Suan Sonna from Intellectual Catholicism

Suan Sonna is a notable figure in contemporary Catholic apologetics, recognized for his intellectual contributions to defending the faith, particularly the biblical and historical basis for the papacy. Born in Lamka, a town in the Churachandpur district of Manipur in northeastern India, near the borders of Burma and China, Sonna’s early life was shaped by his Zomi heritage. He later moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where he spent much of his formative years. Raised as the son of a Baptist minister, Sonna initially embraced a Protestant upbringing, which included an early flirtation with leftist politics. His journey from Baptist to Catholic convert marks a significant personal and intellectual transformation.

 

Sonna pursued higher education at Kansas State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and political science. During his time as a senior philosophy student, he founded the YouTube channel and podcast "Intellectual Conservatism" (later renamed "Intellectual Catholicism" with his archbishop’s approval on November 10, 2022), focusing on philosophy, theology, and ethics from an Aristotelian-Thomist perspective. His work gained traction through appearances on prominent platforms like Pints with Aquinas, Capturing Christianity, and Gospel Simplicity, where he engaged in discussions on Catholic theology and the papacy.

Currently, Sonna is a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) candidate at Harvard Divinity School, specializing in New Testament and Early Christianity. He serves as a student editorial assistant at the school, reflecting his academic rigor. His research interests include the history of the papacy, early Roman papacy, and the philosophical underpinnings of Catholic doctrine. A published author, Sonna has contributed papers to Cornell University’s LOGOS undergraduate philosophy journal on ethics and to The Heythrop Journal on the biblical and historical foundations of the papacy, notably a forthcoming piece responding to Jerry Walls’ critique of Vatican I papal theology.

 

 

 

Suan Sonna’s conversion to Catholicism was influenced by figures like William Lane Craig and Sir Roger Scruton, who helped him shift from liberal positions to a conservative Catholic worldview. His work emphasizes engaging both Catholics and non-Catholics on issues like the Magisterium, sola scriptura, and icon veneration, often debating Protestant apologists like Gavin Ortlund. As of April 5, 2025, Sonna continues to bridge academic scholarship and public apologetics, making him a rising voice in Catholic intellectual circles.

The two topics are the four senses of scripture and the early emergence of the papacy.

 

Catholic Answers apologist Suan Sonna is our guest to discuss two fascinating topics