MY TOP 10: Catholic Books for Curious Protestants

I am Christian, but I can’t remain a Protestant. HERE’S WHY!

No, I’m not Catholic... BUT I had to make this video to share what I’ve observed and learned so far. In American Protestant churches, I had never really been taught about church history prior to the reformation. After doing a deep dive for myself, I realized - I know too much now. And I can’t go back to what I didn’t know. What a rich, beautiful, exciting, sometimes lonely journey this has been - discovering a treasure trove of truth into the history of the Christian faith that I love so much.  To quote the 19th century theologian and Catholic convert John Henry Newman, “To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.”  If you’re interested in learning more about the early church JOIN MY BOOK CLUB and online community on PATREON! Click the link below and become an “ELITE” member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership] We are getting ready to start reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_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] Chapters 00:00 Journey into Early Church History 05:01 The Significance of the Eucharist 10:01 Worship Focus: Performance vs. Reverence 12:57 Authority in Scripture and Tradition 16:00 Moral Issues and Doctrinal Variance 19:56 Personal Transformation and Seeking Truth

She went to OCIA to prove Catholicism wrong. Now she's Catholic.

From Seventh day adventist, to atheist, to non-denominational, to finally finding her home in the Catholic Church - Aubrey's story is a powerful testament to how truth can reshape your entire faith journey. She shares how going through the catechumenate stages of OCIA to DEBUNK Catholic doctrines led her to discover the beauty and depth of the Church. Aubrey’s journey highlights that faith questions are always worth seeking answers to, even through doubts and misconceptions. And that sometimes, the answers are where you least expect them.  If you have fundamental questions about faith or are just curious about Catholic traditions, OCIA might just be a natural next step for you in your journey. Contact your local Parish to learn more! FOLLOW AUBREY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aubreykern/ [https://www.instagram.com/aubreykern/] Interested in joining my BOOK CLUB and online community for Catholic Curious individuals? click the link below and become an “ELITE” member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership] We are currently reading through ROME SWEET HOME - which you can purchase here! https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist [https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist] 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] 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 Aubrey's Spiritual Journey 06:16 Exploring Catholicism 15:13 Misconceptions About Catholicism 19:44 Navigating Family and Community Reactions 23:15 The Power of Intercession 28:59 Understanding Saints and Mary 32:11 Debunking Misconceptions about Catholicism 38:11 Advice for Investigating Catholicism

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