Carl Olson on Why He Became a Catholic

“‘How can you join a church that tells you how to think?’

“The question, uttered with equal parts puzzlement and anger, surprised me. In hindsight, it should have been about as surprising as an afternoon drizzle here in Eugene, Oregon, in early spring. The question - almost an accusation, really - was made one early spring day over fifteen years ago. It was said in the middle of an intense discussion about the reasons why my wife and I had, both graduates of Evangelical Bible colleges, had decided to become Catholic.”

In a recent editorial, Carl E. Olson, editor of Catholic World Report and Ignatius Insight, reflected on, among other things, why it is important that he became a Catholic, a member of the Church “founded by Jesus Christ, the household of his Father, infused with life by her soul, the Holy Spirit.”

To access Mr. Olson’s complete essay, please visit:

Catholic World Report Editorial: On Fifteen Years a Catholic (20 APR 12)