a well-off church to jobs in Catholic dioceses.
He knew all about Marian dogmas and purgatory. Once sola fide fell for him, one central tenet of the Reformation stool was gone, and the rest toppled.
Bob, you ask,
I don’t get it. How could someone like Jason jump ship and swim the Tiber?….
Apparently, you have some respect for the man. If that is true, then take this as a sign. Perhaps it is you who don’t know or understand the Teachings of the Catholic Church. Perhaps it is you who will be shocked when you find out that your religion has been lying to you.
Come on in, the water’s just fine.
You brought up this passage as a refutation of Sola Scriptura–”Let’s compare. You preach the Bible alone, which is the doctrine of “Sola Scriptura”. What does Scripture truly say?
2 Thessalonians 2:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”
Let me ask you: What traditions is Paul referring to here? Surely he is not referring to the Marian dogmas, a celibate leaderships or purgatory because these things were unknown in the NT and for centuries. So what “traditions” is Paul referring to?