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Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic
The Pope, devotion to Mary, confession … just where are these topics in the Bible? Why does the Catholic Church seem to focus on so many things that aren’t Scriptural?
Or so thought former Protestant pastor John Bergsma.
Stunned by How the Bible Made Me Catholic is an engaging examination of the things Dr. Bergsma once considered obstacles to ever becoming Catholic himself. Over an eighteen-month spiritual journey, Bergsma was stunned again and again by the biblical support he found for even the stickiest teachings of the Catholic Church.
Weaving his personal story into clear explanations of Catholic teachings as found in Scripture, Dr. Bergsma explores seven key Catholic doctrines,
The PopeDevotion to MaryConfessionThe EucharistThe priesthoodBelief in the Bible aloneSalvation by faith alone theologiesStunned by Scripture will help Catholics understand, defend, and explain the biblical basis for the Faith and show them how the Bible solidly supports even the most frequently misunderstood Catholic teachings.
Or so thought former Protestant pastor John Bergsma.
Stunned by How the Bible Made Me Catholic is an engaging examination of the things Dr. Bergsma once considered obstacles to ever becoming Catholic himself. Over an eighteen-month spiritual journey, Bergsma was stunned again and again by the biblical support he found for even the stickiest teachings of the Catholic Church.
Weaving his personal story into clear explanations of Catholic teachings as found in Scripture, Dr. Bergsma explores seven key Catholic doctrines,
The PopeDevotion to MaryConfessionThe EucharistThe priesthoodBelief in the Bible aloneSalvation by faith alone theologiesStunned by Scripture will help Catholics understand, defend, and explain the biblical basis for the Faith and show them how the Bible solidly supports even the most frequently misunderstood Catholic teachings.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
151 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
John Bergsma
28 books128 followersDr. John Bergsma is Associate Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio. He holds the M.Div. and Th.M. degrees from Calvin Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001 while pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He specialized in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls, graduating with high honors in 2004. His major study of the interpretation of the Year of Jubilee in ancient times is published as The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran (Brill Academic, 2007). Dr. Bergsma’s articles, some co-authored with Dr. Scott Hahn, have appeared in several academic journals as well as Lay Witness, the magazine of Catholics United for the Faith. He has appeared as a guest on EWTN’s The Journey Home, Franciscan University Presents, and Relevant Radio’s Drew Mariani Show. Twice voted Faculty of the Year by graduating classes of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Dr. Bergsma is a popular teacher who inspires his students with a love of Scripture. He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology - University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana)
Master of Theology (Th.M.) - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Classical Languages - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology - University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana)
Master of Theology (Th.M.) - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Classical Languages - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 11, 2018
Awesome book! I love reading books from prior Protestants that have converted to the Catholic Church. You get a different angle from them you don't see elsewhere. Dr Bergsma, still after going through many years of Protestant seminary, and ministering in a small inner city church, is convinced in his teachings. Slowly things being to crack, when finding the many errors along the way. Dr Bergsma hits you straight in a clear and understanding way any lay person can understand. You will learn a lot and become a better apologist.
March 21, 2018
I've loved the Bible since my days as a child, when I read our family's Picture Bible over and over and over again.
And in the nearly two decades of my Catholic adventure, I've loved finding out all the ways scripture is so intertwined with the Mass and how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament.
Picking up Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic, by Dr. John Bergsma reminded me that there's more to the Bible — a LOT more! — than the colorful illustrations of that old Picture Bible.
Dr. Bergsma begins by saying, "This is a book I never thought I'd write." I knew then that I was about to embark on something super fun. :)
In the book's seven chapters, Dr. Bergsma tackles some of the biggest issues in Catholic apologetics: the papacy, Mary, Confession, Eucharist, priesthood, sola scriptura, and sola fide. And yet, he manages to do it with a style that made me smile. Take, for instance, the titles of the chapters! They're fun in and of themselves!
He presents the facts in a very conversational way. You're getting a story and a lesson in apologetics, all for the price of your attention.
And oh, did I mention that it's fun to read?
Dr. Bergsma is a teacher by trade, and it translates beautifully into the book.
For example, in the first chapter, Dr. Bergsma tackles the Bible and the papacy. He writes, "The world cannot see some airy-fairy 'spiritual' unity behind forty thousand or more bickering denominations. The world needs to see visible unity in order to be moved to belief. That's why the Reformation has crippled the evangelization of Western civilization, and it has been downhill for Christianity in the West ever since."
The case for the papacy is logical, Dr. Bergsma writes. He has six steps in his logic:
1. Jesus desires visible unity of his Church.
2. Visible unity requires, ultimately, one "senior pastor."
3. The job of "senior pastor" is to maintain unity.
4. He can only maintain unity by stopping fights.
5. He can only stop fights if his word is final.
6. His word is final only if he can make an infallible judgement.
It makes sense, and as I read the explanation, I found myself nodding. The buck has to stop with someone. And that someone is the pope.
