Overview
Dr. John Bergsma shares his personal journey from Dutch Calvinist pastor to Catholic convert, focusing on his theological struggles with core Protestant doctrines and the influence of early Church Fathers, ultimately leading to his acceptance of Catholic teachings, especially on the Eucharist.
Introduction to the Stunned by Scripture Show
- Dr. Bergsma launches a new video series to discuss scripture and related theological topics.
- The show will feature Bible scholarship, application of scripture, biblical apologetics, and interviews.
- He invites viewers to join as regular participants.
Background and Pastoral Experience
- Dr. Bergsma was raised in a Dutch Calvinist tradition, a strict form of Protestantism.
- As a pastor, he was required to denounce the Catholic Mass as idolatry.
- His father was a Navy chaplain and influential preacher.
- He pursued ministry through extensive education and urban pastoral work.
Theological Struggles as a Protestant Pastor
- He highlights the diversity and doctrinal disunity among Protestant denominations.
- Key Protestant doctrines discussed: "sola fide" (faith alone) and "sola scriptura" (scripture alone).
- His evangelism training exposed conflicts about the meaning of faith and salvation.
Challenge to Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
- Dr. Bergsma questions the "faith alone" doctrine after witnessing its extreme interpretations.
- He describes the inconsistency between scriptural passages and the "once saved always saved" teaching.
- His study led to the realization that nuanced Protestant views on faith and works closely resemble Catholic doctrine.
- Concludes the faith-versus-works debate is largely a false dilemma.
Challenge to Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)
- Pastoral experience showed the limits of "Bible alone," as divergent interpretations were rampant.
- Cites frustration from discussions with other pastors; each side cited verses but lacked authoritative resolution.
- Realizes the lack of interpretative authority undermined unity and effective mission.
Encounter with Catholic Theology at Notre Dame
- Applies to graduate school, ultimately attending Notre Dame.
- Encounters Michael, a Catholic both Spirit-filled and highly knowledgeable, which challenges his prejudices.
- Engaged in scriptural debates with Michael, who used the Bible to defend Catholic doctrine.
The Role of Tradition and the Church Fathers
- Discovers scriptural support for tradition (2 Thessalonians 2:15) and the translation bias in Protestant Bibles.
- Agrees to read the Apostolic Fathers with Michael to understand early Christian views.
Study of Ignatius of Antioch and Early Church Teachings
- Finds Ignatius and other Fathers affirm Catholic teachings on the Eucharist and church structure (bishops, Catholic identity).
- Shocked to learn that belief in the Eucharist as Christ’s flesh was a mark of true Christianity in the early Church.
- Confirms that these beliefs align with New Testament teaching and are consistently upheld by early Fathers.
Conversion to Catholicism
- Internal struggle over the implications of these findings leads to acceptance of Catholic faith.
- Decides to become Catholic, considering the doctrine of the Eucharist as central and decisive.
- Confirmed in the Catholic Church on February 24, 2001.
Key Takeaways from the Conversion Journey
- Critical examination of foundational Protestant doctrines led to questioning and eventual abandonment.
- Reading primary sources from the early Church was decisive in understanding authentic Christian belief.
- The real presence of Christ in the Eucharist became the core reason for conversion.