From the Messianic Movement to the Catholicism with Matthew Wiseman

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints podcast, I sit down with Matthew Wiseman, convert to Catholicism and author of The Two Jerusalems, for a powerful conversation about his journey from the Messianic movement to the Catholic Church.

Raised in a devout Southern Baptist home, Matthew’s family began a home church that eventually led them into the Hebrew Roots movement, where they embraced the Mosaic Law and Old Testament festivals. But what began as a sincere desire to follow Scripture more faithfully soon revealed deep questions—especially about authority, unity, and interpretation.

Matthew shares how a hunger for truth and clarity led him to explore Jewish oral tradition, Anglicanism, and ultimately Catholicism. We discuss the need for a living authority in the Church, the flaws of sola scriptura, and the life-changing impact of discovering the Liturgy of the Hours. He also shares the role his family played in his conversion journey and how reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church helped lead his wife into the Church as well.

This episode isn’t just about one man’s conversion. It’s about the longing we all share for truth, unity, and a Church that reflects Christ fully.

Topics Covered:

• What it’s like growing up in the Hebrew Roots movement
• Why the Mosaic Law alone isn’t enough—and what that reveals about Scripture
• The role of tradition and authority in interpreting the Bible
• Matthew’s personal conversion story and how it affected his family
• The beauty and power of praying the Psalms and the Liturgy of the Hours
• Why unity in the Church matters and what drew him to Catholicism
• How reading the Catechism brought his wife into the Church

📍 Pick up a copy of Matthew's book, The Two Jerusalems, at ignatius.com or wherever books are sold.

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