He's not inventing anything or revealing anything that hasn't already been said. However, he's doing it in a way that's particularly appealing to readers right now, I think.
We want snappy answers, for one thing, and we want logical reasoning. We also need a dose of history and perspective.
And we want to be entertained.
Lest I sound like I'm criticizing any of those things, I'm not. I'm as guilty as anyone.
Stunned by Scripture delivers on all counts. It's a book you'll want to highlight and share and, best of all, reread or even dip back into.
Highly recommended, for both you and your best friend!
And in the nearly two decades of my Catholic adventure, I've loved finding out all the ways scripture is so intertwined with the Mass and how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament.
Picking up Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic, by Dr. John Bergsma reminded me that there's more to the Bible — a LOT more! — than the colorful illustrations of that old Picture Bible.
Dr. Bergsma begins by saying, "This is a book I never thought I'd write." I knew then that I was about to embark on something super fun. :)
In the book's seven chapters, Dr. Bergsma tackles some of the biggest issues in Catholic apologetics: the papacy, Mary, Confession, Eucharist, priesthood, sola scriptura, and sola fide. And yet, he manages to do it with a style that made me smile. Take, for instance, the titles of the chapters! They're fun in and of themselves!
He presents the facts in a very conversational way. You're getting a story and a lesson in apologetics, all for the price of your attention.
And oh, did I mention that it's fun to read?
Dr. Bergsma is a teacher by trade, and it translates beautifully into the book.
For example, in the first chapter, Dr. Bergsma tackles the Bible and the papacy. He writes, "The world cannot see some airy-fairy 'spiritual' unity behind forty thousand or more bickering denominations. The world needs to see visible unity in order to be moved to belief. That's why the Reformation has crippled the evangelization of Western civilization, and it has been downhill for Christianity in the West ever since."
The case for the papacy is logical, Dr. Bergsma writes. He has six steps in his logic:
1. Jesus desires visible unity of his Church.
2. Visible unity requires, ultimately, one "senior pastor."
3. The job of "senior pastor" is to maintain unity.
4. He can only maintain unity by stopping fights.
5. He can only stop fights if his word is final.
6. His word is final only if he can make an infallible judgement.
It makes sense, and as I read the explanation, I found myself nodding. The buck has to stop with someone. And that someone is the pope.
He's not inventing anything or revealing anything that hasn't already been said. However, he's doing it in a way that's particularly appealing to readers right now, I think.
We want snappy answers, for one thing, and we want logical reasoning. We also need a dose of history and perspective.
And we want to be entertained.
Lest I sound like I'm criticizing any of those things, I'm not. I'm as guilty as anyone.
Stunned by Scripture delivers on all counts. It's a book you'll want to highlight and share and, best of all, reread or even dip back into.
Highly recommended, for both you and your best friend!
March 2, 2019
Having been raised Catholic but now a practicing Protestant, this little book gave me much to think about. It was well-written and touched on several areas where Catholics and Protestants disagree. I would have liked to see Dr. Bergsma address at least one or two other issues, but that’s just my opinion. I’m sure the book was kept short in order to appeal to a broader audience, which it does, and I respect that choice.
December 9, 2024
A very logical approach supporting Roman Catholicism with help from the scripture. See title. It covers the main sticking points for most people. If you like syllogisms and Catholics this may be your book.
August 4, 2025
It is largely out of an inability to rate this book as of yet that I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. I do not know enough yet about most of the various subjects discussed within to make final judgments either way. But I know enough of common sense, and a smattering of theology, to know that Bergsma has written no enduring work in this book, and his contribution is but an interesting conversation starter. This is not the revolutionary theological work that causes any reasonable protestant who reads it to convert to Catholicism without looking back. And perhaps Bergsma didn't intend it to be that. Either way, I must contemplate and research what he says, because it is important.
For starters, though I am by no means more intelligent than Bergsma, I did find that he made a few fundamental flaws, at least if he wants to convince someone like me. First, the arguments presented on the Marian doctrines were weak, at best. The scriptural arguments, from Revelation 12 and 1 Kings 2, were wholly based on assumptions. Bergsma assumes that John's vision is of Mary, assumes that it identifies Mary as the "Queen Mother" of heaven, assumes that the position of Queen Mother grants Mary some kind of authority over God Himself, and assumes that Mary has a claim on our prayers, a claim somehow higher than God. Now, these assumptions are not completely unreasonable. they seem far-fetched to me, but they can clearly be made by Bible-believing men. My strong revulsion to the Marian doctrines is when they become dogmas, ideas that I must believe or else become anathema. I need Bergsma, and the Catholic Church in general, to acknowledge that their dogmas about Mary cannot reasonably be made first- or even second-rank issues. they are beyond third-rank: they are opinions through and through, about which nobody ought to be cast from the Church.
