He Was an Evangelical Christian Until He Read Aquinas

Rob Evans has taught millions of Christians that “Life without Jesus is like a doughnut: There’s a hole in the middle of your heart.”

Evans, 53, was hugely popular as an Evangelical Christian performer, selling more than 6 million CDs and DVDs, and appearing at more than 2,500 church concerts and conferences. His Donut Repair Club has been a mainstay of EWTN’s programming for the past 10 years.

Evans, his wife of 33 years, Shelley, and one of his children — daughter Tonya, 14 — were received into the Catholic Church this past Easter.

Evans spoke with Register correspondent Tom Wehner about what he called his “discovery” of the Catholic faith.

I grew up in the Presbyterian church. And when my parents divorced when I was 6, the church in Paoli (Pa.) told [my mother] that divorce might be the best thing for her in this situation because she found “true love” with another man and that she had her whole life ahead of her. The church did not fight for the unity of our family. … So we stopped going to church.

When I was at Rutgers, I read everything. I read Nietzsche, I read Sartre, Plato. … I was reading about Western civilization, but nobody was talking about Jesus. I saw an ad in The Daily Targum (campus newspaper) advertising a study on the philosophy of Christ one evening. And I went to a room that held a thousand people, and I was the only one there. … I was thirsting for something. I was considering Christ, but I wasn’t seeing him.

When I was 19 and Shelley was 17, we were “born again” in a charismatic Pentecostal group. It made inroads into the local high school; that’s how Shelley came in. My mother was going through her third divorce, and a woman at the local swimming club, her best friend, told her all about Jesus; she was from Latvia, and she pronounced it “Cheesus.” My mom had hope in her heart that Jesus would heal her marriage. My mother visited her friend’s pastor — Dennis Corrigan, who was a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary.

I went to talk to Dennis … and he ended up leading me to Jesus Christ. I said to him, “Nietzsche, Sartre, Plato — what about all these philosophies?” He said, “They’re dead. Jesus Christ is alive.”

I said, “What about Adam and Eve? What about the Bible? Do you really believe these things?” Right in the middle of this conversation, his wife comes up with a plate of cookies and coffee and their two little preschoolers come up to get a big kiss goodnight, and there was joy and peace and order and beauty in that home. I wanted that. They brought Christ to me philosophically and biblically in their lives.

Dennis was the one who baptized me. Their next door neighbor was a teenage girl who brought her friend — whom I fell in love with — to church. It was love at first sight. So Shelley Tait came in, and we were engaged four months later and were married that very year.

What happened to cause your church to splinter, and how did you maintain your faith throughout this ordeal?

The church split over discipleship. By this time, 1978, I had 12 men working for me; I had been married for five years. I had three kids and another one on the way. All of my friends, my whole company, moved to Florida from Philadelphia. My company was devastated.

After two more splits, we ended up being in a church of about five or 10 people, and it once had been thousands. What I thought was my forever family was gone, gone and gone again. We kept our focus on Jesus in heaven — the celestial church. Obviously, there was no earthly church that had any true unity.

Because Shelley and I are both children of divorce, when the church fell apart it brought terrific stress to our marriage. We know of a number of couples that then divorced after this meltdown.

During this period of time, we kept telling our children about Jesus and I kept singing them daddy’s songs. So the emotion, the joy and the assurance that the Holy Spirit gave us was what I sang about. God continued to hold us together and kept blessing us with children. We had five in seven years.

In the middle of that crucible, I maintained a habit of tucking the kids in every night with a Bible story and then I would go to my office and write a song.

So I wrote dozens and dozens and dozens of songs from tucking my kids in, and then my wife observed that my children were singing daddy’s songs, so she surprised me with $1,250 that she had saved for us to go on a second honeymoon.

She said, “I think you should make a recording with these songs so we can bless some other people.” So we prayed about it, and I did. And I went into my friend’s recording studio and recorded daddy’s songs. And one of those songs was, “Life without Jesus is like a doughnut; there’s a hole in the middle of your heart.”

My brother-in-law took a picture of me peeking through a doughnut for my first cover, and it was called “Musical Donuts.”

I didn’t convert to Catholicism, I discovered Catholicism. The word “converted” I wear reluctantly only because it communicates, and it’s an accepted part of Catholic culture.

When I used to drive by a Catholic church, I would pray a blessing on that church: “Lord, save those poor Catholics. Pour your Spirit out on that church. Amen.” Little did I know that I was praying for myself.

