The Difference Salvation Makes with Holly Vaughan
One of the most fundamental subjects in Catholic theology is salvation. What does it consist of? How did God make it available to us? And how do we procure it?
Today, I am talking with Homeschool Connections instructor Holly Vaughan about this extremely important subject, especially in light of her upcoming LIVE, interactive course, The Catholic View of Salvation (Fall 2024, available in recording after Spring 2025).
Holly Vaughan is a walking dictionary on the subject. Coming from a background in parish catechetical work, Holly has experience in catechesis with all ages. She has worked with middle school and high school students as well as in adult faith formation. After studying theology as an undergrad at the University of Dayton, Holly was accepted to the Master’s Program at Augustine Institute to study for her MA in Theology with a concentration in Sacred Scripture. Holly has a special love for helping high school and young adult students grow in their faith and for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Both of these provide many opportunities to see the teaching of our Catholic faith come alive for people in a new and special way.
Thank you for talking to me today! A course on salvation is very specific, so I am curious what made you want to teach this subject in particular.
I was fortunate to take a graduate course specifically on salvation with an outstanding professor. It was like taking off blinders and seeing my faith in a whole new, and quite dazzling, light. I am so excited to broach this topic with my students, who, in other discussions, have spoken of a general ambiguity about this subject. They have a general idea of what it is but are hard-pressed to explain it.
Salvation is such a broad concept, and often not one that is understood on a deep level. This is something we all need to be more aware of because it’s of the utmost importance. Each Christian should be working toward salvation for themselves as well as helping others in their lives. I also think there is not enough discussion on what Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory are really like (as best we know), so we are going to talk about that as well!
Do you think there is a popular misunderstanding about what salvation consists of?
Salvation is all about a relationship, and I think we miss that. Often, we can look at the teachings of the Church and see them as simply “rules” that, when followed, tip our eternal scales toward Heaven and, when broken, tip them toward hell. In reality, salvation is about a relationship with a Creator who loves us fiercely but will not force us to spend eternity with Him if we choose not to. Church teachings help us live that relationship well for the benefit of ourselves and others. If we can’t grasp the relationship part, we can’t truly grasp salvation.
How do Protestant and Catholic views of salvation differ?
Great question! This is going to make up the apologetics section of this course. To sum up, briefly, Protestants believe in good works but do not see them as contributing toward our salvation. Catholics, while we do not believe that we can earn our way to heaven, believe that our good works are united to Christ’s and, through grace, transform us in a way that prepares us for heaven. After all, anything that Christ does is salvific, and if we are in a state of grace, we are a part of His Body, making our works part of His works.
You and I both spend a lot of time working with young people. I have found that many of them are very scrupulous and anxious about their salvation. Have you seen this as well? What do you make of it?
I have seen this for sure! The pressure on young people today is so intense in all areas of life. The culture we are living in is one of changeability, 15-second sound bites, and the constantly watching eye of social media. It’s a recipe for anxiety, self-doubt, and perfectionism. I think this can spill over into a life of faith, no matter how devout. We also live in cancel culture, where relationships are so often disposable. In so many areas of life, harsh judgment comes at seemingly the drop of a hat. Sadly, it’s too easy to see God in that same light. Instead of seeing the world in light of God, we too often let the world determine our view of God.
What kinds of sources will you be delving into in the course?
My dear friend Saint Paul is going to be my co-teacher in this course in many ways, along with teaching from Church councils and a good dose of history, especially when we discuss the Protestant Revolt, also known as the Reformation.
If there’s one thing you’d like Catholics to know about this subject, what would it be?
Understanding salvation is crucial on so many levels, from our own life of faith to being able to evangelize and teach others. I know this can seem like a deep theological topic, but it truly can be made accessible to each and every Christian. It has to be. Our eternity depends on it.
Conclusion
Talking with Holly Vaughan really whets the appetite for diving into this rich corner of Catholic theology. If you, too, enjoyed this interview and are interested in more from Holly, be sure to check out her other courses with Homeschool Connections.
To continue this discussion, join me and other homeschooling parents at our Homeschool Connections Community or our Facebook group!
