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Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism Paperback – September 21, 1993
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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.
- Print length182 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherIgnatius Press
- Publication dateSeptember 21, 1993
- Dimensions5.25 x 0.63 x 8 inches
- ISBN-109780898704785
- ISBN-13978-0898704785
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"One of the beautiful and bright-shining stars in the firmament of hope for our desperate days is this couple, the Hahns, and this story of their life and their conversion."
— Peter Kreeft, Author, Back to Virtue
"Dynamic, fresh, and devoted are terms which describe the approach that Scott and Kimberly Hahn take to assist in the renewal of the Church in the United States. Now, with their conversion, they are admirably suited to assist Catholics in re-discovering the treasure that has been entrusted to them. My hope is that many people will benefit from contact with Scott and Kimberly Hahn through their stories of conversion."
— Most Reverend John Myers, Bishop of Peoria
About the Author
Scott Hahn, Ph.D., an internationally renowned speaker, author, and scholar. He teaches theology and Scripture at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and has published several best-selling books, including Rome Sweet Home, The Lamb's Supper, and the Catholic Bible Dictionary. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, which promotes biblical literacy among Catholic laity and biblical fluency among Catholic clergy. Hahn is the General Editor of the Ignatius Study Bible series.
Product details
- ASIN : 0898704782
- Publisher : Ignatius Press; Special Lighthouse Catholic Edition (September 21, 1993)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 182 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780898704785
- ISBN-13 : 978-0898704785
- Item Weight : 9.1 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.25 x 0.63 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #7,605 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #17 in Christian Church History (Books)
- #24 in Religious Leader Biographies
- #30 in Christian Apologetics (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
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Dr. Scott Hahn is the author (or editor) of over forty books, including several recent titles (Joy to the World, Evangelizing Catholics, Angels and Saints, and Consuming the Word), along with best-selling titles like Rome Sweet Home, The Lamb's Supper, Hail Holy Queen, A Father Who Keeps His Promises, Lord Have Mercy, First Comes Love, Swear to God, Understanding Our Father, Scripture Matters, Spirit and Life, Understanding the Scriptures, Catholic Bible Dictionary, Many Are Called, Signs of Life, Reasons to Believe, Answering the New Atheism, Ordinary Work Extraordinary Grace, and Living the Mysteries. His academic publications include Kinship by Covenant: A Canonical Approach to the Fulfillment of God's Saving Promises (Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library), The Kingdom of God as Liturgical Empire: A Theological Commentary on 1-2 Chronicles, Covenant and Communion: The Biblical Theology of Pope Benedict XVI, Letter and Spirit: From Written Text to Living Word in the Liturgy, and Politicizing the Bible: The Roots of Historical Criticism and the Secularization of Scripture (1300-1700). He is the editor of the academic periodical, Letter & Spirit: A Journal of Catholic Biblical Theology, and co-editor of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible.
An exceptionally popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Scott Hahn has delivered thousands of popular talks and academic lectures, nationally and internationally, on a wide range of topics related to Scripture, Theology and the Catholic faith. Hundreds of these presentations have been recorded and distributed by Lighthouse Catholic Media. He has appeared on hundreds of television programs on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), where he has also been the regular host and presenter on several popular 13-week series (including Our Fathers Plan, The Lamb's Super, Genesis to Jesus, Consuming the Word).
Founder and President of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology (www.stpaulcenter.com / www.salvationhistory.com ), Dr. Hahn holds the Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he's taught since 1990. He also holds the William and Lois McEssy Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago. In 2005, he was awarded the Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation at St. Vincent Seminary (Latrobe PA), which he held through 2011. He also held the Cardinal Laghi Chair of Catholic Theology from 2002-2004 at the Pontifical Seminary Josephinum (Columbus OH).
Scott graduated from Grove City College in 1979 with his BA in Theology, Philosophy and Economics (magna cum laude). He graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1982 with his M.Div (summa cum laude). Scott received his Ph.D. in Theology from Marquette University in 1995 (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa). He was ordained in 1982 at Trinity Presbyterian Church (Fairfax VA). He entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, 1986.
Dr. Scott Hahn was born in 1957, and has been married to Kimberly since 1979. They live in Steubenville Ohio and have six children and twelve grandchildren.