The chapter covering confessions is fascinating. I am fully prepared to acknowledge the value of private confessions to the church leaders. But I cannot agree that the Catholic Church somehow has some sort of corner on the market of confessions. The fact that they have institutionalized and standardized something does not mean that they have the only valid practice of it. Indeed, in essence it might be argued that the church is a more grassroots invention ontologically than the Roman Catholics might acknowledge.
It seems that throughout the book, as Bergsma explains his life story, he demonstrates that he left protestantism significantly because of his personal dissatisfaction with his experience within the church. Part of his conversion to Catholicism might be due to fact that he has had an unpleasant experience with unintelligent or arrogant Protestants. I do not blame him for this, if it is indeed the case, but it is something which somewhat removes power from his cases. One ought always seek to be unemotional when trying to make a case that shouldn't be emotionally based.
The final topic I wish to discuss here is the fact that Bergsma grossly misrepresents the idea of sola scriptura. He defines it as "the Bible interpreted without the help of tradition or the Church." I know of no protestant who would agree that this is the correct definition. It is a straw man. The true definition of the term is that the Bible is the only infallible authority and rule of faith, and is the final word in any question of authority. All that is said is that if there ever is a contradiction between Church authority or traditions, and the Bible, the Bible's word stands higher than anything else. That is the position Bergsma needs to make a case against.
That is just the smallest start to the entire question of Catholicism, and I am still in the infantile stages of research. so please, do not count me as fully rejecting everything in this book. Some intriguing points are made, to be sure.
For starters, though I am by no means more intelligent than Bergsma, I did find that he made a few fundamental flaws, at least if he wants to convince someone like me. First, the arguments presented on the Marian doctrines were weak, at best. The scriptural arguments, from Revelation 12 and 1 Kings 2, were wholly based on assumptions. Bergsma assumes that John's vision is of Mary, assumes that it identifies Mary as the "Queen Mother" of heaven, assumes that the position of Queen Mother grants Mary some kind of authority over God Himself, and assumes that Mary has a claim on our prayers, a claim somehow higher than God. Now, these assumptions are not completely unreasonable. they seem far-fetched to me, but they can clearly be made by Bible-believing men. My strong revulsion to the Marian doctrines is when they become dogmas, ideas that I must believe or else become anathema. I need Bergsma, and the Catholic Church in general, to acknowledge that their dogmas about Mary cannot reasonably be made first- or even second-rank issues. they are beyond third-rank: they are opinions through and through, about which nobody ought to be cast from the Church.
The chapter covering confessions is fascinating. I am fully prepared to acknowledge the value of private confessions to the church leaders. But I cannot agree that the Catholic Church somehow has some sort of corner on the market of confessions. The fact that they have institutionalized and standardized something does not mean that they have the only valid practice of it. Indeed, in essence it might be argued that the church is a more grassroots invention ontologically than the Roman Catholics might acknowledge.
It seems that throughout the book, as Bergsma explains his life story, he demonstrates that he left protestantism significantly because of his personal dissatisfaction with his experience within the church. Part of his conversion to Catholicism might be due to fact that he has had an unpleasant experience with unintelligent or arrogant Protestants. I do not blame him for this, if it is indeed the case, but it is something which somewhat removes power from his cases. One ought always seek to be unemotional when trying to make a case that shouldn't be emotionally based.
The final topic I wish to discuss here is the fact that Bergsma grossly misrepresents the idea of sola scriptura. He defines it as "the Bible interpreted without the help of tradition or the Church." I know of no protestant who would agree that this is the correct definition. It is a straw man. The true definition of the term is that the Bible is the only infallible authority and rule of faith, and is the final word in any question of authority. All that is said is that if there ever is a contradiction between Church authority or traditions, and the Bible, the Bible's word stands higher than anything else. That is the position Bergsma needs to make a case against.
That is just the smallest start to the entire question of Catholicism, and I am still in the infantile stages of research. so please, do not count me as fully rejecting everything in this book. Some intriguing points are made, to be sure.
March 29, 2024
As a devout Protestant reading this for a friend, I went in intending to give this book a fair reading but expecting to not be convinced. On that front I was not disappointed. Some of the exegesis is very tenuous and glaringly out of context.
But I also expected to be challenged—I’m reading it for a smart friend. On that front, I was disappointed. In function, the book is a polemic; in framing, a spiritual autobiography. This gives it the rhetorical force that comes with a plot/character arc, but also means that the argument is only as strong as Bergsma’s earlier research. Which wasn’t very strong.
