DEBATE: Is the Doctrine of Purgatory True? (Horn vs. White)

In this debate hosted on February 17, 2024, Trent Horn and James White debate the question: Is the Doctrine of Purgatory True?

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:08 – Horn Opening
00:18:05 – White Opening
00:33:12 – Horn First Rebuttal
00:40:23 – White First Rebuttal
00:47:37 – Horn Second Rebuttal
00:51:46 – White Second Rebuttal
00:56:23 – Cross Examination
01:37:40 – Audience Q+A
01:59:30 – Horn Closing
02:04:19 – White Closing

[cinephileosophy]

“I’ve been looking forward to this.” ~ Count Dooku

[noel_]

Debating James White must feel like purgatory 💔

[Swo]

It is funny that the catholic quotes the Bible more times than the protestant 😅

[postscriptum]

James White should receive more credit for bringing so many people to the Catholic faith!

[mattd]

I’m Protestant. Somebody needs to check on White, this was a really bad performance. I’m not the biggest fan of White, but the brother needs to actually attend to the topic instead of an almost ad hominem attack against Catholicism. The debate is about purgatory, not the Catholic belief of it. And then acts like Horn was the aggressor. Wow, I’m sorry but this is not a proper or reasonable method of debate.

[ekatrinya]

I have yet to hear an anti Catholic voice that was not filled with either anger, frustration or sarcasm. I was like this when I was a Protestant.

[aaron]

I've struggled previously with a defense for purgatory, perhaps because I did not comprehend fully myself. This is the clearest description and defense of purgatory that I've seen. Great job Trent!

[Jmjemmanual]

Trent you a true hero to defend our faith, Love and God bless you❤❤❤❤

[thenazarenecatholic]

Watched it live. Could not believe how poorly White argued his position. Basically was “these unofficial Catholic sources say XYZ about Purgatory, and that’s ridiculous! Therefore, Purgatory is false.”

It was essentially an argument from incredulity, and Trent was right to point out that “my opponent should be using official teachings, not some individual’s speculative theology.”

[timboslice]

Sam shamoun said that if Trent wins this debate, he’s a rock star! He’s never seen anyone dismantle james white like trent did on the sola scrip debate! I have to agree with sam, excellent performance!

[michaelhettrick]

Watched this earlier on a different channel. Got to say, I was shocked at how badly prepared White seemed to be.

[stevenirizarry]

Trent also won the debate about Sola Scriptura.

[codyeby]

Trent does a really good job representing the Catholic Faith.

James does a good job of slandering Catholics while answering no questions.

[judeandlaura]

I thought it was interesting when James White said, "that's a cheap shot and you know it and everybody in the room knows it!" It's interesting because James does the same thing quite often, just watch any of his debates and you'll find this tactic being employed, I kinda feel like it would be hard to find a debate from anyone where this doesn't happen, it's in my opinion just a fun, lighthearted way of poking at your opponent. Maybe James White didn't like it because he read Mark Twain say, "There's more truth in jest!!" Great debate Trent I thought you're opening statement was awesome, thanks and God bless you

[TheGariego]

James reinterpreted Catholic teaching to mean what he believes it to mean, then criticises his interpretation. Just like Protestants do with the Bible.

[andrewsneed]

I love that White was the one that chose to debate purgatory (Trent wanted to debate Sola Scriptura) and yet White didn’t even prepare an opening statement.

[jonathanbohl]

One thing about most of these debates with informed interlocutors. I wish that the question would be asked "why do you think your opponent isn't seeing what you are seeing?" He has the same data as you. Also in the same vein. "You could be wrong what could be preventing you from seeing that?" It just seems like an interesting thought experiment.

[Jimmycrdns]

Oh James starting your debate by making fun of Pope Francis, or other Catholics just to win the audience is a big L.

[joker]

During James White’s “opening statement” me and my fiancé were commentating and were saying how that was just a bitter, poorly constructed rebuttal. Glad Trent pointed this out in his first rebuttal. Also ironic how White said Trent was being unpleasant, considering James is usually very arrogant and unpleasant to listen to.

[mattduin]

This is actually hilarious. Trent has spent the whole debate discussing Purgatory and James White has spent the whole debate talking about everything but Purgatory.