A Dyed in the Wool Protestant Becomes Catholic (w/ Brantley Rutz)

In this episode of The Cordial Catholic, I'm joined by my friend and fellow Catholic convert Brantley Rutz to share the story of his conversion.
Brantley is a wonderful guy. A "dyed-in-the-wool" Protestant who even named one of his children after a famous Baptist preacher - yes, he was that serious of a Protestant. It wasn't until Brantley and his wife began investigating what they believed about Infant Baptism - and looking into what the Early Church believed about the practice - that he had ever even thought about Catholicism!
This story is a fantastic one. Listen, and learn how Brantley, a deep thinker, a dedicated Evangelical Christian, and a Calvinist to boot, made the journey into Catholicism!
To connect with Brantley find and follow him on Facebook:
/ brantley.rutz.9
Send your feedback to [e-mail].
Sign up for our newsletter for my reflections on episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive contests at newsletter.thecordialcatholic.com
To watch this and other episodes please visit (and subscribe to!) our KZbin channel.
Please consider financially supporting this show!
For more information visit the Patreon page. All patrons receive access to exclusive content and if you can give $5/mo or more you'll also be entered into monthly draws for fantastic books hand-picked by me at / cordialcatholic
If you'd like to give a one-time donation to The Cordial Catholic, you can visit the PayPal page at paypal.me/cordialcatholic
Thank you to those already supporting the show!

[@terrykessinger4432]

I’m only partway through this interview and just had to hit pause and write a comment. I have a full set of the Spurgeon’s sermons, and a full Old and New Testament study by Calvin, and a little Lego - like figure of Martin Luther, holding up his 95 thesis! It’s been a deep dive, these last eight months. There’s still a lot that i still don’t know, but I am currently in OCIA and learning all I can. I live in a small town and I don’t know how to“come out“ in my conversion. Many people will be confused and hurt, I’m afraid. I’ve been a solid part of my church, even resigned after 21 years on staff a week ago, and this is kind of a big deal for me, relationally speaking. I am very excited, though, and still reading the church fathers, as well as contemporary apologists and Catholics. But I still love the likes of Martyn Lloyd Jones, but his anti-Catholicism is starting to really stand out to me where I never noticed it before. These conversion stories have been so helpful and I’m so thankful for this channel. Sorry for the ramblings.

[@TheCordialCatholic]

WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU! If you need anything reach out via e-mail or social media! 🙏

[@susand3668]

Dear Terry, if you feel like it, there is a Forum on the Coming Home Network for: people who are thinking about becoming Catholic and are questioning what the Church teaches, people who are working on becoming Catholic and having practical questions like yours about when and how to tell others, people who have recently become Catholic and are dealing with the confusion of the real in the pew not matching the ideal in the mind, people who became Catholic a few years ago, and are finding that they are not as far along in virtue as they feel they "ought" to be, and those who have been in the Church many years, and are able to answer some questions and are still looking for answers to others... You would be very welcome there!

[@terrykessinger4432]

@@susand3668 Thank you, yes, I have visited their site. It’s very helpful with all of the things you mentioned. It’s been quite a journey thus far. Thank you for your thoughtful answer.

[@kimmylee31]

With charity I will keep you and your intentions in my prayer and heart ❤

[@kimmylee31]

❤Terry

[@lukian111]

The similarities in so many of our stories - evangelical, Calvinistic, anti-Catholic - all leading to conversion to the Catholic Church, speaks volumes to the grace of our Lord. I came into the church at Easter 2023 - very similar story. Thanks for sharing Brantley! Keith, you're a blessing to the faith!

[@kathywiens9852]

Happy blessed almost 1 year anniversary of coming Home🙌💝

[@TheologicalAmatuer]

I was at Ligonier’s 500th anniversary of the Reformation event. I’m convinced that for me, Reformed theology was the gateway to my becoming Catholic. God bless you!

[@dawnvittorio244]

The reason the Catholic Church is attacked so much is because the devil knows it is the true Church. No matter how bad the priests or popes, etc, we can not leave the one true Church.

[@rosiegirl2485]

I love the story that Steve Ray tells about the ship. It sums up the reformation in a simple way. I love when he starts screaming about himself being born on a raft...ha!

[@TheCordialCatholic]

YES!

[@UlyGooly]

😂 love Steve Ray.

[@kmcgee1651]

I follow both of you on IG and enjoy your content. I enjoyed this talk and Brantley sharing what led him into the Catholic Church. I think it resonates with most converts. I don't think any of us were looking to shake up our whole lives, but once you start being drawn into The Church there's really no turning back. I feel like I learn something new every day and I love our beautiful faith!