Bergsma was a CRCNA pastor (during the years they started to ordain women) and got an MDiv and ThM from Calvin—even an award for excellence in scholastic theology. But he was continually tripped up on “deficiencies” in the tradition that we have well-known and easy-to-find answers for (especially if you are at the same institution as Richard Muller). I could understand if he just didn’t find them satisfying, but he should at least mention them as a point of honesty and proper argumentation. No Protestant sources are engaged, although Calvin is mentioned several times.
All told, it left me very gratefully Protestant and feeling the need to educate our own better.
But I also expected to be challenged—I’m reading it for a smart friend. On that front, I was disappointed. In function, the book is a polemic; in framing, a spiritual autobiography. This gives it the rhetorical force that comes with a plot/character arc, but also means that the argument is only as strong as Bergsma’s earlier research. Which wasn’t very strong.
Bergsma was a CRCNA pastor (during the years they started to ordain women) and got an MDiv and ThM from Calvin—even an award for excellence in scholastic theology. But he was continually tripped up on “deficiencies” in the tradition that we have well-known and easy-to-find answers for (especially if you are at the same institution as Richard Muller). I could understand if he just didn’t find them satisfying, but he should at least mention them as a point of honesty and proper argumentation. No Protestant sources are engaged, although Calvin is mentioned several times.
All told, it left me very gratefully Protestant and feeling the need to educate our own better.
January 6, 2025
I am thankful that the author is not my spiritual leader. He exemplifies a man driven and tossed by the waves. I do not recommend.
September 17, 2018
There is no way a simple book review could refute the entire thesis presented by Dr. Bergsma. However, there are several points of contention with the ideas presented in this book.
Please note: I am not attempting to discredit Roman Catholicism with this review, simply the logic and interpretation found within this book.
To start, I am one that went (somewhat) the opposite way as Dr. Bergsma. I grew up in the Roman Catholic tradition and am currently a Baptist (non-Calvinist however). My first reaction was simply, “how can anyone expect to prove Scriptural support for Roman Catholicism in a 144-page book?” Bergsma uses many Scripture references to support his thesis, however there seems to be much missed. In the assertation that “Faith Alone” is folly, Bergsma speaks much from Romans in claiming the need for works-based salvation. He goes on to say about salvation, “…be[ing] able to stand at the judgement before God, being judged by the works that the Spirit enabled us to do.” (p. 142) Bergsma conveniently forgets what Paul said in Ephesians: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (2:8-9 NIV, emphasis mine)
In speaking of the need for and infallibility of the Pope, Bergsma makes numerous claims. He uses the examples of evangelical mega-churches as proof of the requirement of a single, all-powerful human leader. Three men are mentioned: Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, and Joel Osteen. (p. 30) I know of no improprieties committed by Rick Warren, however Bill Hybels recently resigned as head of his church due to sexual misconduct allegations. The old adage of “absolute power corrupts absolutely” surely applies to a church as well. Joel Osteen would better be used by Bergsma as a negative example of “soul freedom” and the “priesthood of all believers” based on his interpretation of scripture in reference to his prosperity gospel preaching. Instead, Bergsma uses Osteen as an example of the necessity of a strong, central leader of a church. Regarding papal infallibility: anyone looking at the Roman Catholic church today would have a difficult time believing all official decisions made by any Pope as being 100% right. Bergsma uses Simon Peter as the example of the first Pope, meaning Peter’s official decisions were 100% correct. But we see something different in scripture. Peter had some issues going back and forth on decisions. For example, in Acts 10, Peter sits and eats with Gentiles in the home of Cornelius the Centurion. Yet Paul describes later having to remind Peter that Jews and Gentiles may sit and eat together. (Galatians 2:11-21) Peter certainly was “the rock,” but Peter was also quite human.
Naturally, Bergsma, were he to refute this review, would simply say my interpretation of scripture is wrong since I am not the Pope. Aside from what I see as interpretive errors, the tone of the book seems very condescending to non-Catholics. “That’s why the Reformation has crippled the evangelization of Western civilization, and it has been downhill for Christianity in the West ever since.” (p. 30) His personal logic to arrive at the conclusions he does makes little sense to me. (Again, probably, because I’m not the Pope.)
For Roman Catholics looking for scriptural evidence for something they already believe, this may be a good book. But for Protestants, it is simply a sad attack on us by someone that feels they have a moral and theological superiority.
Please note: I am not attempting to discredit Roman Catholicism with this review, simply the logic and interpretation found within this book.
