U.S. Evangelical Christians are alarmed: more and more prominent Protestants are converting to the Catholic faith.
Newsroom (19/03/2025, Gaudium Press) In a recent article on The Gospel Coalition (TGC), Andrew Voigt expressed alarm over the growing number of Protestant converts to the Catholic Church. He raised concerns about the influence of Catholic apologetics, particularly on platforms like YouTube, which are drawing Protestant thinkers towards Catholic beliefs.
Growing Movement of Protestant Converts to Catholicism
Prominent figures such as YouTuber Cameron Bertuzzi, influencer Candace Owens, and evangelical pastors Keith Nester and Ulf Ekman have made headlines with their conversions to the Catholic Church. This trend is also visible in Germany, where free-church Christians are embracing Catholicism.
The Influence of Catholic Apologetics in Online Platforms
According to Voigt, the increasing presence of Catholic apologetics online, especially on YouTube, plays a significant role in this movement. Catholic content offers answers to questions about Christian traditions, doctrines, and sacraments, like the Eucharist, which many Protestants find compelling.
Catholic Apologetics: Focus on Institutional Growth
Voigt notes that Catholic apologists tend to emphasize the growth of the Catholic Church as the one true church, rather than merely focusing on winning souls for Christ. This perspective aligns with the traditional Catholic view that being outside the Church means being outside of Christ.
The Catholic Church as an Institution of Salvation
The Catholic Church teaches that it is an institution founded by Christ, entrusted with the preservation of the faith, including the sacraments. The importance of baptism, which removes original sin, is a central tenet of Catholic salvation doctrine.
Protestants Urged to Reflect on Their Tradition
To address the rise in conversions, Voigt advises Protestants to reflect on their theological traditions and explore both Reformation-era and post-Reformation Protestant contributions. He also encourages Protestant preachers to incorporate insights from the Church Fathers into their sermons.
The Role of the Church Fathers in Conversion Stories
Many ex-Protestants who converted to Catholicism cite the study of the Church Fathers as a key factor in their decision. The early Church Fathers’ teachings, particularly on the Eucharist, led them to recognize the Catholic Church as the true Church.
The Importance of Knowing Scripture: Voigt’s Third Measure
Voigt emphasizes the importance of knowing the Bible thoroughly to identify what he sees as “anti-biblical ideas” in Catholic teachings. He explains that Sola Scriptura is not anti-tradition but affirms Scripture’s authority above all else.
Encouraging Dialogue Between Protestants and Catholics
Finally, Voigt calls for more Protestant efforts to engage in conversations with Catholics through platforms like YouTube or book discussion groups. By fostering dialogue, both sides can better understand each other’s beliefs and traditions.
Compiled by Donna Smolders
Related Images:
