What It Means to Be Protestant

The Case for an Always-Reforming Church

De: Gavin Ortlund

Narrado por: Mike Lenz

These days many evangelicals are exploring the more sacramental, liturgical, and historically conscious church traditions, including Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. This hunger for historical rootedness is a welcome phenomenon—but unfortunately, many assume that this need can only be met outside of Protestant contexts.

In What it Means to Be Protestant, Gavin Ortlund draws from both his scholarly work in church history and his personal experience in ecumenical engagement to offer a powerful defense of the Protestant tradition. Retrieving classical Protestant texts and arguments, he exposes how many of the contemporary objections leveled against Protestants are rooted in caricature. Ultimately, he shows that historic Protestantism offers the best pathway to catholicity and historical rootedness for Christians today.

In his characteristically charitable and irenic style, Ortlund demonstrates that the 16th century Reformation represented a genuine renewal of the gospel. This does not entail that Protestantism is without faults. But because it is built upon the principle of semper reformanda (always reforming), Protestantism is capable of reforming itself according to Scripture as the ultimate authority. This scholarly and yet accessible book breaks new ground in ecumenical theology and will be a staple text in the field for many years to come.

©2024 Gavin Ortlund (P)2024 Zondervan

Excellent, challenging, eye opening

Dr. Ortlund gives an excellent, balanced and yet challenging work for someone who is currently, has in their passed, or is is interested in the Protestant/ Roman Catholic-orthodox debate. From a scholarly and pastoral perspective. Nice addition to the conversation.

The depth coupled with simplicity

This will be my go to recommended book for people asking questions about Roman Catholicism and eastern orthodoxy

Gavin is making books great again.

Gavin is setting the standard for what ecumenical discussions in today's age look like. Great book, with rich background research. it's a book I'll listen to again in the future!

What it means to be Protestant

This is an excellent book. It's got an easy, not overly technical flow, but is very careful to be very historically fact based. It truly does answer the question, as to why one should be Protestant.

Great book

I loved the history in the book I think it’s a good read. It is very good to explain Protestantism and what it truly is. I hope that the reader comes in with an open mind and that they get something out of Lord loves you.

Outstanding Explanation of Protestant Beliefs

Gavin Ortlund’s What It Means to be Protestant meets a need for so many who do not know what classical Protestantism teaches or believes. Dr. Ortlund addresses the most common misunderstandings about Protestantism. He uses the Bible, Church Fathers, Creeds and Councils to refute common myths, misconceptions, and false beliefs that have grown up around Protestantism. Ortlund’s arguments are sound and presented graciously to those who might disagree. Before you convert to Catholicism or Orthodoxy, be sure to listen to this most helpful book.

Awesome book!!

This book is fantastic for anybody who is contemplating leaving Protestantism for Catholicism. The author gives many great examples of why Protestant Churches despite their own shortcomings are more biblical then the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Churches. I will order the physical version just because it was so good that it deserves a spot on my book shelf. Thank you Gavin Ortlund for writing this book.

Much Needed Resource

Catholics have a very strong and researched apologetic for Protestants. Protestants on the other hand focus their attention on those that don’t know Christ. But many Protestants are converting to Catholicism because they don’t understand the roots of their own faith. This book is a good start to learning why it is good to be Protestant and what the very significant differences are. I really enjoyed the audio version but have ordered the paperback so I can go through and make notes and check out his references more thoroughly.

Very informative and enjoyable!

This book was very enjoyable as to the subject matter and the narration. I believe it will be very helpful to any who are experiencing ecclesial anxiety or who just want more information about Protestantism. It is definitely not polemical but very gracious and irenic in tone. I strongly recommend it!

A must read for all Protestants

Very academic in some areas but highly digestible. A must read for all Protestants or those considering switching.