[@brantleyrutz]

Amen! Thank you for sharing this. God is good. I don’t deserve it. Deo gratias

[@TheCordialCatholic]

Wow. Thank you so much for sharing this! So happy to be of help!

[@knightsrepose9448]

After a couple of years discernment my wife converted in 2022. After a couple of years discernment, I converted 2023. There was a LOT of tension during those years - and that's mostly on me 😔.

[@raymondschneider5217]

Love your love for the other and their family. Enjoy learning about how you found the RC church and drew your family into it, as well. Am a baptist Catholic who "sort of" dropped out years ago due to some mental/physical problisms. With his grace, most of those are better and am in the midst of returning to full membership to the RC church. Thanks for your (and your guests) in assisting. Y'all Be Safe!

[@pietropanetta3329]

Dear Terry, please don't be sorry for your 'ramblings.' I was moved to tears by them, especially by your hesitation and feeling of dread at the prospect of 'coming out' about your attraction to Catholicism. It is so important for those of us already in full communion with the Church to have a spirit of humility and charity to those who are making the transition from another tradition. Above all, we should have the utmost respect for the tradition from which the convert is emerging and to avoid any sense of triumphalism like the plague. Your affection and nostalgia for the church that you are leaving will always be with, whatever personal difficulties you may have with those who are offended by the stance you have taken.

[@terrykessinger4432]

Thank you for your kind and generous response. I deeply appreciate it.

[@josephmua9749]

This is so rich.i mean i can proudly defend the catholic faith with this information.so much has been said that i never knew about.Thank God i have and will always remain with the Roman catholic faith no matter what bad bishops will introduce.Christ had said these things will happen but never will the gates of hell over come His church.

[@TheCordialCatholic]

Thanks for watching!

[@joshhall1468]

Great testimony. I graduated from Wheaton College and listened to many of the same Evangelical thinkers he did. Oddly an Evangelical professor was the one who laid the groundwork for my Catholicism. His explanation of Mary and what she represented planted the seed for my eventual confirmation. I thank God for my time in the Evangelical world. I understand and love the Church more because of it.

[@siddywiddyb]

Great calvinists make awesome Catholics, eventually 😃. Thank you Keith this was brilliant. Love your channel and I will check Brantleys channel out next! God bless

[@TheCordialCatholic]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@johnflorio3576]

I like to remind Calvinists they are predestined to become Catholic. 😆

[@terrykessinger4432]

@@johnflorio3576😂

[@TheCatholicBrothers]

My man, Brantley. Almost fell out of my chair when I saw the notification that you had him on. Love you guys, great episode.

[@brantleyrutz]

The love is mutual. 👊🏻

[@TheCordialCatholic]

You guys are the best.

[@pringlessourcream9527]

I feel God has forseen Martin Luther and allows it to happen and then HE reels in those Protestants who truly search for HIM and turn all you converts into fiery apologists to explain the teachings of our Universal Church, better than most cradle Catholics who were poorly catechized back then. Bless you all.❤

[@franj1142]

Great story, God is Good!

[@johnchung6777]

Fantastic magnificent conversation story,I’m so elated and overwhelmed by all conversation testimonies wether it’s a fallen away catholic or a Protestant converting to the Catholic Church,and I don’t care at all about what people call the Catholic Church that it evil and not true.And to me it seems that people don’t really know much about spiritual blindness it’s a subject topic issue that many so called learned people don’t have an insight to or understand it,it’s an immense subject.Absolutely great video YEAH!👍

[@TheCordialCatholic]

Thanks for watching!

[@pierrettebroad345]

Yes we are on the arch, and God we safely bring us home.

[@CigarMode-4good]

Gentle criticism after watching a few of the channel’s video: please talk less at the beginning. Get into the interview promptly without the long lead up. It’s polite to both the guest and to those watching.

[@matthewcauthorn9731]

Thank you

[@hiltonchapman4844]

So, so, uplifting! Thank you, Lord, for Brantley and his family! On the one hand we have the total train wreck of this-that-and-the-other in the Catholic Church, and then - on the other hand - just when we're throwing up our hands and crying "How long, O Lord, how long?" along comes - on the OTHER hand - Brantley and his better half! Deo gratias! HC-JAIPUR (01/Nov/2023) .

[@TheCordialCatholic]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

All believers are called saints in the New Testament.

[@ElishaD-rb8pv]

not according to the entirety of the NT, as some believers with great faith to even perform miracles end up in hell according to Mt 7:21-23

[@boldbeliever52]

Went from died in the wool to died in the spirit.