To start, I am one that went (somewhat) the opposite way as Dr. Bergsma. I grew up in the Roman Catholic tradition and am currently a Baptist (non-Calvinist however). My first reaction was simply, “how can anyone expect to prove Scriptural support for Roman Catholicism in a 144-page book?” Bergsma uses many Scripture references to support his thesis, however there seems to be much missed. In the assertation that “Faith Alone” is folly, Bergsma speaks much from Romans in claiming the need for works-based salvation. He goes on to say about salvation, “…be[ing] able to stand at the judgement before God, being judged by the works that the Spirit enabled us to do.” (p. 142) Bergsma conveniently forgets what Paul said in Ephesians: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (2:8-9 NIV, emphasis mine)
In speaking of the need for and infallibility of the Pope, Bergsma makes numerous claims. He uses the examples of evangelical mega-churches as proof of the requirement of a single, all-powerful human leader. Three men are mentioned: Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, and Joel Osteen. (p. 30) I know of no improprieties committed by Rick Warren, however Bill Hybels recently resigned as head of his church due to sexual misconduct allegations. The old adage of “absolute power corrupts absolutely” surely applies to a church as well. Joel Osteen would better be used by Bergsma as a negative example of “soul freedom” and the “priesthood of all believers” based on his interpretation of scripture in reference to his prosperity gospel preaching. Instead, Bergsma uses Osteen as an example of the necessity of a strong, central leader of a church. Regarding papal infallibility: anyone looking at the Roman Catholic church today would have a difficult time believing all official decisions made by any Pope as being 100% right. Bergsma uses Simon Peter as the example of the first Pope, meaning Peter’s official decisions were 100% correct. But we see something different in scripture. Peter had some issues going back and forth on decisions. For example, in Acts 10, Peter sits and eats with Gentiles in the home of Cornelius the Centurion. Yet Paul describes later having to remind Peter that Jews and Gentiles may sit and eat together. (Galatians 2:11-21) Peter certainly was “the rock,” but Peter was also quite human.
Naturally, Bergsma, were he to refute this review, would simply say my interpretation of scripture is wrong since I am not the Pope. Aside from what I see as interpretive errors, the tone of the book seems very condescending to non-Catholics. “That’s why the Reformation has crippled the evangelization of Western civilization, and it has been downhill for Christianity in the West ever since.” (p. 30) His personal logic to arrive at the conclusions he does makes little sense to me. (Again, probably, because I’m not the Pope.)
For Roman Catholics looking for scriptural evidence for something they already believe, this may be a good book. But for Protestants, it is simply a sad attack on us by someone that feels they have a moral and theological superiority.
February 10, 2025
The last two chapters were especially great.
“So, I was constantly challenged to explain why being Reformed was better than Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, or something else. Why should these people start coming to my church, rather than return to the tradition they were raised in? I didn’t always have convincing answers” (p. 116).
“Becoming Catholic did make a difference in my spiritual life. As a Protestant, I often despaired of making any real progress in the spiritual life, and I grew accustomed to habitual sins, not thinking that they would substantively affect my salvation in any way, since it was all by ‘faith.’ Of course, since I was cut off from the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, it is no wonder that I despaired of progress in the spiritual life. Now, as a Catholic, I know that progress is possible, and that I have the means, provided by God through the body of Christ (the Church), to make that progress. Not only is it possible, but it is necessary, because I must ‘put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit’ and ‘suffer’ with Christ if I wish to share in his glory” (pp. 143-144).
“So, I was constantly challenged to explain why being Reformed was better than Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, or something else. Why should these people start coming to my church, rather than return to the tradition they were raised in? I didn’t always have convincing answers” (p. 116).
“Becoming Catholic did make a difference in my spiritual life. As a Protestant, I often despaired of making any real progress in the spiritual life, and I grew accustomed to habitual sins, not thinking that they would substantively affect my salvation in any way, since it was all by ‘faith.’ Of course, since I was cut off from the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, it is no wonder that I despaired of progress in the spiritual life. Now, as a Catholic, I know that progress is possible, and that I have the means, provided by God through the body of Christ (the Church), to make that progress. Not only is it possible, but it is necessary, because I must ‘put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit’ and ‘suffer’ with Christ if I wish to share in his glory” (pp. 143-144).
April 16, 2021
A couple of people I know online have recently converted to Catholicism, and it actually surprised me. As this Five-Solas-Reformed-girl tries to understand their reasoning, they both pointed me to this book.
I started it only knowing the author was a Protestant pastor who converted, not realizing he went to Calvin Seminary and pastored a church briefly that I’m actually familiar with (I live in Michigan and attend a Christian Reformed Church myself).
I have to admit I was pretty blown away by the amount of Scripture the author referenced, as well as his research (such as original Greek words), and how he presented his own personal journey to the conclusions he came to. It’s made me dig deeper myself into many of those passages.
