Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism

"Rome Sweet Home" by Scott and Kimberly Hahn is an extraordinary journey of faith, beautifully chronicled in this powerful and inspiring book. Their conversion story, from staunch evangelical Protestants to devoted Catholics serving the Church they thought was false, serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of faith. 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.

Dr Scott & Kimberly Hahn are a true inspiration to the faith and have continued, even now, to vivify the evangelical and Catholic zeal rooted in the Eucharist and Scriptures. A great read - about a great story of love, trials, and return home. “Come home to the Church established by Christ. Supper’s waiting and the Savior’s calling.” Thanks Scott and Kimberly - you are a great blessing to the Church and the Christian family.

This is a wonderful book, I couldn't put it down. It really tells the story of how Scott and Kimberly Hahn found their way to the Catholic Church. The journey that Scott and Kimberly took in finding the true teachings of the Catholic Church, made me reflect on my journey as well. Kimberly and I had a lot of the same questions that brought us to the truth, in some ways it was almost like I was Kimberly in this book. I would highly recommend this book!

An incredible testimony that is both intelligent and inspiring. I finished this book in less than 24 hours and found myself wanting it to go on for nine more chapters. As a protestant, Catholicism seemed unreachable, mysterious, and daunting to learn about outside of a history textbook. I stumbled upon this book in my own faith journey and found answers to every question and conviction I had in a magnificent way. I just couldn’t get enough! Whether you are Catholic, Protestant, neither, or somewhere in between, there is something valuable that you can receive from this couple’s “leap of faith.” It is raw, honest, and beautifully written.

While raised Catholic as a child, I left the Church, for admittedly ill-defined and largely selfish reasons, the day I moved out of my parents' home, now nearly 3 decades ago. Quite a bit grayer and, dare I say, possibly even a hair wiser, I've found myself becoming more receptive to matters of spirituality with the passing years. Armed with my new found, open mindedness and emerging curiosity (coupled with a favor at my father's request), I reluctantly agreed to read "Rome Sweet Home" and was pleasantly surprised to find that I was neither troubled nor disappointed by the experience. I found the book's account to be an objective, well thought out "argument" or, more accurately rationale, for anyone considering Catholic conversion (whether one's a new convert candidate or potential returning retread, such as myself). While admittedly still contemplating my spiritual path, even after having read the book, and not yet prepared to run out and join the nearest Catholic congregation at this time, I did find the pages to be thought provoking and informative, as well as an uplifting, easy read. And though I presume the authors' primary goal was to shed light on many of the questions and issues potential converts may be facing, I also believe the book would of interest to many practicing Catholics, especially those who may find themselves either indifferent or possibly even harboring doubt concerning their faith. With that said, I would without hesitation recommend "Rome Sweet Home" to anyone interested in expanding their understanding of Catholicism, as the authors' eloquently depicted and very personal journeys are: 1) for the undecided or non-believer, likely too clarify many misunderstood and misrepresented misconceptions surrounding the Catholic faith, and 2) for the believer, almost certainly serve to reaffirm and reinvigorate one's Catholic convictions.

著者であるスコット・ハーン氏は、元長老派の牧師で、誰よりもアンチカトリックでした。 しかし、カトリックの教条を知れば知るほど、また、初期の教父たちの残した著書を調べれば調べるほど、カトリックに真理があることとカトリック教会の姿が２千年前から変わっていないこと（つまり初期教会のありさまを現在にまで伝えていること）を発見し、論駁できないことに困惑します。 プロテスタントとして信じていたことが、実は盲目的に信じていて、聖書的でなく、プロテスタント神学の権威に質問しても、満足いく答えが返ってこないことに、ますますカトリックの正しさを確信するにいたります。そして、彼を説得しようとしたプロテスタントの牧師や神学者たちが、カトリックの間違いを指摘するため、カトリックの教条や著書を調べるのですが、逆にその正しさに気づき、先にカトリックに改宗していきます。最終的にハーン氏もカトリックに改宗しただけでなく、現在ではアメリカでも著名なカトリックの護教論者です。 彼と敬虔な奥さんとの霊的旅路をつづっている名著です。プロテスタントの方もカトリックの方も、自分の教会を見つめ直す機会を提供してくれているよい著書です。 ちなみに、アメリカのケーブルテレビEWTNでは、Journey Homeという改宗者たちへのインタビュー番組を放映しています。こちらも非常に興味深い話を聞けます。チャンネルがYouTubeに上がっていますので、ぜひ見てみてください。