[@TheCordialCatholic]

🔥 🔥 🔥

[@Lya3588]

👍🙏

[@adamnowak926]

👍

[@genemyersmyers6710]

Brantley your logic is perfect but did you consider orthodoxy ,i consider catholic and orthodo the same church .

[@stephensuttles6913]

I'm struggling with a conversion or not right now. The infant baptism explanation seemed so tortured. "Repent and be baptized"...how can infants repent? Serious question.

[@carlossanc5228]

What did Christ have to repent? Yet he still asked John the Baptist to baptize Him. A baby cannot speak for himself, therefore the parents seek the baptism for him. It is as necessary, more so, than taking your child to a doctor. It is only logical that as a parent you would make the decisions for your child. The Bible can only take us so far, even when things aren’t so clear. At your stage I assume you’ve already come to understand some Catholic dogmas, the others you still struggle with will fall into place. The biggie that new struggling converts may not understand is that you are really struggling with is AUTHORITY. Once you accept that Christ gave St Peter the keys to the kingdom, that is to say gave Peter authority over “whatever”, whatever meaning Everything. Then your objections will stop troubling you. Matthew 16:18-. The authority is from God. Understand that first of all.

[@Reamor]

No need to repent no personal sin committed

[@lolitacastro4188]

Babies are baptized to save them, in case they died before maturity, from going into "limbo"

[@lolitacastro4188]

Even babies have sins they inherit from Adam & eve sin

[@kathywiens9852]

​@@lolitacastro4188do Protestants believe in original sin?

[@borealopelta7284]

Great conversation really enjoyed it, I understand what is being said and I think it is very valid. I’m just having a hard time understanding, it seems the Catholic Church has a bit of a similar issue with the Protestants. I know they have the church, but technically I could go to another town and go to the church there and every Catholic Church believes different things. Some priests promote false things. I’ve had people recommend me talking to my priest about proper doctrine. But with the caveat make sure he is a good priest that isn’t teaching false things. But then I need to use scripture to determine if he is promoting false doctrine? Thanks for any clarification on this.

[@annhicks9548]

Priests are men and are fallible. They make mistakes, but if they actually teach against the Catechism, you need to talk to them first to make sure you understood them correctly, and then share your concerns with your Bishop. The Bishop is the teaching authority for your whole diocese. In faith and morals- doctrine, the whole world is bound by the same teachings.

[@rosiegirl2485]

​@@annhicks9548 Well said! ⚘️

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

The New Testament says the apostles laid the foundation of the church. We don’t continue to build a foundation. We don’t have apostles in the NT sense today

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

If there was a first “pope”, it should have been Paul, not Peter. Paul is far more prominent in the New Testament than Peter.

[@iggyantioch]

There is ample evidence in the New Testament that Peter was first in authority among the apostles. Whenever they were named, Peter headed the list (Matt. 10:1-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16, Acts 1:13); sometimes the apostles were referred to as “Peter and those who were with him” (Luke 9:32). Peter was the one who generally spoke for the apostles (Matt. 18:21, Mark 8:29, Luke 12:41, John 6:68-69), and he figured in many of the most dramatic scenes (Matt. 14:28-32, 17:24-27; Mark 10:23-28). On Pentecost it was Peter who first preached to the crowds (Acts 2:14-40), and he worked the first healing in the Church age (Acts 3:6-7). It is Peter’s faith that will strengthen his brethren (Luke 22:32) and Peter is given Christ’s flock to shepherd (John 21:17). An angel was sent to announce the resurrection to Peter (Mark 16:7), and the risen Christ appeared first to Peter (Luke 24:34). He headed the meeting that elected Matthias to replace Judas (Acts 1:13-26), and he received the first converts (Acts 2:41). He inflicted the first punishment (Acts 5:1-11) and excommunicated the first heretic (Acts 8:18-23). He led the first council in Jerusalem (Acts 15) and announced the first dogmatic decision (Acts 15:7-11). It was to Peter that the revelation came that Gentiles were to be baptized and accepted as Christians (Acts 10:46-48). Yawn.

[@boldbeliever52]

​@iggyantioch scripture is clear that Peter was married since it mentions his sick MOTHER IN LAW. most translations even mention Peter's WIFE. the catholic translation does not.

