On The Line Vincent Shemwell: Why I Left Roman Catholicism for Lutheranism
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Jan 5, 2026 Vincent Shemwell, an LCMS pastor who once considered the Catholic priesthood, describes his move from Roman Catholicism into confessional Lutheranism. He talks about doubts sparked by authority claims and the abuse crisis. He traces shifts on usury, Vatican II, Scripture, liturgy, indulgences, and why younger seekers are drawn to Catholicism.
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Aesthetics And Ecclesiastical Security Drive Catholic Appeal
- Young people are attracted to Roman Catholicism for aesthetics and a sense of ecclesiastical security as an unchanging institution.
- Vincent argues that this appearance misleads because Vatican II and other shifts show Rome has changed significantly.
Vatican II Shifted The Church's View On Salvation
- Vatican II documents like Lumen Gentium and Nostra Aetate introduced language suggesting non-Christians can participate in salvation, which Vincent sees as a doctrinal 180.
- He found the practical corollary alarming: institutional reticence to evangelize Jews and Muslims.
Paper Doctrine Often Diverges From Parish Practice
- Vincent highlights a major disconnect: official Roman teaching, online apologists like Bishop Barron, and local parish practice often differ widely.
- He recalls learning the Hail Mary before the Lord's Prayer as emblematic of parish emphasis differing from doctrinal nuance.