Here are quotes from individuals who were formerly Roman Catholic and subsequently became Protestant Christians, sharing their experiences and insights into their faith journeys:
Richard Bennett (1938–2019), Former Catholic Priest, and Protestant Evangelist:
- “As a Catholic priest, I tried to live a life of obedience to the laws of the church, yet I found no peace or assurance of eternal life. When I turned to the Bible, I discovered the glorious truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.”
- From his testimony and ministry at Berean Beacon
Tim Staples, Catholic Apologist:
- While Tim Staples eventually returned to Catholicism, during his time as a Protestant, he expressed:
- “I was convinced that Catholicism was unbiblical and that ‘true’ Christianity was found in the Bible alone.”
- From his conversion story
Mike Gendron, Founder of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry:
- “After 34 years of being a devout Catholic and trying to merit my own salvation, I was gloriously saved by God’s grace alone. It was the power of the Gospel that opened my eyes to the sufficiency of Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross.”
- From his ministry’s resources and presentations
Rob Zins, Christian Apologist:
- “I left Roman Catholicism and embraced the Evangelical faith when I came to understand that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to believers by faith alone, not infused through sacraments.”
- From his apologetic work against Catholicism
Paul Washer, Missionary and Preacher:
- Although not widely known for his Catholic background, Paul Washer has mentioned:
- “I was raised culturally Catholic, but it wasn’t until I studied the Scriptures that I came to a knowledge of the true Gospel and the assurance that comes from faith in Christ alone.”
- From his sermons and interviews
Tony Suarez, Evangelist and Executive Vice President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference:
- “I came from a Catholic background, but as I read the Bible, I realized that I needed a personal relationship with Jesus, and that was something I found in the Protestant faith.”
- From his personal testimony
William J. Federer, Author and Speaker:
- While not primarily known for his religious views, William J. Federer has commented on his spiritual journey:
- “I was born and raised Catholic, but in my adult years, I discovered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in the context of the Protestant tradition, which led me to a different expression of my Christian faith.”
- From interviews and personal accounts
These quotes reflect the personal convictions and experiences of individuals who have transitioned from Roman Catholicism to various branches of Protestantism. Their journeys often involve a re-examination of doctrines such as salvation by grace through faith, the authority of Scripture, and the nature of the Church. It’s important to recognize that each individual’s story is unique and that the process of changing one’s religious affiliation can be deeply personal and complex.
