Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism

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Summary: This book was a turning point in my spiritual life.
Review: "Rome Sweet Home" is one of those rare books that inspires the reader to prayer and devotion to our Lord as well as educates the reader in Catholic apologetics! This is a great book for anyone who has had their Catholicism challenged and was wondering why they believed. It will give Catholics inspiration to be re-excited about their faith, the gift of the Eucharist and Mary's role in our spiritual lives. For non-catholics, it will help readers understand the Catholic faith through the eyes of a learned, Protestant Seminary Professor who, in seeking truth through scripture, saw that the Catholic Church was THE church of Bible-believing Christians. This book shows how a young Protestant couple initially struggled intellectually and socially with "Turning to Rome", but how the Holy Spirit worked in their lives to lead them Home. It's easy to read and entertaining. I've bought at least 12 copies to give to friends and family, and my friends and family have typically read the book and been so impressed that they have passed it on to others. This book helped me (a life-long Catholic) to more fully appreciate the aspects of my faith that I had previously taken for granted, and it continues to inspire me to Scripture reading, prayer and devotion to the Lord

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Summary: Straight to the heart of the the Roman Catholic Church!
Review: Rome Sweet Home is an inspiration to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. An encouragement to those afraid of a committment to the Church, and a source of education for Catholics who want to learn more about their faith. In the practice of highlighting important and inspiriational sections of a book, I almost highlighted the whole thing!! They (Scott and Kimberly Hahn) are a blessing to us all

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Summary: An eye-opener for non-Catholic Christians
Review: Wonderful story of the conversion of a husband and wife to Catholicism. Explanations, from a Protestant's perspective, on challenging Catholic topics, including the real presence. Provides in-depth scriptural bases. Not to be missed

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Summary: How an anti-Catholic becomes pro-Catholic
Review: An effective tool for Catholic apologetics. If you are an anti-Catholic Christian, you must check this book out in order to determine whether you really want to remain anti-Catholic or not

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Summary: Spectacular book that hits the heart of Catholicicm - truth
Review: Do not...I repeat DO NOT read this book if you have any intention of NOT converting to Catholicism. This book, written by a professor of theology will tell you why you should be Catholic and answers virtually any question a serious doubter would ask...buy it for your friends and relatives. This book is an excellant Christmas gift.

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Summary: Clear and compelling testimony to biblical Catholicism
Review: I lost count of how many people recommended that I read "Rome Sweet Home". Frankly, I didn't want to. Call it stubborn pride, whatever. Anyway, I finally broke down and read it this past summer. Since then I've re-read it four more times. Now I see why so many people recommended it. This book is truly amazing. The Hahns use their own journey to show how their commitment to Jesus Christ and the Bible is what ultimately led them down an entirely unforseeable path towards Rome. Out of obedience, they became Catholic AND evangelical. Now I find myself in the same situation. After intense study and prayer, I will be received into the Catholic Church tomorrow night. My former pastor now tells me he's even thinking about becoming Catholic himself, and that's after spending the last two years trying to persuade me not to. Thank you Scott and Kimberly Hahn, from the bottom of my heart. But most of all, thank you Lord.

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Summary: Hahn's Story is Our Story - A Book Worthy of Reading
Review: What makes the Hahn conversion story so powerful is the recognition that their story is our story, a quest for God and Truth in the midst of so many competing voices.

Every person of faith has doubted from time to time whether he has found the truth. Every person of faith has searched for God. Every person of faith has a story to tell, filled with defeats, confusion, and victories.

"Home Sweat Rome" is such a tale - and captures beautifully the internal struggle and spiritual quest of a husband and wife who struggled to find the true Church of Jesus Christ after realizing that the Catholic Church's teaching on contraception stood the lone correct voice in the cacophony of Protestant shouts.

The book is heavy on the spiritual and emotional side of the journey, and a little light on the reasons that opened Scott's eyes (Kimberly's conversion, too, seems anti-climatic - suddenly, she tells Scott she's ready).

Still, you'll find the hallmarks of Dr. Hahn's theology and approach to Scripture. As a fan, I've found that Scott often raises and emphasizes the same things repeatedly in the same ways in his many books. "Rome Sweat Home," however, was my first Scott Hahn book - and it certainly was not my last.

They say that to really understand the writings of St. Augustine, you need to first read his Confessions.

I'll say, that to understand Scott Hahn, you first need to read this terrific book.

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Summary: Quite Amazing
Review: I am impressed by the number of reviewers who have made light of the book and even claim Scott and Kimberly are proud, arrogant, and dishonest. Let me say it again, I am impressed ~ and confused.

I read this several years ago and the one thing I took away from the book over and above all others was the feeling that this couple was authentic and revealed their journey into the Universal Church in a very honest and forthright manner.

Many reviewers have pointed out correctly that it is not a theological treatise or that it doesn't cover all there is to know about Catholicism, nor does it even make the most convincing arguments for the items of Catholic teaching that they do make. I agree, but you must grant these two people never intended their conversion journey to be anything like that. Really, who would expect a treatise in a conversion story? No one who is thinking straight.

It does show Scott is a very talented scholar, or if you disagree, at least that he honestly did the reading and study he claims to be able to write what he has with Kimberly. I supposed some would like to take their rhetoric to a new level by trying to dampen a very heart-warming story (when viewed from the writer's perspectives). It doesn't work. The story doesn't change. It remains a beautifully written adventure filled with the excitement the authors felt as they made their discoveries along their way.

I recommend reading it and deciding for yourself. But give the writers the benefit of the doubt and don't judge them because you disagree with their journey or opinions. Judge them for what they write and hold them to the consistency standard. To my knowledge they pass this with flying colors. What, you ask, is the consistency standard? Belief and action must match, i.e., be consistent.

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Summary: The Incredible Journey / A Protestant Response
Review: Prejudice runs deep. I know for I have spent years unlearning things I "knew" for more than thirty years.

A non-Catholic myself, I actually became fearful before completing this book that Scott Hahn was going to persuade me I HAD to become Catholic if I was going to approach my faith with intellectual honesty while taking the Bible seriously (issues of great importance to me). The arguments are presented with simple clarity and Biblical authority that rings true. They are arguments that conflicted with my prejudices, but not with Biblical teaching. Perhaps stronger even than the logic, however, is the reality that Hahn fought against that logic every step of the way. Coming from a non-Catholic background himself, and steeped in anti-Catholic teaching, in-depth study drew him against his intense resistance, to embrace the Catholic faith.

This is a brilliant book, very dangerous to deep rooted prejudice, but giving a wealth of insight into the Biblical foundation of key Catholic beliefs and traditions. It is invaluable for Catholic and non-Catholic alike. I highly recommend it to anyone wishing to understand the teachings of the Catholic church, from either inside or outside. I will also give fair warning to those who cherish a strong anti-Catholic bias -- this is a dangerous book to read if you are intent on holding onto that bias.

My respect for Catholic Brothers and Sisters has multiplied greatly, this book being a catalyst in the process. I don't know how to pay higher tribute to an author than to say "Thank you for helping me see old things with new eyes." My understanding of my own faith, and the many core beliefs we share is deeper and richer today because of this book.



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Summary: How Sweet Indeed!
Review: I would recommend this book for any Catholic who lost their faith, as well as anyone else considering entering the Church. Very candid, and compelling story. I think he does a great job of at the same time remaining respectful of his protestant background- a very charitable approach that recognizes the good preparation he received before coming into the fullness of Christ's Church.