My Journey Back to Catholicism: Reflections on Dr. E. Michael Jones

I owe a great deal to Dr. E. Michael Jones for my return to Catholicism. In fact, I would go so far as to say that among writers, journalists, historians, and laypeople articulating the Catholic faith, few compare to Dr. Jones. His depth of knowledge arguably rivals that of some bishops. Yet, after closely following his work for nearly two years, I found myself needing to step away. Here’s why–but first, let me share how I discovered him.

How I Discovered Dr. E. Michael Jones

At a time in my life when I was deeply engrossed in history–particularly the early Middle Ages and revisionist interpretations of the World War II era–I came across Dr. Jones on The Pete Quinones Show. (Incidentally, I no longer listen to Quinones either.) Dr. Jones appeared as a guest, discussing the Weimar Republic of the 1930s. I don’t recall if his Catholic faith was explicitly mentioned in the podcast, but after looking him up, I learned he was Catholic.

This resonated with me, as I had recently begun exploring Church history and Catholic teachings. While I can’t say Dr. Jones was the sole reason for my re-engagement with the faith, his work undoubtedly played a pivotal role.

Immersing Myself in His Work

Initially, I was captivated by his synthesis of history, philosophy, and theology, especially his insights into the role of Greek philosophy in shaping early Christianity. His ability to connect intellectual traditions with Catholic thought was refreshing and eye-opening. Over the next year and a half, I immersed myself in his work, listening to his Culture Wars podcasts, watching his guest appearances, and reading his books. I even took extensive notes on his content, finding it inspiring at the time.

The one book of his I read cover-to-cover was Logos Rising, though I delved deeply into several others. For a time, his writings deepened my appreciation for the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Troubling Patterns in His Work

However, as I engaged more deeply with his work, I began to notice a pattern that troubled me: his relentless focus on Jewish influence as the root of cultural problems. While Dr. Jones occasionally emphasized the need to love and pray for Jewish people, these moments were rare. More often, his commentary struck me as divisive and overly repetitive.

To his credit, Dr. Jones explicitly condemns the atrocities of the Nazi regime, particularly its persecution of Catholic clergy in places like Dachau. He does not align himself with Hitler. Yet his framing of cultural subversion almost always traces back to Jewish influence.

Here, I want to emphasize that my critique of Dr. Jones is not about whether his historical beliefs or claims are correct. That is a separate conversation. My concern lies in his approach and the way he delivers his beliefs. Even if his assertions are well-researched and sourced–as they often are–his tone and method of presentation frequently come across as combative and divisive. This creates more barriers than bridges, and it undermines the message he seeks to convey.

A Shift in Perspective

As I explored the faith more broadly, I started to view his work differently. It seemed that much of his perspective might be colored by personal grievances, particularly his firing from a teaching position at Saint Mary’s College near Notre Dame. His critiques of cultural phenomena often seemed rooted in resentment, framing nearly everything–movies, books, or societal trends–as part of a deliberate attack.

While I still acknowledge the value of his work in introducing people to Catholicism, his tone and approach felt increasingly at odds with the Church’s call to unity and charity.

The Potential and the Pitfalls

One area where Dr. Jones shows potential for bridge-building is in his interfaith dialogue, particularly with Muslims. These discussions could foster meaningful collaboration between Catholics and the Islamic community. However, his divisive rhetoric about Jews undermines this potential.

The last time I listened to him was during his indirect debate with Trent Horn on whether Holocaust denial constitutes a mortal sin. Dr. Jones argued that it does not, while Horn contended that it does. Although I found Dr. Jones’s arguments stronger in this particular exchange, the debate itself felt unnecessarily polarizing. I couldn’t help but wish for common ground–a shared acknowledgment that the Holocaust was a mass genocide, with debates over methods and statistics being secondary to the fundamental tragedy of the event.

Dr. Jones’s work is undeniably well-researched and meticulously cited. His dedication to his craft is impressive. Yet the framing of his arguments and the moral relativism that often accompanies his revisionist lens are troubling. Again, my critique is not about the validity of his beliefs but about the way he communicates them, which often hinders their ability to reach a broader audience or foster unity.

Discovering Bishop Barron

Interestingly, my journey away from Dr. Jones’s work led me to discover Bishop Robert Barron–ironically, through Dr. Jones’s criticisms of him. At the time, I had never heard of Bishop Barron, but after exploring his content, I quickly became a fan. I now regard him as one of the greatest modern evangelists, comparable to Bishop Fulton Sheen.

As a member of Word on Fire, I deeply admire how Bishop Barron presents the faith in a way that is accessible, intellectually rigorous, and genuinely inspiring.

Conclusion

Dr. E. Michael Jones played a significant role in my return to Catholicism, and I remain grateful for his influence during that period of my life. However, over time, I found his approach too divisive and limiting. While he serves as a gateway for some, figures like Bishop Barron offer a more holistic and fruitful path for those seeking to grow deeper in their faith.

Ultimately, the Catholic Church’s mission is one of unity, charity, and truth. While Dr. Jones excels in presenting well-researched arguments, his delivery often detracts from the Church’s broader call to bring people together under Christ. For me, the Church’s beauty lies not only in its intellectual tradition but in its ability to inspire and unify–and this is what I now seek to cultivate in my faith journey.