I started it only knowing the author was a Protestant pastor who converted, not realizing he went to Calvin Seminary and pastored a church briefly that I’m actually familiar with (I live in Michigan and attend a Christian Reformed Church myself).
I have to admit I was pretty blown away by the amount of Scripture the author referenced, as well as his research (such as original Greek words), and how he presented his own personal journey to the conclusions he came to. It’s made me dig deeper myself into many of those passages.
September 9, 2025
Bergsma does a great job covering key topics like the Pope, Mary, the priesthood, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist, and their Biblical backing in a very readable fashion. Share this with our Protestant brothers and sisters!
February 14, 2023
While most Baptists—like the author—are probably better off becoming Catholic (if they are unbaptized), this is a 3rd grade level proof-texting exercise (not surprising given he’s a former Baptist pastor).
December 11, 2019
I'm a sucker for any conversion story. The author is a former Protestant pastor. He walks through the process of his conversion - but different from any other conversion story I've read - he explains how he kept going back to the Bible to find the answers. He tackles the normal issues: sola Scriptura, sola fide, Mary, etc. He shares lots of stories from his own ministry, and how the inconsistencies led him to continue to seek truth. More so than most other conversion stories I've read, he really gets into breaking down verses of the Bible - going back to the original languages, and the meaning of the words. The English nerd in me really enjoyed that part. It was a fast, very short, excellent read.
July 11, 2018
Articulated my conversion way better than I ever could!
I grew up in a very scripture, faith and grace only environment. Converting to Byzantine Catholic has taken nearly ten years of letting scripture sink in from a slightly different angle. I too have been stunned by the scripture (mostly the bits I never underlined).
I am grateful to Dr. Bergsma’s very readable but detailed telling of how he was again and again forced to revisit scripture passages that he thought he understood, only to find that he had indeed missed important and essential meanings. This is my story as well, though I couldn’t tell it so well. Thanks Dr. Bergsma!
I grew up in a very scripture, faith and grace only environment. Converting to Byzantine Catholic has taken nearly ten years of letting scripture sink in from a slightly different angle. I too have been stunned by the scripture (mostly the bits I never underlined).
I am grateful to Dr. Bergsma’s very readable but detailed telling of how he was again and again forced to revisit scripture passages that he thought he understood, only to find that he had indeed missed important and essential meanings. This is my story as well, though I couldn’t tell it so well. Thanks Dr. Bergsma!
May 18, 2018
I don’t particularly struggle with the teachings he lays out but I loved seeing where the Church is in Scripture.
June 17, 2018
Very clear and readable conversion story
Dr. Bergsma describes his conversion to Catholicism as he works through scripture and experiences as a small church pastor in a major city.
Dr. Bergsma describes his conversion to Catholicism as he works through scripture and experiences as a small church pastor in a major city.
September 16, 2020
An excellent resource for one like me who has sat under evangelical (Calvinist) teaching for a long time but find it lacking. This book provides Scripture to show the truth of Catholicism.
September 11, 2025
"Stunned by Scripture" was recommended to me during a Pastoral Council meeting at my parish. I had no prior knowledge of John Bergsma or his work, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Going from the title alone left things wide open for interpretation - it could have been almost any kind of reflection on Scripture. What I found instead was a deeply researched, surprisingly approachable account of one man’s journey into Catholicism.
Each chapter follows a clear pattern: Bergsma begins with a moment in his own ministry as a Dutch Calvinist where he began questioning something he once held firmly (like the Papacy, Mary's role, or the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.) From there, he brings in debates with colleagues, readings of the early Church Fathers, historical context, and linguistic details in Greek and Latin. By the end of each chapter, he ties these threads together, showing the logical and spiritual steps that led him closer to the Catholic faith.
The chapter on Mary was especially striking for me. Beginning with Revelation 12, Bergsma explains Mary’s queenship not only through Scripture but through the structure of the Davidic kingdom, where the Queen Mother held intercessory power and was seated at the king’s right hand. His blending of theology, biblical languages, and historical insight makes his explanations clear without ever being heavy-handed.
This is the kind of book I’d recommend to almost anyone: someone new to Catholicism, someone skeptical of it, or even someone already well-versed in theology. It strikes a rare balance between being deeply scholarly, yet quickly digestible. Above all, it shows how the Catholic faith is not just a tradition but the logical, scriptural conclusion of a sincere search for truth.
Each chapter follows a clear pattern: Bergsma begins with a moment in his own ministry as a Dutch Calvinist where he began questioning something he once held firmly (like the Papacy, Mary's role, or the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.) From there, he brings in debates with colleagues, readings of the early Church Fathers, historical context, and linguistic details in Greek and Latin. By the end of each chapter, he ties these threads together, showing the logical and spiritual steps that led him closer to the Catholic faith.