In 1991, we moved to Nashville to be closer to Integrity Music, which was based in Mobile, Ala. We went to a Baptist church, but that underwent a split. And then in 2001 we moved back home to Ocean County, N.J., and joined a church there.

We were home. But within six months, we were kicked out over a theological dispute over alcohol.

As I went through the last meltdown, I said to my wife, “You know, the Catholic Church has a unity.” And we started going to Mass in our local parish that we would drive by every day — St. Francis of Assisi. This was in February of 2005. And we would kneel down in the quiet and, you know what? Catholics read the Bible every Mass. And when I saw the way they revered the Host, I was really touched. … And all of the priests — Father Steve, Father Kevin, Father Tom and Father John — revered Christ in the Eucharist, I could see it. I could feel it, too.

Back when I was in my 20s, I read How Then Shall We Live by Francis Schaeffer. He lays the blame for the fires of the Reformation at the feet of Thomas Aquinas. I had also been taught that to include Mary in the equation any more than two weeks around Christmas was idolatrous.

Right around February and March of 2005 as we were starting to “nibble” at Mass, I went to a Border’s bookstore in the Hamilton mall near Atlantic City. And I love photography.

Well, right next to P for Photography is R for Religion. I saw a book of sermonettes by Thomas Aquinas from Sophia Press. I pulled it out, popped it open to his teaching on “Hail Mary, full of grace.” And he asked the question, “How full of grace would the mother of Jesus Christ be?” This is the only time an angel has accorded a human being this kind of honor. I found it such a poignant, thoughtful question, beautifully stated and in no way idolatrous.

It was completely, profoundly Christ-centered. And it made me consider Mary as the singularly most Christ-centered person who has ever lived. Not just in her head and in her heart, but literally, in her womb.

I just grabbed the book, I bought it, and went out and read it to my wife in the car, and we both looked at each other … We had just gone to Mass a couple times … and now this was Aquinas, the guy who was to blame for the Reformation … I find out that he’s not an idolater. This guy is truly a Church father. And what he had to say about Mary, well, I devoured it.

We sat there in the parking lot of Border’s and I read it to Shelley, and in unison we said to each other, “We’re Catholic.”

At the same time we were considering these things, my daughter Sarah and her husband, Pete Johnson, did convert to Catholicism.

Were there other realizations that opened your mind and heart to Catholicism and the sacraments?

As the Donut Man, I was looking for an authoritative way to teach the children. I color-coded all of my videos for children who couldn’t read. I have the “yellow video,” the “green video,” the “red video” — matching the coveralls that I wore in the videos. And then I went to Mass and I saw the different colors that were keyed to the liturgical calendar, which gives you historicity.

I was never taught my baptism was symbolic. If my baptism circumcised my heart, crucified, buried and resurrected me with Christ in the waters of baptism, that ain’t symbolic. That’s sacramental.

My approach to communion was never symbolic. It was always sacramental. My approach to my wife was sacramental. And I knew that confession isn’t just to God. Through the Promise Keepers movement, with covenant groups in the evangelical realm, they were called accountability groups. Hello! That’s confessing, that’s invoking Jesus’ initiative with Peter: “I give you the keys. What you bind on earth is bound in heaven, what you loose on earth is forgiven in heaven.” … That’s sacramental.

The Catholic Church maintains this pattern in the Eucharist that Christ himself comes to us in the bread and the cup. Why would Protestants break that pattern and accept a communion that, at best, is a sweet meditation and a reverencing of Jesus Christ. … The Catholic Church has a fuller view of Communion. It’s not a question of right and wrong. It’s a question of good vs. miraculous.

My kids tell me, “Dad you were a great Protestant evangelist and you’re going to be a great Catholic evangelist.” Well, we’re going to find out. I’m not going to bite the hand that fed me for 33 years. So I’m still going to reach out to my separated brothers and sisters. I am focusing on a new kid’s album right now with “The Eucharist Song,” “Holy Water on My Face,” and “All for the Love of Mary.”

Peace, Ottofire.

Christ promised He would "not leave us orphans" and that "the gates of hell" would not prevail against the Church. We were promised, and received, the Holy Spirit to explain to us the meaning and the tremendous implications of all these truths handed on to us by the Apostles.

So if the Christian Churches from Oslo to Carthage and from Iona to the banks of the Indus were wrong about all this for a little matter of 1500+ years, I'd have to look askance at those promises of His.

But He is faithful: come let us adore Him.

Great big blessings to you and all your loved ones!

