What I Brought With Me: Protestant Gifts I Still Carry as a Catholic
I didn’t become Catholic by throwing away my past—I became Catholic by stepping into the fullness of the Christian story. These Protestant gifts haven’t lost their value. They’ve been deepened, reoriented, and completed in ways I never expected.
The Gift of Confession
One of the most controversial aspects of Catholicism for many Protestants is the sacrament of confession. When friends found out I had become Catholic, many said, “I don’t need to go to a priest because I can talk straight to Jesus about my sin.” While it’s true that Christ is our mediator to the Father, I believe that confession within the Church holds a special significance.
Choosing Your Team
Most of us have a favorite sports team. Chances are, you didn’t choose that team; your loyalty was passed down through generations of family tradition. This is especially true in Alabama, where allegiance to our state’s college football teams is often inherited. If you were to move here, one of the first questions you’d be asked is, “Will you root for Alabama or Auburn?”
Why I Became a Calvinist
In my first blog, I mentioned that I once held Calvinistic views on salvation. Calvinism is based on the teachings of John Calvin, a theologian who had a significant impact during the Protestant Reformation. While Calvinism encompasses a broader theological system, most people identify as Calvinists if they adhere to five core beliefs about salvation: total depravity, unconditional election, irresistible grace, limited atonement, and the perseverance of the saints. My journey to this theological framework was somewhat unconventional.