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Scott Walker Hahn, born on October 28, 1957, is an American Catholic theologian and Christian apologist. Hahn converted to Catholicism at Easter Vigil in 1986 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Before his conversion, Hahn was a Presbyterian minister and Professor of Theology at a major Protestant seminary. In his book, Rome Sweet Home, Hahn narrates his conversion story, highlighting his research on the covenant, a sacred kinship bond that establishes a worldwide family headed by Christ, with the Pope as his prime minister. Hahn's journey to Catholicism was also influenced by his study of Scripture and his attendance at his first Catholic Mass, which he describes in his book The Lamb's Supper. Today, Hahn is a popular speaker and author, known for his lectures and books on theological and biblical topics related to the Catholic faith. He has taught at the Franciscan University of Steubenville since 1990 and founded the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Catholic non-profit research and educational institute.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Scott Walker Hahn |
| Born | 28 October 1957 |
| Occupation | Catholic theologian, Christian apologist, author, speaker, professor |
| Previous Religion | Presbyterian |
| Conversion Influencers | Liturgy, Opus Dei, Bible, Contraception |
| Conversion Date | Easter Vigil, 1986 |
| Location | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Wife | Kimberly Hahn |
| Wife's Conversion Date | Easter, 1990 |
| Wife's Conversion Location | Joliet, Illinois |
| Notable Works | Rome Sweet Home, The Lamb's Supper, Letter & Spirit |
| Notable Positions | Fr. Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology, McEssy Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biblical Theology, Founder and President of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology |
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What You'll Learn
Scott Hahn's conversion to Catholicism
Scott Walker Hahn, born on October 28, 1957, is an American Catholic theologian and Christian apologist. Hahn's conversion to Catholicism is an intriguing journey that began with a strong conviction against the Catholic Church and culminated in his embrace of the Catholic faith.
As a young man, Hahn was convinced that the Catholic Church was in error and even boasted of leading Catholics towards what he believed to be a "purer" form of Christianity. He was a fervent Presbyterian minister and Professor of Theology at a major Protestant seminary. However, his views began to shift as he delved deeper into his studies and prayer.
A pivotal moment in Hahn's journey was when he and his wife, Kimberly, became convinced that contraception went against God's law. They noticed that the Catholic Church uniquely upheld this ancient teaching, which had been abandoned by Protestants in the early 20th century. This realization sparked further exploration into various theological issues, including salvation, faith, and good works, as well as the Protestant doctrine of sola scriptura.
Hahn's research led him to focus on what he believed to be the key to understanding the Bible: the covenant. He interpreted the Bible as describing a worldwide family, with Christ as the head and the Pope as his "prime minister." This interpretation clashed with Protestant doctrines, which he argued were not explicitly biblical. Instead, he found that the Bible emphasized charity and works as necessary for saving faith and justification, aligning with Catholic teachings.
Another significant factor in Hahn's conversion was his first experience attending a Catholic Mass. In his book, "The Lamb's Supper," he recounts how he entered a Catholic chapel in Milwaukee as a curious observer. Through his studies of early Christian writings, he had encountered references to "the liturgy," "the Eucharist," and "the sacrifice." He realized that the Mass was integral to understanding the Bible, and this recognition played a pivotal role in his conversion.
In 1986, at the Easter Vigil, Hahn officially entered the Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His conversion story, detailed in his book "Rome Sweet Home," earned him the nickname "Luther in reverse," as he underwent a remarkable transformation from a critic to a devoted follower of the Catholic faith.
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The role of Opus Dei
In his early adult life, Scot Haun underwent a profound spiritual transformation, and his journey towards Catholicism was influenced by his association with Opus Dei, a unique institution within the Catholic Church. Opus Dei, which translates to "Work of God," plays a significant role in the spiritual formation and apostolate work of laypeople, offering a unique path to holiness through one's everyday life and work.
Spiritual Formation: Opus Dei provides a comprehensive approach to spiritual formation, offering a variety of spiritual activities and teachings to its members. At the heart of Opus Dei's spirituality is a deep devotion to God and a commitment to sanctifying one's work and everyday life. Members are encouraged to strive for holiness and to see their work as a service to society and a means to draw closer to God. Opus Dei offers spiritual direction, retreats, and a structured path of spiritual growth, including the "plan of life," which involves regular prayer, attendance at Mass, confession, and spiritual reading.