--Christ promised He would "not leave us orphans" and that "the gates of hell" would not prevail against the Church. We were promised, and received, the Holy Spirit to explain to us the meaning and the tremendous implications of all these truths handed on to us by the Apostles.

Not arguing that. He also says that the saved are always such and cannot lose their salvation, but the Catholic is in constant fear of committing a mortal sin and going straight to hell even if they are true believers. So this and much more tells me the Catholic Church has it wrong and I must look elsewhere for the truth.

--So if the Christian Churches from Oslo to Carthage and from Iona to the banks of the Indus were wrong about all this for a little matter of 1500+ years, I'd have to look askance at those promises of His.

Did you list the heretical Orthodox faith in your geographic tour of Catholicosity? They do not agree and use the same traditions that the RCC does. They and the RCC squirm and twist and try to say that they do not REALLY disagree, but when the rubber hits the road there is conflict over the infallible traditions and the schism remains.

And then there is the many schisms inside the RCC. I do not know how many times I hear Catholics here on FR complain about Mahoney (?) of the LA archdiocese, and how they would rather be in Mel Gibson's version, which is not accepted as orthodox, in this century at least. Not to mention, which I admit I do often, the pro-abortion Catholics, the married priests, the homosexual priests, the Marian cultists, those that bury poor St. Anthony upside-down in a pagan ritual, those that venerate pieces of toast or water-stains of Mary that give their venerators prophesies. There is not one unified RCC. Just a bunch of Catholics that stick around because they got the Keys of Peter sticker of approval.

The use of scripture as the basis of faith is pointed to in the scriptures. The use of oral traditions is GENERALLY NOT.

Jesus taught from the scriptures and rebuked Satan with them. Peter said Paul's writings are scripture. Luke wrote to teach Theophilus the truth to be differentiated from the oral teachings. Yes, there are some positive mentions of traditions but those are few and far between. Even your church teaches that the Scriptures are inspired and complete. They just do not use them for anything other than verse picking to defend their authority. Notice which verses, not chapters or books, but verses the RCC has infallible interpretation for.

Anyone willing to take a crack at Luke 1 or the meaning of the word Magnify in the Magnificat? Still looking for any takers...I guess I need to make that my tagline...

Man, I am still getting into another topic...I think this is going to be the last for a while as my eyes are threatening to burst. Getting sick on Christmas is just awful. I do not recommend it for any that are thinking of trying...

--Hello again, I was referencing your doubts about the Catholic Church being the true Church. Sorry if I got too complicated. But one thing just supernaturally leads to another.

And another, and another... I just wish you Catholics will just take numbers so I can answer all your challenges ONE AT A TIME! And you in the back! Quit pushing! There is plenty of Reformed butt here to take a bite outta. Wait yer turn!

Now to answer your statement of the True Churchness of the RCC-
The Jews had the prophets, but then the Pharasees and Saducees who had the Scriptures, fell away to rely on their own traditions, and so too did the RCC lose their guidance of the Church of Christ. And again the Spirit inspired the Reformation to bring the True Church back. I will not say that my denomination is the part and parcel of the True Church. I can say with certanty that those the stick with the teachings of the Reformers, except that nasty killing the anti-anabaptists thing, are part of the True Church. Many I believe even in the Catholic Church will be saved, DESPITE its teachings.

--What about all those Christians who had no Bible and/or couldn't read? Are they lost?

Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will (KJV)

The Bible is not the way to salvation, it only shows the way. Only being born from above (or born again, a pox on the holy rollers who killed that phrase for use!) through the submission to the Lord Christ Jesus is the way to salvation. Those that do not hear the word or read it, or hear of Christ Jesus simply cannot be Christians. But those that God selected will hear the Gospel. Those that don't will not get justice for their rebellion. (Oh boy, hear the Synergists grind their teeth! Good thing my ears are stuffy or I would need earplugs!)

All those that God has selected will be saved, and nothing can pluck them from His hand. God has a plan and all His children have been for-known and for-loved from before the beginning by Him, and His Spirit will find them no matter where they hide, no matter how foul and atrocious their sins.

And yes, we are commanded to be the means of spreading the word, so we cannot just sit back and let someone else do the work. So the Spirit through the Scripture demands!

May God bless you and keep YOU at least healthy this season. As for me, I take this sickness as a test of character. And since I am Reformed, I know that I will fail...*sigh* :o)

(Boy, so much for thinking this would be a short post before a nap!)