The chapter on Mary was especially striking for me. Beginning with Revelation 12, Bergsma explains Mary’s queenship not only through Scripture but through the structure of the Davidic kingdom, where the Queen Mother held intercessory power and was seated at the king’s right hand. His blending of theology, biblical languages, and historical insight makes his explanations clear without ever being heavy-handed.
This is the kind of book I’d recommend to almost anyone: someone new to Catholicism, someone skeptical of it, or even someone already well-versed in theology. It strikes a rare balance between being deeply scholarly, yet quickly digestible. Above all, it shows how the Catholic faith is not just a tradition but the logical, scriptural conclusion of a sincere search for truth.
March 6, 2025
Dr. John Bergsma's “Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic” is an enlightening and thought-provoking read that delves into the profound impact of Scripture on Bergsma's faith journey. The book's central theme revolves around Bergsma's transformation from a Protestant to a devout Catholic, guided by his deep engagement with the Bible.
Despite not being the primary target audience for this book—given that Bergsma addresses and reinforces Catholic beliefs already familiar to me—I found myself thoroughly captivated by his narrative.
One of the key takeaways from this book is its potential as a resource for addressing common misconceptions about Catholicism. Bergsma's clear and concise explanations, rooted in biblical texts, provide a strong counter to accusations like 'Mary-worshiper' and other misunderstandings. The book serves as a handy reference, reinforcing the idea that Catholic teachings are deeply rooted in Scripture.
At just 144 pages, “Stunned by Scripture” is relatively short but densely packed with valuable insights. This brevity makes it an ideal book to share with your non-Catholic friends or those curious about the Catholic faith. Its manageable length ensures that it won't be an overwhelming read, increasing the likelihood that it will be picked up and appreciated by a broader audience.
Despite not being the primary target audience for this book—given that Bergsma addresses and reinforces Catholic beliefs already familiar to me—I found myself thoroughly captivated by his narrative.
One of the key takeaways from this book is its potential as a resource for addressing common misconceptions about Catholicism. Bergsma's clear and concise explanations, rooted in biblical texts, provide a strong counter to accusations like 'Mary-worshiper' and other misunderstandings. The book serves as a handy reference, reinforcing the idea that Catholic teachings are deeply rooted in Scripture.
At just 144 pages, “Stunned by Scripture” is relatively short but densely packed with valuable insights. This brevity makes it an ideal book to share with your non-Catholic friends or those curious about the Catholic faith. Its manageable length ensures that it won't be an overwhelming read, increasing the likelihood that it will be picked up and appreciated by a broader audience.
August 9, 2022
Excellently written conversion story from Protestant pastor to Catholic Professor. Dr. Bergsma's story is similar to many other converts who not only seriously looked at scripture, but also at the teachings of the early Church Fathers.
I think the easiest thing for me to understand and see is that Jesus Christ started a Church, graced it with Sacraments and wanted unity and the bible makes it very, very clear.
I was amazed at how many things in the bible were skipped over or purposely misinterpreted to prop up the Protestant teachings.
This book explained how scripture really does back up all the teachings of the Catholic Church and I not only recommend this to non-Catholic Christians, but to all Catholics who may not even understand the power and beauty of the teachings of Christ and the Tradition of the Church.
I think the easiest thing for me to understand and see is that Jesus Christ started a Church, graced it with Sacraments and wanted unity and the bible makes it very, very clear.
I was amazed at how many things in the bible were skipped over or purposely misinterpreted to prop up the Protestant teachings.
This book explained how scripture really does back up all the teachings of the Catholic Church and I not only recommend this to non-Catholic Christians, but to all Catholics who may not even understand the power and beauty of the teachings of Christ and the Tradition of the Church.
June 1, 2025
As the title says I was stunned by scriptures as Dr. Bergsma details how and why he converted from being a protestant pastor to Catholicism. His discussion of how he discovered the truth of the Roman Catholic faith is profound and is based in both Old and New Testament Bible verses. Bergsma included chapters on the significance of the Papacy beginning with St. Peter, the original pope; the role of the Blessed Mother Mary; the need for Confession as the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the Eucharist role of Holy Communion; why Catholic pastors are required to be celibate; and of Concupiscence (original Sin) and Man's inclination to sin. The whole process of salvation is summed up beautifully by Saint Paul in Romans 5: 1-5. I recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through Adult Catechism and to anyone thinking about becoming a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
September 29, 2021
This book goes through 7 of Catholic doctrines that Protestants frequently take issue with and details how Dr. Bergsma, a former Protestant pastor, found biblical evidence to support the Catholic position. This was my first 'convert story' book, though I know there are many of them. This one is organized topically rather than narratively. It was interesting to see these issues through a former Protestant's eyes, as well as the reasons he eventually came to for accepting the Catholic position. Overall, this was good to read; I think I would have appreciated a narrative approach better, but the topical approach will likely be useful for those Catholics in dialogue with Protestants in order to help them find Scripture references and talking points.