Apostolate and Evangelization: Opus Dei has a strong focus on apostolate work, which involves spreading the message of the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through personal example and action. Members are encouraged to see their professions and daily activities as a platform for evangelization. Opus Dei members engage in a wide range of apostolate initiatives, from educational and social projects to providing spiritual guidance and support to those seeking a deeper faith life.
Emphasis on Lay Holiness: One of the distinctive features of Opus Dei is its emphasis on the role of laypeople in the Church. It promotes the idea that everyone, regardless of their state in life, is called to holiness. By providing spiritual formation and a structured path, Opus Dei helps laypeople integrate their faith into their daily lives, transforming their work and ordinary activities into a means of sanctification. This emphasis on lay holiness was a significant factor in the Second Vatican Council's renewed focus on the vocation of the laity.
Personal Asceticism and Mortification: Opus Dei emphasizes the importance of personal asceticism and mortification as a means of spiritual growth and self-denial. Members are encouraged to practice discipline and self-sacrifice, following the example of Christ's sacrifice for humanity. This may involve denying oneself comforts, taking up small penances, or engaging in acts of charity that go unnoticed by others.
Community and Support: Opus Dei provides a strong sense of community and support for its members. Through regular get-togethers, spiritual activities, and a shared commitment to the Opus Dei spirit, members find encouragement and companionship on their faith journey. This sense of community can be especially valuable for those seeking to live out their faith in secular environments or facing challenges in their spiritual lives.
Integration of Faith and Work: Opus Dei emphasizes the sanctification of work and the integration of faith into one's professional life. Members are encouraged to strive for excellence in their professions and to see their work as a service to God and society. Through their work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to ethical practices, Opus Dei members are expected to bear witness to their faith and contribute to the common good.
Scot Haun's association with Opus Dei likely played a significant role in his spiritual journey and provided him with a framework for living out his faith in his personal and professional life. The teachings and structure offered by Opus Dei provided a path for his spiritual formation and a means to integrate his faith into his work and daily activities.
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The influence of his wife, Kimberly
Scott Hahn, an American Catholic theologian and Christian apologist, converted to Catholicism at Easter 1986 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A former Protestant, he was a Presbyterian minister before his conversion. Hahn's conversion was influenced by his research on the biblical roots of the Mass and his understanding of the covenant, a sacred kinship bond established by Jesus Christ.
Scott Hahn's wife, Kimberly, played a significant role in his journey to Catholicism. Kimberly, a theologian in her own right, was initially resistant to the idea of converting to Catholicism. She came from a Presbyterian family, with her father, uncle, husband (Scott), and brother all serving as Presbyterian ministers. However, through Scott's studies and prayers, she became open to exploring different denominations. In one instance, Scott read excerpts from Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes, and Kimberly was impressed by the liturgy and excited by the idea of becoming Episcopalian.
Kimberly's influence on Scott's journey is evident in their joint decision to convert due to their shared conviction that contraception was contrary to God's law. This conviction set them on a path of studying various issues related to salvation, faith, and good works. While Scott initially considered becoming Episcopalian, Kimberly's insight and love for him led her to encourage him to follow God's calling, even if it meant converting to Catholicism.
Kimberly herself converted to Catholicism at a slightly later date than Scott. She entered the Catholic Church at Easter 1990 in Joliet, Illinois. Together, they co-authored the book "Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism," detailing their journey of faith and sincerity, as described by the Bishop of Lincoln. The book narrates their shared process of conversion and the influence of Opus Dei in their spiritual journey.
Today, Kimberly and Scott co-run their Catholic apostolate, the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. They have six children and continue to be actively involved in teaching, lecturing, and writing about Catholic theology and biblical topics. Kimberly's influence on Scott's conversion demonstrates the profound impact that shared beliefs, open dialogue, and mutual respect can have on a couple's spiritual journey.
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His work as a Catholic theologian
Scott Hahn is an American Catholic theologian and Christian apologist. He is a former Presbyterian who converted to Catholicism at Easter in 1986. He is currently a professor at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, a Catholic university in Ohio, where he has been teaching since 1990. He also lectures at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.
