Why a former Presbyterian minister became known as the modern Luther in reverse

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Scott Hahn was once a staunch critic of the Catholic Church, actively working to convert Catholics to Protestantism. Today, he is a prominent Catholic theologian. His journey from minister to apologist centers on a radical reinterpretation of biblical covenants as the foundational family bond of the Christian faith.

Born in 1957, Scott Hahn began his career as a Presbyterian pastor in Virginia. His theological shift was sparked by a deep study of the Bible and a growing conviction that the Catholic Church was the only tradition maintaining ancient prohibitions against contraception. This intellectual inquiry eventually led him to convert to Catholicism at Easter in 1986, a move his wife, Kimberly, later mirrored in 1990.

Central to Hahn’s theology is the concept of the covenant, which he defines as a sacred kinship bond. In his view, God established a series of covenants throughout history, culminating in the new covenant of Jesus Christ. He argues that the Bible consistently uses family-based language—such as Father, Son, and marriage feast—to describe the work of salvation. For Hahn, the Church is not merely an institution but a worldwide family, with the Pope serving as the prime minister to whom Christ entrusted the keys of the kingdom.

Hahn’s academic work, including his 1995 doctoral dissertation from Marquette University, explores these themes through a canonical approach. He contends that Protestant doctrines like sola scriptura and sola fide are not biblically supported, arguing instead that the Bible emphasizes charity and works as essential to salvation. His influence has been amplified through his teaching at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, his founding of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and his prolific output of over 50 books.

Beyond his academic contributions, Hahn credits the influence of Opus Dei for shaping his spiritual life, citing its emphasis on daily prayer, a devout work ethic, and hospitality. Today, he remains a highly visible figure in Catholic apologetics, frequently appearing on EWTN and lecturing globally. His work continues to challenge traditional Protestant interpretations of scripture, positioning the Catholic Church as the definitive pillar and bulwark of truth.

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