[@iggyantioch]

I didn't know that. Thanks for the response. I'll check it out later. What does St Peters Marriage status have to do with my comment? Did the speaker mention it? I may have missed it. Good morning 🌞

[@iggyantioch]

Whether St. Peter’s wife was alive at the time of Jesus’ ministry is an open question. We know that St. Peter did have a wife, because Jesus cured Peter’s mother-in-law (Matt. 8:14-15, Luke 4:38-39). What many have found strange is that Peter’s wife is not described as being by her dying mother’s side, and the tradition that Peter was a widower derives from this anomaly. You are correct that Eusebius cites Clement and claims that St. Peter’s wife was martyred shortly before St. Peter was. Due to the fact that Eusebius is citing Clement, we must consider it as one source for this tradition rather than two. Eusebius is also generally criticized for not having great knowledge of the Western Church. Given that no other early Church Father relates any information about St. Peter’s wife, this tradition has not been as well accepted as the tradition that she died prior to the ministry of Jesus. The Church, however, has never made an official pronouncement either way, so Catholics are free to accept either tradition. As far as priestly celibate this is a discipline not a dogma. There are many married priests in the Catholic Church. My parish has one, Peace

[@gabrielperez5416]

Being the longest standing flicker of an original faith meant nothing in Jesus day and nothing more today. The churches departed from Christ in the first century and Christ had to rebuke them then. Rome is not a faithful witness to the early church fathers or to New Testament. It's just slight of hand presentism. New Living Translation Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.

[@richardjackson7887]

each person has a key to their own house, not someones else's nor do they have a key to his house! Peters testimony is the keys to the Kingdom of which those who fully understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ will also received a copy as peter did, till then you are locked out!. for those keys can only come from our Lord and Savior. Isa 22:22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. Luk_13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Joh 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. Joh 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Rev_1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

[@frekigeri4317]

Ah no, the keys are to the kingdom not your house

[@richardjackson7887]

@@frekigeri4317 Luk_13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Joh 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. Joh 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Rev_1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

[@richardjackson7887]

@@frekigeri4317 for you to even think that just shows how Hubris you are and how little you understand God.

[@cheryl0327]

Even if you were to take the keys out of the equation, Jesus said He would build His church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it - so there should be a Church that has been around for 2000 years, or Jesus lied.

[@stephensuttles6913]

Seriously, poor argument to suggest we are correct because we were first. The bible says to seek out our own salvations with fear and trembling. The Roman Catholic church can't even decide if homosexual unions are ok or not. It either is or is not according to scripture. I want to believe the Catholic church is the "authority" but when I see the Catholic church so divided on things that are so obviously explained in the scripture, it gives me pause. Sorry.

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

Apostolic succession? To be an apostle in the New Testament meant you had personally seen the risen Christ

[@ElishaD-rb8pv]

to be an apostle you have to be appointed by God according to Acts 1:20-26, Acts 20:28, Eph4:11-12, Rom1:1 etc. historical data confirms apostolic succession was a process initiated by the apostles, see first epistle of Clement, the disciple of Peter and Paul (Phil4:3)

[@mfjh505]

Apostolic succession is the line of bishops stretching back to the apostles. All over the world, all Catholic bishops are part of a lineage that goes back to the time of the apostles, something that is impossible in Protestant denominations (most of which do not even claim to have bishops). Ref: Catholic Answers

[@richardjackson7887]

Mat 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Brother, the sooner you realize we are all on death row and need a substitute to take our place, the sooner you will find those keys you lost in Genesis 3

[@frekigeri4317]

Protestants are modern day Pharisees

[@ronaldeglewski3073]

You are brainwash

[@srich7503]

@@ronaldeglewski3073 really!!! Clear this up for us then… History shows us that Jesus didn't leave us a bible, the apostles didn't tell us which books belong in the bible, the church fathers never agreed on the 27 books of the NT through the 4th century, not only did they not agree but their list of would-be NT canons were GROWING during this time. So, if it wasn't the Catholic/Orthodox church that compiled the 27 books of the NT in the 5th century with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and preserved it by laboriously hand copying them over and over throughout the centuries before the invention of the printing press, the “rule of faith” for many, please tell us, show us, who did? And if this church no longer exists today, what good is the text which came forth from her if she couldn't sustain herself?

[@srich7503]

Sent to wrong person…

[@richardjackson7887]

@@srich7503 Seems not since it affected you!

[@paulsmallwood1484]

