Lighten Up with Hannah Crews

MY TOP 10: Catholic Books for Curious Protestants

Here is a list of my top 10 must-read books that transformed my understanding of church history and the early Christian beliefs. Whether you're skeptical, curious, or seeking to deepen your faith, these books provide the tools, stories, and frameworks to see original Christianity (Catholicism) in its authentic biblical and historical context! ALSO - isn’t my shirt cute?! It’s from Santa Cruz - Elevated Catholic Apparel! Use promo code “Hannah15” for 15% off + free shipping! https://stcruz.co?sca_ref=11337915.TIlWY7IfAWKHL [https://stcruz.co?sca_ref=11337915.TIlWY7IfAWKHL] JOIN MY BOOK CLUB / ONLINE COMMUNITY ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership] MY TOP 10 BOOKS IN TODAY’S VIDEO: #10 - A Rome for Restless Hearts: Finding a Spiritual Home in Catholicism by Sister Lisa Hezmalhalch https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593728394?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0593728394&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593728394?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0593728394&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin] #9 - Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love by Trent Horn https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683570243?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=1683570243&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683570243?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=1683570243&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin] #8 - Surprised by Truth: 11 Converts Give the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic by Patrick Madrid https://www.amazon.com/dp/0964261081?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0964261081&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0964261081?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0964261081&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin] #7 - The Lamb's Supper:The Mass as Heaven on Earth by Scott Hahn https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385496591?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385496591&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385496591?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385496591&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin] #6 - Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary:Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Pitre https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525572732?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0525572732&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525572732?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0525572732&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin] #5 - Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper by Brant Pitre https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin] #4 - Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic by Dr. John Bergsma https://www.amazon.com/dp/1612783937?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=1612783937&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1612783937?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=1612783937&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin] #3 - Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott & Kimberly Hahn https://www.amazon.com/dp/0898704782?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0898704782&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0898704782?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0898704782&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin] #2 - Catechism of the Catholic Church by Ascension Press https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932645489?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=1932645489&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932645489?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=1932645489&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin] #1 - Early Church Fathers Collection by David Augustine & Robert Barron https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685781349?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=1685781349&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685781349?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=1685781349&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin] CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog [https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog] My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/] The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/] Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA] Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088] #churchhistory #earlychurch  #theology #catholiccurious #catholic

Missionary becomes Catholic and loses friends. But God stepped in…

Throughout my journey of researching the Catholic faith I’ve been particularly captivated by conversion stories. This week I have the pleasure of sitting down with Brian Tran, a.k.a. “Catholic Brian” - a former Protestant missionary who served in some of the world's most persecuted regions, now dedicated to sharing the Catholic faith through social media! His testimony reveals how deep study, divine encounters, and unwavering obedience can lead even the most skeptical souls to the transformative power of Christ in the Eucharist, Mary, and the early Church’s teachings. This episode is a MUST-listen for anyone seeking to understand the beauty and depth of Catholic tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just beginning your spiritual journey, Brian’s story will inspire you to keep seeking TRUTH, trust in divine mercy, and realize that the fullness of Christ’s Church has been walking with us through history.  JOIN MY BOOK CLUB / ONLINE COMMUNITY ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership] AND GRAB YOUR COPY OF ROME SWEET HOME! https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist [https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist] Catholic Study Bible:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGS9GF6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_TXJHJMBA5QC141BHCK6R?linkCode=ml1&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&linkId=49a57ef9107ed95111e307daadf6721d [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGS9GF6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_TXJHJMBA5QC141BHCK6R?linkCode=ml1&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&linkId=49a57ef9107ed95111e307daadf6721d] CONNECT WITH BRIAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/catholicbrian/ [https://www.instagram.com/catholicbrian/] https://www.instagram.com/ark22studios/ [https://www.instagram.com/ark22studios/] https://www.tiktok.com/@catholicbrian [https://www.tiktok.com/@catholicbrian] https://linktr.ee/Catholicbrian [https://linktr.ee/Catholicbrian] CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog [https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog] My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/] The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/] Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA] Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088] Chapters 00:00 Brian's Missionary Background 08:12 The Shift from Atheism to Faith 12:50 The Journey into Catholicism 18:34 Family Influence and the Call to Catholicism 23:59 The Eucharist and Its Significance 24:25 The Journey to Understanding Mary 28:51 The Fulfillment of the Law 33:13 The Role of Tradition in Catholicism 35:16 Personal Testimonies and Transformations 41:16 Resources for Understanding Catholicism 47:26 The Mission of Digital Evangelization 50:32 Faith Journeys and Influencer Responsibilities

