Deep in History and STILL Protestant? Why I haven't become Catholic or Orthodox

It's been nearly four years since I started looking into Catholicism and Orthodoxy. I've read countless books, talked to the world's leading apologists... and somehow I'm still Protestant. This video explains why.

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About Gospel Simplicity:
Gospel Simplicity began as a YouTube channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.

About the host:
Austin Suggs holds a BA in Theology from Moody Bible Institute and is currently pursuing an MA in Liberal Arts with a focus in Theology and Philosophy from St. John's College, Annapolis. He has served in the local church in a number of ways, including as a full-time staff member,, teacher, church planter, and more. Today, he resides outside of Baltimore with his wife Eliza.

Video Stuff:
Camera: Sony a6300
Edited in FCPX

Music:
Bowmans Root - Isaac Joel
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*Links in the description may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission of any purchases you make using that link.

Chapters:
00:00 - Background
01:38 - Myth 1: Money
02:55 - Myth 2: Secret convert
03:30- Non-resistant, non-convert
05:41 - The crux of the problem
10:30 - Church misfit

[bruceandchristieedwards]

My husband and I (protestant) are both researching catholicism and orthodoxy as well and the term "ecclesiastically homeless" struck a chord. We just don't feel like we are necessarily protestant anymore either....I wish we could become convinced in one way or another. Prayers that you find peace in your search! - Christie

[austinray]

As a Protestant, I also relate to this immensely. I admire both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, and think Evangelicals have much to learn from them. But, as I’ve studied and listened, my conviction for the purpose and reason for the Reformation remains strong. But, also like you, I feel like a misfit in my church, a bit, though it is still my home. God bless.

[Matdrox]

I, as an Orthodox, am very pleased with your content. You're not a source of good entirely for Protestantism, Catholicism, or Orthodoxy, but for Christianity as a whole and I deeply respect that. Also, your voice is incredibly soothing! I could sleep like a baby listening to it.

[BrianJonson]

It is incredibly refreshing to see this level of honesty. Much respect. (I converted to Orthodoxy a few years ago after being Reformed for about 25 years)

[hannahb]

Austin, thanks for your honesty; protestant here, and I feel that I'm in the exact same boat as you. This journey has become 1000X more complex than I would have ever imagined, but it is what it is lol.

[jesseredwards]

Coming from a Catholic: I think it's a good thing that you're taking your time. Too many people rush into conversion before they are really ready, and that causes a whole host of problems. I hope you find your permanent spiritual home some day, till then thank you for your great content.

[deenaminyard]

I am attending an Orthodox service for the first time tomorrow. Please pray for me.

[markoh]

Thanks for sharing that, Austin! I am a Protestant and I can relate to many things you say in this video. I also have contemplated converting away from Protestantism for some time, but even after years of studying the arguments, watching dialogues and debates, attending non-protestant church services, and talking to non-protestant believers, I still find myself to be unconvinced. Throughout this journey, your videos have been a great resource for me, so I want to thank you for the great contribution you are making! Keep up the good work! I'll pray that you'll receive wisdom and piece of mind in your decision.
May God bless you!

[mitchelltj]

I'm glad you made this video and appreciate your honesty as others have stated in the comments. I've been on a similar journey alongside you, but really, I have further confirmed my Protestantism. Yet I truly adore the traditions in art and liturgy as well as the more solemn and sacred feel to an orthodox service. Gavin Ortlund of Truth Unites is another channel I've found, equally offering sincere discovery, explanation, and fairness to arguments while at the same time showing much grace.

[codythomas]

I get where you're coming from. As a fellow ecclesiastical hobo myself, I've noticed that older faiths like Catholicism or Orthodoxy can make the Gospel seem more complicated than it needs to be. Even if we don't dive into the history stuff, all the strict "dogmatic" beliefs can make it tough for someone who just wants a straightforward view of the Gospel. Many blessings.

[davidpope]

Even if you never convert, you've come a long way in terms of understanding what both traditions teach. Had it not been for an invitation to a Catholic men's breakfast, you might never have had any intention of learning about the Catholic faith. Most protestants' "knowledge" of the Catholic Church is at best based on second hand claims from other non-Catholics. You've taken an honest, unbiased approach, which has given you a genuine appreciation of our doctrines, devotions, etc., even if you don't fully agree with them. Kudos!

[arthurbrewer]

As a Catholic convert, I appreciate your honesty and struggles. You have to make the decision that your conscience leads you to, and I respect that.