Hahn is a popular speaker and has given over 800 talks in the US and other countries on theological and biblical topics related to the Catholic faith. He appears regularly on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). His talks have also been featured in multiple audio titles distributed by Lighthouse Catholic Media.
Hahn is the bestselling author of numerous books, including 'Joy to the World', 'Angels and Saints', 'Answering the New Atheism: Dismantling Dawkins’ Case Against God', 'The Lamb’s Supper', and 'Reasons to Believe'. He is also the co-editor of the 'Ignatius Catholic Study Bible' and 'Letter & Spirit: A Journal of Catholic Biblical Theology'.
Hahn's work as a Catholic theologian is focused on helping people read the Bible "from the heart of the Church". He encourages reading the Bible as it was written, opening the Word, and being open to learning about it. He has written and spoken extensively on the liturgy, the Eucharist, and the sacrifice, and how these concepts are rooted in Scripture.
Hahn founded the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Catholic non-profit research and educational institute. The institute promotes biblical literacy among the Catholic laity and biblical fluency among Catholic clergy. Some of his projects include online and parish-based Bible studies, a book series, pilgrimages, and a scholarly journal, 'Letter and Spirit'.
Hahn's work also involves reflecting on the readings for Mass and revealing hidden themes. For example, in his work on the Gospel of St. Mark, he illuminates the master composition of this biblical book and walks readers chapter by chapter through the text. Similarly, his audio course "Proclaiming the Kingdom" unpacks the Gospel of Matthew, exploring its central theme of "the Gospel of the Kingdom".
In addition to his work as a theologian, Hahn's conversion story is also notable. In his book 'Rome Sweet Home', he narrates his journey from being convinced that the Catholic Church was in error to embracing Catholicism. A key factor in his conversion was his research on what he saw as the key to the Bible: the covenant. He writes that the Catholic Church is the worldwide family described by the Bible and that the Protestant doctrines of sola fide and sola scriptura are not biblical because they are not found in Scripture.
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His views on the Bible and liturgy
Scott Walker Hahn, born on October 28, 1957, is an American Catholic theologian and Christian apologist. Formerly a Presbyterian, Hahn converted to Catholicism at Easter 1986 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Views on the Bible
Hahn is known for his research on Early Christianity during the Apostolic Age and various theoretical works concerning the early Church Fathers. He has written numerous books, including "Joy to the World, Angels and Saints", "Answering the New Atheism: Dismantling Dawkins’ Case Against God", "The Lamb’s Supper", and "Reasons to Believe". He is also the co-editor of the "Ignatius Catholic Study Bible".
Hahn's dissertation, "Kinship by Covenant: A Biblical Theological Analysis of Covenant Types and Texts in the Old and New Testaments", was published by Yale University Press in 2009. In it, he interprets covenant as the "red thread" running through both testaments of the Christian Bible."
Hahn's conversion to Catholicism was influenced by his research on what he saw as the key to the Bible: the covenant. According to him, the Bible stresses charity and works as necessary for saving faith, i.e., justification, and, therefore, salvation. He also points to the Church as "the pillar and bulwark of the truth", quoting 1 Timothy 3:15.
Views on Liturgy
Hahn has given over 800 talks in the US and other countries on theological and biblical topics related to the Catholic faith. He has also written several books on liturgy, including "Worship in the Word: Toward a Liturgical Hermeneutic", published in Letter & Spirit: A Journal of Catholic Biblical Theology in 2005.
Hahn founded and is currently the president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Catholic non-profit research and educational institute committed to the promotion of biblical literacy among the Catholic laity and biblical fluency among Catholic clergy. Some of his projects include online and parish-based Bible studies, a book series, pilgrimages, and a scholarly journal, Letter and Spirit.
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Frequently asked questions
Scott Hahn converted to Catholicism at Easter in 1986 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Scott Hahn was a Presbyterian minister and Professor of Theology at a Protestant seminary.
Scott Hahn's conversion was largely founded upon his understanding of the biblical roots of the Mass. He also mentions Opus Dei and the influence of his wife, Kimberly, as factors that influenced his conversion.
Scott Hahn is now a Catholic theologian, author, and speaker. He has written numerous books, including "Rome Sweet Home" and "The Lamb's Supper", and has given over 800 talks on theological and biblical topics. He currently teaches at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio and has held various other academic positions.
Yes, Scott Hahn and his wife, Kimberly, have six children.