Conclusively monumentous, as someone converting to the Catholic Faith this was a truly enjoyeable and edifying read. I truly loved it, if anyone else is thinking of reading it too - You will not regret it. I thank Scott & Kimberley Hahn truly.

Das Buch wurde mir von einem Ordensmann empfohlen. Dabei bin ich nicht auf der Suche nach irgendetwas. Ich finde es nur höchst interessant, wenn Menschen anderer Konfession konvertieren und ihre Geschichte erzählen. Diese Geschichte hier ist sehr lesenswert, denn sie zeigt den komplexen, langen und entbehrlichen Weg, den man auf sich nimmt bei der Konversion. Dieser Weg führt aus der eigenen Sozialisation hinein in die Fremde. Man wird entwurzelt. Ein Neuanfang - mitten im Leben mit allen Sorgen wie Geld, Freundschaft und besonders Familie - ist extrem schwer und riskant. Das Ehepaar Hahn schildert hier genau das: alles was eigentlich an der Konversion hindern könnte. Man könnte auch sagen: Hier geschieht Leid. Denn beide haben viel an einander gelitten. Das ist nicht irgendeine kurze Zeitspanne, sondern ein Prozess über mehrere Jahre. Kimberley beschreibt es aus ihrer Perspektive mit den Jahreszeiten: Vom Sommer über Herbst und Winter zu einem neuen Frühling. Mich hat diese Geschichte ergriffen. Das Hadern mit Gott, das Ringen mit seiner Ur-Kunde, der Hl. Schrift, ist der Grundvollzug christlicher Existenz. Sie haben sich beide drauf eingelassen und sind dem bedingungslos gefolgt. Dabei haben sie entdeckt, dass die (röm.-)kath. Kirche "bumsbiblisch" ist. Und sie hatten ein Riesenarsenal an Anfragen an das, was die Bibel und die Kirche behaupten. Keiner aus ihrem Umfeld konnte ihre Fragen konsequent und konsistent beantworten. Manche Katholiken konnten das (auch nicht alle; es gab auch viele indifferente). Und als ihre Fragen beantwortet waren und eine Entscheidung her musste, waren sie beide konsequent. Es war reines Hören auf Gottes Weisung. Als Kind wurde ich getauft und hatte daher nie so einen Prozeß durchgemacht. Es ist ungemein gut, so ein starkes Zeugnis zu lesen. Es hilft, den eigenen Glauben aus einer anderen Perspektive zu sehen. Und es hat meinen Horizont hinsichtlich anderer Konfessionen erweitert. Sehr zu empfehlen!

A very touching book that walks you through different stages of life. It’s about love of God and family relationship

In my 20's, I was trying to discerning whether I was being called to ordained ministry in the denomination I grew up in... or if I was being called to convert to the Catholic Church. My pastor recommended this book, and it was one of the best pieces of advice I received during my discernment process. The Hahn's journey is easy to read, informative, and engaging. I wish that there was a mini-version of this book available so that I could hand out copies any time someone looks at me with a baffled expression as they try to figure out why any reasonable person would choose to become a Catholic (this usually happens right after I mention that I didn't convert for marriage). It touched on so many things that I had been struggling with. It can be a lonely process to be one half of a couple choosing to convert, and it is definitely a lonely process when no one else around you is Catholic, so this book offered some comfort in the knowledge that I wasn't the only intelligent adult that had choosen to take a path rejected by most. It's a good read for folks that aren't remotely interested in becoming a Catholic themselves but want to understand why someone around them would want to. In fact, I wish I could get more of my family and friends to have a read.