January 1, 2023
A couple people in recent years have asked me to recommend a good “intro to Catholicism” book but I never had an answer I was really happy with. But now I’ve found it! This book somehow managed to be both incredibly comprehensive and very easy to read. I’m not sure how Dr. Bergsma managed to fit so much content into such a short book but it’s very effective. Seven chapters cover seven of the most important and most contested Church teachings all from a Biblical basis. He seamlessly weaves the story of his conversion with the Scriptural knowledge that converted him. I highly recommend this book for anyone, Catholic or not, who is interested in better understanding the Catholic faith.
February 28, 2024
Dr. Bergsma makes an easy to read/understand presentation of the Scriptural foundation of the Catholic Church teachings with plenty of his personal anecdotes and beliefs to present some of the Protestant beliefs and objections.
Now, obviously this is a very short synopsis of these teachings, so anyone looking for a deep or comprehensive look at doctrines surrounding the Papacy or the Eucharist will not find them in this book. I definitely still have many questions left unanswered. However, if you're like me and you don't know anything about Catholic theology or you don't have the best mind for theologically dense books, this is a great place to start.
Now, obviously this is a very short synopsis of these teachings, so anyone looking for a deep or comprehensive look at doctrines surrounding the Papacy or the Eucharist will not find them in this book. I definitely still have many questions left unanswered. However, if you're like me and you don't know anything about Catholic theology or you don't have the best mind for theologically dense books, this is a great place to start.
September 7, 2020
Good introduction for anyone interested in the division within Western Christianity between the Romans and the Protestants, and what some of the biggest issues are as they play out still in the modern era in everyday life. To well formed Catholics, and Orthodox, Dr. Bergsma isn’t saying anything new and may not be worth buying and reading given the plethora of great content out there to be purchased. However, if you’re a Protestant (or not a well formed Catholic) this certainly will be a short but very fulfilling read.
February 11, 2024
This book is really more so a 4.5 star because I thought the chapter titles were too “click-baity” for a book that takes its argument incredibly seriously. Dr. Bergsma knows his stuff and is gentle yet forceful in his argument. People on both sides of the aisle (Catholic and Protestant) should read this as it serves to illuminate well where the Bible speaks to Catholic beliefs (something I personally feel neither side truly understands well enough).
December 24, 2024
The best, most succinct Biblical case for why be Catholic.
If you are a Christian serious about your faith, Catholicism is the best and only way to take the Bible seriously and take in the Word of God fully. This book pretty darn well proves that.
I don’t see how any Protestant could read this book, take in all its points, and honestly remain Protestant.
May it lead many to a better Christian life this side of heaven than they ever dreamed possible!
If you are a Christian serious about your faith, Catholicism is the best and only way to take the Bible seriously and take in the Word of God fully. This book pretty darn well proves that.
I don’t see how any Protestant could read this book, take in all its points, and honestly remain Protestant.
May it lead many to a better Christian life this side of heaven than they ever dreamed possible!
April 10, 2018
How Scripture saves Catholicism
Yet another former Reformed pastor finds a home in the Catholic Church. What is wrong with Reform teaching that we see this “exodus?” It’s not so much an exodus as it is a discovery. Hearing fro a “staunch Protestant” again challenges my thinking in how I see Scripture and the Church.
Yet another former Reformed pastor finds a home in the Catholic Church. What is wrong with Reform teaching that we see this “exodus?” It’s not so much an exodus as it is a discovery. Hearing fro a “staunch Protestant” again challenges my thinking in how I see Scripture and the Church.
March 24, 2020
A concise look at the Scriptural case for Catholicism, and how an honest Protestant enquirer can find themselves in Rome from Scripture Alone.
Bergman’s/ story shares a lot of parallels with my own journey to Rome (though I don’t have a doctorate from Notre Dame!) Fun to read a tale of a journey that I can so closely relate to.
Bergman’s/ story shares a lot of parallels with my own journey to Rome (though I don’t have a doctorate from Notre Dame!) Fun to read a tale of a journey that I can so closely relate to.
October 25, 2023
This book was very well written. Dr. Bergsma goes over many of the obstacles for people understanding Catholic Doctrines, by giving biblical and historical proofs. With some humour along the way!
This is a great book for;
Protestants: who just don't understand how Catholic can believe such "unbiblical doctrines"
Catholics: who want to better understand and appreciate what they have
This is a great book for;
Protestants: who just don't understand how Catholic can believe such "unbiblical doctrines"
Catholics: who want to better understand and appreciate what they have
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