What to Expect: Your FIRST Time Going to Mass

If you've ever been curious or intimidated by Catholic traditions, then consider this episode your official “Mass Survival Guide!” My family and I have been exclusively attending Catholic Mass now for several months and we absolutely love it - including my kids! We’ve experienced Mass not as super “boring” (as some might describe it), but as a powerful act of worship focused entirely on Jesus and the Eucharist. My hope is that these practical tips take some of the pressure off and allow you to fully experience the beauty of the Mass if you ever decide to go. Regardless of our backgrounds or denominations - the reverence, tradition, and the focus on Jesus at Mass is something to behold ☺️ If you’re interested in joining our 📖BOOK CLUB  / ONLINE COMMUNITY with others who are curious about the Catholic faith and early church history - BECOME AN “ELITE” MEMBER OF MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership] And grab your copy of “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott Hahn here 👇🏼 https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist [https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist] CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog [https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog] My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/] The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/] Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA] Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Catholic Curiosity 02:59 First Experiences with Catholic Mass 05:58 Understanding the Structure of Mass 09:00 Navigating Your First Mass 11:45 Reflections on the Eucharist and Community

Purgatory? Mary? Saints? Emily from Catholic Converts Gives Answers!

Welcome back to another episode of questioning everything I’ve ever known LOL  In this episode, I am joined by Emily Dinneny, a Catholic content creator, apologist, and researcher, known for her work with Catholic Answers and her mission to bring clarity to misunderstood doctrines. Emily, a former evangelical, shares her jaw-dropping journey from questioning the faith to embracing the fullness of Catholic doctrine. Discover how early Christian traditions, historic church teachings, and compelling biblical evidence reveal a rich spiritual truth often hidden beneath decades of misunderstanding.  Don’t miss this compelling conversation that challenges what you thought was possible and get ready to see Christianity in a new light! When you pursue history and tradition together, the full story of Jesus unfolds before your eyes!  If you haven't seen the first episode of "What's Up with This Catholic Thing?!" you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/WPtH9muIlP0 [https://youtu.be/WPtH9muIlP0] DON’T FORGET!!! I’m doing a BOOK CLUB on PATREON for those interested in learning more 😊 Click the link below and become an ELITE member 👇🏼 https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership] And grab your copy of “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott Hahn here 👇🏼 https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist [https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist] CONNECT WITH EMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@catholic.converts [https://www.tiktok.com/@catholic.converts] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catholic.converts [https://www.instagram.com/catholic.converts] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@catholic.converts [https://www.youtube.com/@catholic.converts] CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog [https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog] My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/] The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/] Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA] Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088] CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES: A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST - https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack [https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack] Chapters: 00:00 Emily's Christian Roots and Early Faith 03:00 Questioning Faith and the Role of Church Community 09:05 Church Fathers and Biblical Interpretations 12:53 The Significance of the Eucharist in Catholic Doctrine 14:04 The Reformation and Its Consequences 19:42 Purgatory: Biblical and Historical Evidence 23:44 Prayers for the Dead and Intercession of Saints 31:35 Authority of Scripture and Church Tradition 35:57 Division in Christianity and the Call for Unity 42:57 Addressing Common Questions: Worship of Mary 47:19 The Power of Intercession and Communion of Saints 48:56 Closing Remarks and Resources for Further Learning

I'm a Protestant: 5 things that made me question EVERYTHING

Over the past 7 months I’ve gone from a devout Protestant to a deep-dive investigator of early Christianity’s true origins. What I found REVOLUTIONIZED my understanding of faith. Which is why things are going to start looking a little bit differently around here… Welcome to a brand new Lighten Up series, WHAT’S UP WITH THIS CATHOLIC THING?! In this first episode, I’ll walk you through the questions and discoveries that made me want to explore Catholic Christianity. And over the next several weeks, I will be sharing some amazing conversion stories with you!  This series is perfect for anyone questioning the history they've been told, searching for biblical authenticity, or eager to understand the real roots of Christianity that might have been hidden for centuries. And if you're interested in going deeper, I invite you to join the Book Club on my Patreon! Click the link below 👇🏼and become an ELITE member to gain full access to all the bonus content and Book Club videos!  https://www.patreon.com/c/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership [https://www.patreon.com/c/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership] We’re starting with Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn NEXT WEEK - you can grab your copy here 👇🏼 https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist [https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist] Chapters 00:00 Questioning Protestantism: A Journey Begins 03:02 Exploring Early Christianity and the Church Fathers 05:47 The Formation of the Bible and Its Authority 09:07 The Reformation and Its Impact on Denominations 11:51 Seeking the Unadulterated Truth Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who you think would be interested in this 🙏🏼 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheLightenUpPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator [https://www.patreon.com/TheLightenUpPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator] Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/] Follow the Lighten Up Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/] Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA] Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088] Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog [https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog] And if you’d like to support the show you can grab a copy of my devotionals ☺️ A confidence that Changes Everything - https://www.amazon.com/Confidence-That-Changes-Everything-Topsy-Turvy/dp/B0DBSNP8V7?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER [https://www.amazon.com/Confidence-That-Changes-Everything-Topsy-Turvy/dp/B0DBSNP8V7?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER] Goodness Gracious - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTBS5M8/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_B42F2P3D6JQ5MX7GGB2H?linkCode=ml1&tag=hannahcrews0d-20 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTBS5M8/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_B42F2P3D6JQ5MX7GGB2H?linkCode=ml1&tag=hannahcrews0d-20]