I've been listening to some Sola Scriptura debates recently, and I've found them less than satisfying. I feel like some Catholic apologists make it sound like Tradition and the Magisterium answers all of the questions, removes all ambiguities, and settles all disagreements. The current problems in the Vatican have shown that is not true. There are still hard problems in Catholic theology, areas of disagreement, and mysteries that will likely never be understood in this life. Nonetheless, I have found the difference between Protestant theology and Catholic theology to be night and day.

I didn't get here by listening to Catholic apologists, though. I started by looking into ancient Christianity, then trying to merge modern Protestant and Patristic Christianity, all along learning more about how Catholic beliefs were not what I had been taught as a Protestant. As I worked through issue after issue, against my preference, the Catholic position eventually came out on top each time. I did not want to become Catholic because it was going to cost me in my career plans and in personal relationships, but eventually my conscience wouldn't let me stay out of the Church.

However, I had some friends who were with me in that journey that ended up Anglican or Eastern Orthodox. I disagree with them, but I respect their choices. The road is very complicated, and there are hundreds of factors that shape who we become and what we believe. I know that God understands all of that and will judge each of according to what we have been given. I am not capable of judging anyone, and for that, I am glad.