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One of the striking aspects of this book is the authors' unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth. Scott and Kimberly Hahn's love of scripture, intellectual depth, and clarity shine through their narrative, making it a compelling read for believers and seekers alike. Their journey is not just a conversion story; it's a testament to the power of love for Christ and the relentless quest for the truth.
The book's emphasis on the love of Christ and their profound knowledge of Scripture is truly remarkable. The Hahns' ability to connect their newfound Catholic faith with the teachings of the Bible serves as a witness to the Catholic Church as Christ’s Church. Their journey demonstrates that faith and reason can coexist harmoniously, leading to a deeper understanding of God's plan for man.
Moreover, the Hahns' emphasis on God’s Covenant and the importance of family, both biological and spiritual, is enlightening. They beautifully illustrate how the Catholic Church is a covenant family, and their love for one another is a testament to the love of Christ within their marriage. This book serves as a reminder of the Church's teachings on the sanctity of family life.
The authors' dedication to educating themselves and others about the Catholic faith is serving today to create sorely needed Catholic leaders that are grounded in the teachings of the Church. Their transformation from skeptics to devout Catholics reflects the intellectual and spiritual depth of their journey. Scott's relentless pursuit of knowledge and his discovery of the rich theological tradition within the Catholic Church are inspiring, serving as an example for all who seek to understand their faith more deeply.
"Rome Sweet Home" is a compelling, well-written account of the Hahns' journey to Catholicism. Their story is a powerful testament to the enduring truth of the Catholic Church, and their passion for sharing their faith is truly contagious. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Catholicism, as well as for those who appreciate the beauty of faith, love, and truth intertwined in a remarkable conversion story.
Scott Hahn, author of nearly 40 books, including “The Fourth Cup,” became a Christ-follower in high school through the ministry of YoungLife. He graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and was an ordained Presbyterian pastor. Until…he wasn’t.
After a multi-year study of the Scriptures and more, this confirmed Calvinist converted to Catholicism in 1986. A Catholic theologian since 1990, he teaches at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, a Catholic university in Steubenville, Ohio, and is the founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.
It took his wife, the daughter of a Presbyterian pastor, four more years of discernment before she became Catholic. In 1993, Kimberly Hahn co-authored a book with her husband, "Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism."
In my review of “Evangelical Exodus: Evangelical Seminarians and Their Paths to Rome,” I wrote this:
In the very intriguing book, “Evangelical Exodus,” the author of the chapter, “Moved and Sustained by the Blessed Virgin,” quotes from Peter Kreeft’s lecture on ecumenism. Kraft says, “Baptists are learning to love Mary and pray the Rosary, and Catholics are asking, ‘Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?’”
I was raised in a Baptist church in Seattle, graduated from a Free Methodist-affiliated college (SPU), and received a master’s degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), part of the Evangelical Free Church denomination. I served five years in the Midwest district office and camp of the Baptist General Conference (now called Converge). I have been a tithing member of an Evangelical Covenant Church and a non-denominational megachurch, so I thought I was somewhat ecumenical. But pro-Catholic? Not so much.
ROME SWEET HOME. OK, now with that background—here is my review of “Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism,” by Scott and Kimberly Hahn.
Just in time for Lent 2024, I read “Rome Sweet Home.” It looks like I’m averaging one Catholic author per year—which is pretty good for an old Baptist. So…what’s the deal?
My neighbor, a Lutheran who became Catholic, loaned me this book (and then I bought my own copy). It's a poignant and personal story from Scott and Kimberly Hahn. Written in 1993, much has happened since Scott Hahn (an “anti-Catholic” by his own admission) became Catholic. His wife, Kimberly, shares her story of deep reluctance, regret at her husband’s conversion, and then ultimately her joy—in also becoming Catholic four years later.
Each chapter begins with Scott’s journey, followed by Kimberly’s commentary. (It’s the perfect storytelling approach for this husband and wife.) If you’re an evangelical Christian, you’ll recognize many familiar names and organizations:
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, YoungLife, “Screwtape Letters,” Paul Little’s book, “Know Why You Believe” (Little was one of my seminary profs), Dr. John Gerstner, Martin Luther, Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie, Continental Singers, Dr. Francis Schaeffer, Peter Gillquist, Elmbrook Church, Dr. Jerry Kirk, Cardinal Bernardin, Pope John Paul II, and others.