Protestant response. I find it absolutely amazing that Brantley seemed regretful that he as an Evangelical thought it was important to evangelize Roman Catholics yet he appears on a you tube channel like Cordial Catholic whose central mission is to prosyletize Protestants. I find that hypocritical and offensive. It is irksome to hear Roman Catholic apologists trot out the tired , overused trope, that Protestants are divided, and have no authority. All you have to do is read the news and you will plainly see that the Roman Catholic Church is full of dissension, factions, Infighting, flirting with schism, etc.etc. Also It is a tragic and poor reading of church history and the church fathers that allows you to conclude that the early church and the Church of Rome are synonymous. The Roman Catholic Church is on the verge of watching its German bishops split away over their pro same sex marriage and pro LGBTQ stance. The traditionalist wing of Roman Catholic Church doesn’t even recognize Pope Francis as a legitimate Pope. They believe Francis is absolutely caving to the culture. Brantley criticizes infighting among Protestants but spins away and excuses the infighting among Roman Catholics. I find that hypocritical and offensive as well. The classical Protestant understanding has always been that there is only one church and it is visible. It has never taught the church is only spiritual. If the Roman Catholic authority is God ordained and so effective, then why do so many Roman Catholics dissent from official Roman Catholic teaching but are never corrected. Over 40% of American Roman Catholics believe the Eucharist is purely symbolic. What good is this authority if it does not in the final analysis bring true unity among Roman Catholics?

[@frekigeri4317]

Protestantism was born on division, all the reformers wanted it their own way. It started divided and has continued to be divided over and over again. Over the decades I myself was a Protestant, I went to over a hundred churches easily and everywhere I went, inevitably, there would be a incident in the not so distant past that caused a splitting of the congregation. It was never theological in nature either, just superficial nonsense. As for the issues in Catholicism today, Catholicism has been under severe attack for about a century. All of which was warned about by Catholic mystics and seers. Including Pope Leo XIII who was brought in to listen in on a conversation between Satan and our Lord Jesus Christ in 1886. Which caused Pope Leo XIII to write the Saint Michael prayer and requested it be said at every mass. For more information on the infiltration of the Church, I suggest reading Bella Dodds book school of darkness and/or Dr. Taylor Marshall’s book infiltration. Both of which will give you understanding of where these attacks are coming from and how they aren’t just issues in the Catholic Church but in media, public schools, Hollywood and government as well.

[@GarthDomokos]

Most people that I've met that try to spread their interpretation or rather "misinterpretation" of scripture to others, have never ever been very loving people. If I have done my math correctly, when I was in school the majority of guys aren't good readers. This becomes a problem when you consider that a lot of these people read the bible, then attend the theological university of "bias, slant, and twist", then run around with their own unrepented vanity, spreading their own misinterpretation.

[@frekigeri4317]

@@GarthDomokos let’s see, one interpretation taught for 2000 years or something someone came up with in the last 500 years? Choices, Choices My theological understanding comes from a decade on my knees in prayer and fasting, while studying Protestant theology as the Holy Spirt destroyed one after another and then sending me into Catholicism. Which is actually the last place I thought the Holy Spirt would send me after being raised very antiCatholic. My interpretation of scripture isn’t mine, if it was mine, I wouldn’t be Catholic. I’d still be in the dark, with the rest of Protestantism.

[@elperinasoswa6772]

Well duh!! Basic logic using Scripture and history shows blatantly that Protestantism don't have authority (and if you do, where do you get the authority from? Bible? 😂😂😂) and Protestanism isn't united at all because, what's keeping you guys united, the Bible? Well we got the Bible too and you guys ain't united to us because of it and ours is thicker than yours.

[@paulsmallwood1484]

@@frekigeri4317 You really do need to get better informed and stop embarrassing yourself. Your inane rant contributed nothing of value to this thread.

[@richardjackson7887]

The Roman Catholic institution are the modern day Pharisees who believe in following legal traditions that were ascribed not to the Bible but to “the traditions of the fathers because they want to maintain their own power. also they scribed the Roman Catholic Takkanot.

[@jdlee1972]

Another fellow who likes to take potshots. 1. Its the Catholic Church. Not roman catholic. Its an English invention. 2. Give proof of your statement. Engage in knowledgeable dialogue. Dont waste time throwing stones.

[@richardjackson7887]

@@jdlee1972 The Roman Catholic Church is a Christian denomination that accepts the supremacy of the pope as the successor to Jesus Christ. A Roman Catholic is a Catholic who is a member of the Roman rite. There are many Catholics in the East who are not Roman Catholics, such as Maronite Catholics, Ukrainian Catholics, and Chaldean Catholics. once you understand Genesis 3, all will be made clear so stay away from those 10 toes!

[@richardjackson7887]

@@jdlee1972 Joh_14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jud_1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

[@richardjackson7887]

@@jdlee1972 did not the Roman Catholic Church create their own Doctrines separate from what God has said did not the Roman Catholic Institution take much text out of Context Isolated from its Co-text and make it a Pretext!

[@jdlee1972]

@@richardjackson7887 your point? 1. The Roman Latin cannot be separated from the Maronite or Chaldean rites. They are in communion. We are 1 church. You mean they have a different theology? They dont have communion with the successor of Peter? What is your point? You quote scripture yet you think I know what you are referring to via these?