In 2017, the world celebrated the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his ninety-five theses, and religious leaders naturally weighed in. Perhaps the most prominent was Pope Francis I, who urged people to heed the call for Christian unity; where Luther had created disunity and broken apart the Church, the time had now come for reconciliation and togetherness.

Peter Kreeft is unarguably one of the most important Catholic voices of the last fifty years or so. His recent autobiography, From Calvinist to Catholic: Letters from Peter Kreeft’s Conversion to Rome, gives meaningful insight into this Catholic leader’s life. For those Protestants interested in the story of how a boy raised in the Reformed Protestant world could eventually convert to Rome, the book is quite helpful.

Rome is one of the world's most beautiful cities. Its churches, art, and culture inspire wonder at every turn. Yet behind the grandeur of basilicas and piazzas remains a city in need of the gospel. Drawing on a recent visit to lecture in Rome, this essay reflects on Catholic theology, the persuasive power of sacred beauty, and the faithful work of evangelical missionaries laboring to proclaim Christ where beauty alone cannot save.

If Luther was right that this question — not the papacy, Mary, or indulgences — was the essential issue dividing Rome from the Reformation, then evangelical engagement with Catholics today should follow his example: keep the main thing the main thing.

Saints have been venerated since the early centuries of Christianity. Is it possible for so many people, including some in the Early Church and church fathers, to fall into the trap of idolatry? Can the whole church err? As Protestants, we can say a resounding “yes,” it is possible.

The need for a true gospel reformation within the Roman Catholic Church is as urgent as it was five hundred years ago, when Martin Luther himself climbed the Scala Sancta to the top and thought, "Who knows if any of this is really true?"