Jesus warns us repeatedly that not those who abandon His way, but only those who are faithful to the end, will be saved:

Matthew 10:22
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mark 13:13
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Jesus wouldn't warn us so seriously about "enduring" if it didn't matter whether we endured or not. At least, that's the way St. Paul sees it, because he says:

1 Corinthians 9:27
But I keep my body under subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be cast away.

1 Corinthians 10:12
Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Philippians 2:12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

I don't think Jesus ever said, "Don't worry about offending God. You can be as wicked as you like because, hey, you're saved." You wrote: "Did you list the heretical Orthodox faith in your geographic tour of Catholicosity?"

AWell, yeah. The Catholic Church doesn't hold that the Orthodox are heretics, just that they're separated from us by schism. My own opinion is that this schism was precipitated by conflict and incomprehension in politics and culture much more than by a repudiation of faith and morals.

And then there is the many schisms inside the RCC.

As for Mahony, Mel Gibson, pro-abortion Catholics and all the rest: none of this is germane to the teaching of the Church, all of which are true. Mahony may be corrupt, Gibson is not in communion with the Church, and pro-abortion Catholics are in grave sin. The fact that they do not live and teach as the Church teaches, does not make the Church wrong!

When Christ was crucified, he was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter his right-hand man, and the rest of the Twelve (except for John) abandoned Him and high-tailed it to the high grass. If sin invalidated the truth of the Church, then the Church was dead on arrival.

All the things you listed, show the error of those who fall away from the teachings of the Church, and not the error of the Church.

--Jesus warns us repeatedly that not those who abandon His way, but only those who are faithful to the end, will be saved:

Yup, something referred to as saving faith as opposed to false faith as mentioned in...er... somewhere in the Epistles I think. (Lol. Mind cloudy. Fading fast!) Those that will be saved are foreknown, and the word for known is translated from the same word that Adam did to Eve to get kids. Also translated as fore-loved, as in an intimate relationship. Just as Jesus told the Pharisees that He did not know them, thus they were indeed going to Hell.

--I don't think Jesus ever said, "Don't worry about offending God. You can be as wicked as you like because, hey, you're saved."

Did I ever say that? Please give me references so that I may clarify. Perhaps talking of the Spirit saving those no matter how atrocious their sins were? Once the Spirit turns their hearts of Stone, hateful to God, to hearts of Flesh, able to love God and do His will, that person will start on the road of sanctification, and the Golden Chain from Romans that ends in glorification. If God wants that person saved, that persons faith will be saving faith. Everything happens according to His will, and His will is totally done, every jot and tittle, every flower and sparrow lives and dies when He commands it.

This allows the believer to see that all the horrors of this world are here for a purpose, sin is used to shape events and people, and is not just random bits of Hell that happens to us. Katrina and the Holocaust were to shape history. God allows evil to exist and uses it to His end and glory. Otherwise why does God allow it? Is He not all loving and all powerful? Why will some never hear the word and go straight to Hell? Why does God allow the modern Herod, the Abortion Movement, to exist? Why did He demand the Israelites to kill the tribes that occupied the Chosen Land? Is that fair? Is that justice? All to His purposes. Otherwise God allows something He cannot control? Predestination allows the believer to see the OT and the NT as the continuing story. Otherwise it almost seems like there are two Gods, like the Gnostics believed.
Starting to get off topic...sorry. Okay, not starting, more like Running away from topic. What was the topic? Lol!

--As for Mahony, Mel Gibson, pro-abortion Catholics and all the rest: none of this is germane to the teaching of the Church, all of which are true. Mahony may be corrupt, Gibson is not in communion with the Church, and pro-abortion Catholics are in grave sin. The fact that they do not live and teach as the Church teaches, does not make the Church wrong!

I would think that the Pro-abortion types do in fact IF allowed to stay inside the RCC would make it wrong. And that is a big sticking point that many inside the RCC would agree with me. Still awaiting der Pope to get on the ball on this. Thousands are dying a day.

--If sin invalidated the truth of the Church, then the Church was dead on arrival. All the things you listed, show the error of those who fall away from the teachings of the Church, and not the error of the Church.

Well, I was illustrating the unified RCC is not so unified. I understand that as fallen beings, anything we do is tainted, thus we tend to fail even holding to our faith at times. That is what is so hard to argue with some that will not even admit that their church can anything but infallible. Churches being made up of people will do as the people do. Thus the whole child molestation by the RCC priests, and thus false teachers the likes of Haggard and Swaggart getting such big followings.

Too much. Rambling all over. Sorry.

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