Why I Don't Accept The Papacy

Here I offer a biblical argument and a historical argument for why we should not accept the papacy. This is my latest in several videos addressing differences between Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox Christians.

Truth Unites is a mixture of apologetics and theology, with an irenic focus.

Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai.

My books:

[lucasfreer]

Hoping this helps:
0:43 Goal of this video
2:45 Five admirable things about the RCC.
5:12 Biblical Argument: Is the Rock in Matthew 16:18, Peter, Christ, Peter's proclamation, or a hybrid of these? (Slides at 7:25)
16:13 Historical Argument: Where is a preeminent bishop/pope's presence before the 5th century?
27:38 Final Statements

[Qhaon]

This is probably my favorite video you have made. I don’t see a lot of good content critiquing the RCC while still treating them as brothers in Christ. This was much needed!

[Mereum]

You do such a good job of being respectful while bringing up really good points. It's what youtube needs. No more of " stupid protestant argument gets destroyed by based Catholics' and vice versa. If western society is going to exist in the future it will be thanks to content like this. Thank you

[aaronbritton]

You are a brave man....This and related issues almost split apart my entire family. Thanks for wading in, and I hope folks are nice in their replies.

[ZZZELCH]

As usual, well done.
A thoughtful and compassionate critique for each of us is both helpful and necessary.
-An Orthodox brother in Christ.

[hopeabc-kv]

Your sharing was clear and convincing, and spoken in love. Thanks!!!

[marymorris]

Commenting to support the channel. Deserves to been seen/heard.

[aaronhouin]

Wow, this was handled with such wisdom and grace! As someone with a Protestant background who has been “sent out two by two” with a catholic brother to reach our mutual friends, it’s so nice to see others engage theological topics without hubris or division! Truly an embodiment of “in essentials unity, in nonessentials freedom, and in all things love”

[Cletus_the_Elder]

I am gradually coming to a realization that you have filled, and are filling, a huge vacuum in this space and in the general defense of the Protestant faith. I admire your humility, your knowledge of Scripture and church history, and your ability to lay out your arguments in a logical and engaging way. I need to respond by remembering to like your uploads and by looking into your Patreon. I don't do the former very much here and I haven't done the latter at all.

May I provide encouragement in word, in the meantime. Your videos are preparing me for joining a congregation again on Sundays. I am certain they are speaking to a great many Christians who have lost their love and respect for the institution of the church. I believe, while it may be a gradual start, your voice will be prominent in the future. That said, I fear the traps the enemy will use to ensnare you. I don't mean Roman Catholic apologists. I mean the source of temptation. So many of our shepherds have gone astray. You must know the story of a well-known apologist, his massage businesses, his conduct that would be considered lewd by any standard, and his deception regarding his credentials. He had a significant following, although I never thought he explained anything well. We are all sinners, but the nature of his sins and indiscretions probably led many to disillusionment. We can all be tempted, by fame, by the desire for intimacy, by comfort in an uncertain world, by the enjoyment of things the world enjoys. I pray you will be guarded and that you will be strong in guarding yourself. Thank you for your work.

[itscoleperkins]

Just ordered my copy of “Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals.” Hopefully I can knock it out on my flights to and from Nairobi this month. You’re content has helped me so much, keep up the great work!

[lukasmakarios]

St. Basil of Seleucia had the best explanation of "Thou art Peter" that I've ever heard. (9:35 ff)

Indeed, this is the crux and source of all contention between Catholics and their "separated brethren" of all stripes. They broke from the Orthodox because of this pride, and the Protestants broke from them because of abuse. It all comes from the Papacy's claim to authority and infallibility. Peter was never given the office to be the "Vicar of Christ" and Lord over all believers in Christ's absence. From the beginning of the Church, all questions were debated by all of the Apostles available at the time, and decided in consensus.

It is the confession of faith which is the foundation because it's the recognition of Jesus' divine identity. Jesus is the Rock, and Peter was commended for getting it right. But Jesus never said he should take His place when He left.

[Joanne-tj]

I have recently discovered your channel and want to thank you for the way you approach difficult subject matter. As a Protestant, my focus has been on knowing what the Bible says and have long had an interest in apologetics. I have now developed an interest in polemics and philosophical arguments, and realised that I have utterly neglected church history. Your channel is now my first stop as I set about correcting this oversight. You have a new subscriber. Thank you again.

[ReformedSteven]

I commented on a short for a larger explanation, and it popped up on my feed. Thankful it did when it did. 🙌

[BruceWayne-hroz]

Hey Gavin, you do a great job addressing the problems with Catholicism in a very polite and respectful way. Appreciate your work sir

[InformationEngineer]

Woa! That was scholarly. Thank you. Thank you for respecting the work of the early church fathers. And thank you for pushing towards Church unity.
I will say that the best passage I see on the relationship between Peter as "the rock" of the Church is penned by Peter himself. In 1 Peter 2:4-6, Peter defines Christ as the living Stone, and "you", like living stones, are being built int a spiritual house. He is therefore seeing all believers as Petros, where Christ is the Petra. This, in my opinion, has Peter rejecting the interpretation that Jesus somehow set him above others in Matthew 16:18.

[johnsayre]

Solid work as always sir. You'll never know how many ppl you are helping along their journey, but I am one.

[Sarah-fehh]

I'm catholic. Thank you for being kind. ❤🙏

[dannysitumorang]

Thank you Dr. Ortlund.
I just subscribe to your channel. I love your videos in viewing our faith through the lens of history.
I'm an Indonesian Protestant.
There is a well known pastor here in Indonesia, Dr. Bambang Noorsena from Orthodox background, who use the same approach by tracing the history of the early church fathers. His teachings help me a lot to build up my faith.
I'm glad to know you are a Protestant, I hope I can learn to see the perspectives balanced from either side especially regarding the differences between the Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant doctrines.
May Jesus bless you and your ministry.

[doubtingthomas]

It’s pretty cool watching this in December 2021 with my Christmas tree lights on while yours is in the background of your video. At any rate, good stuff! A lot more can be said that can possibly be put into a 28 minute video, but the points you brought up were the same I discovered when exploring the early church while considering the claims of Rome. I found, with apologies to Cardinal Newman, that if “to be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant”, to be deeper in history is to cease to be papalist. God bless, and Merry Christmas!

[roses]

Great protestant apologist. Ive seen so many catholics/orthodox being negative with you on the comments. I think not all of them are like that in general. But i can see you know you are getting yourself in hot water with these great arguments. You defend our faith peacefully and intelligently. Thanks!