(And by the way, if you're an "evangelical," you should read the “Wall Street Journal” article from Jan. 11, 2024, "How ‘Evangelical’ Are Iowa’s Evangelicals? The adulteration of a theological term into a secular political and demographic label.")
Scott Hahn affirms the Lord’s grace in helping “this bumbling biblical detective (the ‘Columbo of Theology’) crack the case of Catholicism—by coming home.” He adds, “In truth, the journey began as a detective story, but soon it became more like a horror story, until it finally ended up as a great romance story—when Christ unveiled his Bride, the Church. (By the way, it would help to keep these three story types in mind as you read.)”
The stories are amazing: The God-orchestrated last-minute visit by Scott with a high school friend. (Spoiler alert: eight feet of rope.) And God’s just-in-time doctor’s proximity to Kimberly, resulting in an emergency hospital visit.
Scott was consumed (consumed!) with nagging questions:
• “Why is our church so pastor-centered?”
• “Why is our worship service so sermon-centered?”
• “And why aren’t my sermons really designed to prepare God’s people to receive communion?” (The church where he pastored took communion only four times per year.)
He writes: “…I was pastoring a Presbyterian church that had split off from a splinter group (the Orthodox Presbyterian Church), which had in turn separated from another division (the Presbyterian Church of the U.S.A.), all in this century! (We didn’t call ourselves the split P’s for nothing!)”
If you’re Protestant, you must confess that you have some angst when you read that Jesus said to Peter, “…upon this rock I will build my church.” And that today there are now an estimated 47,000 denominations worldwide. (The Hahns estimated just 25,000 in 1993 when the book was published.) How does the proliferation of denominations and “split P’s” align with Jesus’ prayer that Christ-followers would be of one mind and unified?
This book is not a dusty lecture on Catholic theology and Protestant/Catholic issues—nor are the fundamental differences treated lightly. (Other books and resources are recommended for more study.) Gratefully, the book is respectful of the A-to-Z nuances of Christian doctrine. As Scott Hahn (aka “Columbo”) pursued his detective work, both he and Kimberly were able to find humor in their journeys. On the deep divide of doctrines about Mary (the mother of Jesus), Kimberly shares this story:
“I once read about a man in Rome who was repairing the ceiling of a beautiful chapel one day when he observed an American woman enter the church and begin to pray. He thought he’d have a little fun, so he called down quietly, ‘This is Jesus.’ But the woman did not respond.
“So he called out a little louder, ‘This is Jesus.’ Still no response.
“Finally, the man called loudly, ‘This is Jesus!’
“The woman looked up and yelled, ‘Be quiet, I’m talking to your mother!’”
NEXT STEP. If you’re Protestant and you’ve never read a thoughtful book about Catholicism, you’ll appreciate “Rome Sweet Home.” If you’re Catholic, you’ll find much to love about this former Presbyterian pastor who is now a Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio. He yearns for even more commitment from his Catholic colleagues. (Note: If you’re an atheist or an agnostic, I’d suggest you read former atheist Lee Strobel’s latest book, “Is God Real?”)
I'll sum up with this from Scott Hahn:
“What has impressed us most from our time in Steubenville is precisely the way it combines the evangelical and the Catholic. I am talking about the way in which the Catholic Faith unites what other religions tend to separate: personal piety and liturgical ritual; evangelistic outreach and social action; spiritual fervor and intellectual rigor; academic freedom and dynamic orthodoxy; enthusiastic worship and reverent contemplation; powerful preaching and sacramental devotion; Scripture and Tradition; body and soul; the individual and the corporate.”
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I felt jealous of the zeal God put in Scott and Kimberly's hearts for the Word of God. But then they had suffered so much for their "coming home", while I was right at home when I breathed my first! God has been so graceful to me yet I don't thank him or really appreciate enough the faith I was granted from Love for love of me since the beginning of the world...
As I'm striving to get closer to God and to have a better presence of God in my daily life, this book has helped me tremendously.
Thanks Scott and Kimberly for sharing their amazing and wonderful journey home! May God bless you and your family near and far always!