Life as a Convinced Atheist
Holly Ordway was once a firm atheist, convinced that Christianity was nothing more than superstition. Growing up in a culturally Christian home, she encountered no religious practice or presence of the Bible. In her mid-twenties, Ordway believed herself to be merely an intelligent animal, destined to vanish into oblivion upon death. Yet, her journey took a remarkable turn through literature and the influence of Christian writers like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Discovery Through Christian Literature
Her academic interests led her to explore the works of the Inklings, a group that included Lewis and Tolkien, whose writings began to unsettle her atheist convictions. Ordway found herself drawn to the beauty and depth in their works, which hinted at a richer, more meaningful reality. "It was through reading Christian poetry and works like Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings* that I got a glimpse of a richer, more meaningful world," she shared.
Investigating the Truth Claims
Her intellectual curiosity prompted her to investigate the claims of Christianity, leading her to read the Gospels. She was struck by the authenticity of the narratives, recognizing them as fact rather than mere stories. As she delved deeper, her understanding of God as Creator and the source of goodness challenged her previous beliefs. Holly Ordway's conversion was a two-step process: first recognizing the reality of God, and then accepting Christ. In her words, "My intellectual drive for truth could not let me turn away. I knew I was drawn to the truth, that the New Testament is true and Jesus is real."
Embracing Catholic Faith
She was baptized in an Episcopal church, embracing a newfound relationship with God. Her journey continued as she explored Catholic doctrine, ultimately recognizing the Church's teachings as a profound expression of truth. Ordway was received into the Catholic Church in 2012, and today, she serves as the Cardinal Francis George Professor of Faith and Culture. Her testimony underscores the transformative power of grace and the unique path God uses to draw individuals to Himself.
