Learning through the eyes of others

Surprised by Truth / Surprised by Truth 2 by Patrick Madrid
Converts Give the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic
Basilica Press, 1994 / Sophia Institute Press 2000

As a Sunday school teacher, I've often found that the inquiries of the students end up teaching everyone, me included, more than all the carefully prepared lesson plans I labor over. The fresh perspective of young minds exposed to the doctrines of the church for the first time never fails to uncover and illuminate some facet to which I've never given much thought.

The same can be said for the conversion stories of people who have traveled the path from other religions, other denominations, or unbelief to the fullness of truth in the Catholic Church. Without fail, the insight these converts provide comes from a vantage point that cradle Catholics often have never considered. Thus, conversion stories like those presented in the Surprised By Truth books (a third volume was released in 2002) prove incredibly educational and instructional not just for those considering joining the church, but equally so for long-time members.
 
First, conversion stories give an intimate look inside the hurdles that converts had to overcome on their way to the Catholic Church. These often include personal issues (e.g., family resistance, past life decisions, etc.), but always include doctrinal questions (e.g., the Real Presence, Mary, the saints, purgatory). The personal issues demonstrate the deep commitment most converts have to make to see their journey through to the end, while the doctrinal issues are a learning opportunity for everyone whose catechesis is lacking or needs a refresher.

Secondly, how converts cleared these hurdles is especially helpful for anyone who takes seriously Jesus' direction to go forth and make disciples of everyone (Mt. 28-19). The way people need help, the extra little boost to get over a hurdle to the church, is very rarely what one might expect. It is almost impossible to predict what feather will tip the scales. As such, these stories illustrate that we can never underestimate the impact one small encounter may have, that everyone should be prepared to share the faith, and that ultimately it is God, through the Holy Spirit, that brings any seeds planted to fruition.

Lastly, conversion stories help remind those already enjoying the fullness of faith in the church just how fortunate they are. The joyful witness of those who "crossed the Tiber" to Rome can be infectious: the excitement, the awe, the peace, the thankfulness converts exhibit can't help but rub off and inspire the same kind of emotional reaction in long-standing members of the church. Sometimes we don't appreciate what we have until we see what somebody else doesn't.

Madrid does an excellent job selecting the stories to present, as well as editing. Apparently, there are as many ways to find one's way to the Catholic Church as there are people—no two stories are alike. There's no chance for the reader to become bored with the same story rehashed over and over. The pace is quick and lively, which is fortunate because after just one or two stories, the anticipation of the next person's tale builds dramatically. It's easy to see why a second volume was needed... and a third... and hopefully yet another some day soon.