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Summary:

In this conversation, Michael interviews Dr. Chris Castaldo, pastor at New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois, about his book Why Do Protestants Convert?. Both men share their personal journeys from Roman Catholicism to Protestant Christianity. They delve into the emotional and theological challenges of converting, especially within deeply rooted Catholic families. The conversation centers around the reasons people convert—psychological, theological, and sociological—and discusses the influential figure John Henry Newman, a 19th-century Anglican-turned-Catholic who emphasized sacramentalism and church tradition over personal interpretation. 

Castaldo reflects on the problematic yet often romanticized notion that individual believers can interpret Scripture without broader historical or theological grounding. They examine how conversion decisions are often influenced by a longing for deeper liturgy, structure, or historical continuity. They also critique the idea that the Catholic Church alone has interpretive authority over Scripture, arguing instead for the clarity and sufficiency of God’s Word for all believers. With grace and candor, they discuss how to lovingly approach conversations with Catholic friends and family, encouraging a posture of understanding, truth, and patient dialogue.

Takeaways:

• Conversion is emotionally complex.
• Balancing church authority and personal reading of Scripture is a core tension.
• The search for spiritual father figures often drives people toward structured traditions.
• The Christian life, especially amid change, must be anchored in grace.
• Cultural shifts drive spiritual searching.
• Rituals like the Lord’s Supper require reverent understanding, not routine.

ABOUT DR. CHRIS CASTALDO

Chris Castaldo is the Lead Pastor at New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is also a fellow at the Center for Pastor Theologians. Whether it’s through his writing, speaking, or his bi-weekly Vlog, “A Brief Word from Pastor Chris,” he desires to see the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed and lives transformed for the glory of God.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Why Do Protestants Convert? By Dr. Chris Castaldo and Brad Littlejohn

The Davenant Institute

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