[feeble_stirrings]

It takes as long as it takes. I was an inquirer into Orthodoxy for 10 years. I don't think it *had* to take that long in my own circumstances. In my case, I thought I could read and reason my way all the way into the Church. I would solve every mystery, answer ever question, settle every lingering doubt and *then* I'd become Orthodox. After 10 years of reading and study I finally realized this was a pipe dream. Heck, I've now been Orthodox for 10 years and still haven't accomplished the above. The point I did reach was, knowing that remaining in the Protestant/Evangelical world wasn't a tenable solution and "Where else can I go...?". There was an unavoidable 'leap if faith' element to the final decision. I can say, just over 10 years in now, I've never regretted that decision. You can't toss reason to the wind, but it will only get you so far. The faith is not ultimately a matter of the brain/intellect but a transformation of the heart (in the ancient sense). May God bless your search and grant you what you need to follow His will.

[RuslanKD]

You took the words out of my mouth on this video! Not convinced because tradition or aesthetic isn’t enough 😂

[gilbertsaller]

It took me 6 years before deciding to enter the Catholic Church, and God taught me so much along the way - I'm so grateful for that journey and my time as a Protestant Christian. One thing in my own discernment I needed to realize was that even as a Christian it is easy to remain a skeptic. At some point I had to make an informed decision with faith (ie. If Christ really did establish the Church, then I believe the Church's teaching on the Assumption of Mary etc. without it needing to be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt). An understanding of apologetics, being able to know and defend our faith, is good (faith seeking understanding) but it can also lead a person down a road of taking a skeptical approach to everything, in which we will never truly trust God, but rather our intellect. To agree with a claim is not the same thing as faith... If all I have is agreement, then the next time I have a question, I won't believe until someone convinces me, until the next time I have a question, and so on. Faith is not just intellectual agreement, but trust that doesn't just live in our heads but affects the way we live. This is true not only in becoming a Christian but in Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic discernment I believe. We need to ask questions, but skepticism begins by demanding something be proven before being willing to accept it, and from my experience that gives the enemy a foothold to steal our joy. I think Eastern Orthodox theology is far superior to the western mindset in this area and we can learn a lot from them. I share this as something I went through and learned in my discerning becoming Catholic or remaining Protestant, and it might not be the same story for you. I will be praying for you Austin, may Jesus lead and guide you to the Eucharist and always closer to His Sacred Heart.

[anthonywong]

Really appreciate this sharing! As a Chinese Christian I’ve become increasingly aware of the need for intellectual satisfaction for a Western mind. As much as I am going through pretty much the same thing, not fitting in with Protestants anymore, strongly leaning towards Orthodoxy, but still there’s something holding me back from fully converting. The reason is not so much a lack of intellectual persuasion. That’s hardly ever been an issue for my Asian mind. I love the depth of the East, yet I insist that the zeal of the West to grow in breadth should be emphasized as much. I really look forward to seeing that one final version of Christianity emerging, where Christians would have the depth of Orthodoxy while sharing the zeal of the Catholics and Protestants to get out there and preach the gospel at all cost.

[mikkis]

I've decided to go Orthodox, because I noticed that after 4 years of learning, I'm no longer Protestant...

[George_Eréthion]

One thing I've learned as an Orthodox, it's not always best to know how everything works. I don't understand how cars work, or how my phone works, I just know that it does work.

[williamshepherd]

Even when I became Catholic, I wasn’t completely intellectually convinced, I just knew it was the only way and I decided to humble my intellect a little and trust the Fathers and the saints that have gone before me. It was when I dove in and submitted myself to the Church, and began living the life of the Church, inwardly and outwardly, that the Faith became more and more alive, and the missing puzzle pieces started coming together, and they still are. I realized people can debate endlessly and there can always be objections to anything. There comes a point when one just has to DO what he knows is right and true, regardless if he’s fully grasped its understanding. Beware of paralysis by analysis..
Hope that helps.

[notavailable]

One big mistake I was making just generally was this idea that I could have epistemic certainty about things that I really couldn't have certainty about. It seems like you've got a grasp on that though, you seem to understand that as much as we might want it, we aren't going to have absolute or even near-certainty about our beliefs. It's not easy to come to grips with, because it means you either have a ton of work ahead of you which may still lead you down the wrong path, or you have to throw in your lot with some creed without reasonable certainty that you made the right choice. It's a difficult position to be in, even if it is an inevitable part of critically examining our beliefs. If I'm being honest, when I converted to Catholicism I felt very certain about it at a time when I had the least reason to be certain about it. I don't regret my choice, but I could never really justify it to anyone else in hindsight. One thing I have been thinking about a lot lately is, given the diversity of creeds out there, I find it hard to believe that Jesus will hold us completely accountable for every exact doctrine. Am I going to learn ancient Greek? No. Am I going to study every ancient manuscript? No. Not only do most people not have the means to do this, most people, if we're being honest, simply aren't intelligent enough to do this - I count myself in that group. I find it more helpful to focus on building charity in myself and those I love, and properly following as best I know how. What else can you do when you consider the monumental epistemic challenge we have today? Idk, I don't want to come off as a relativist, I think we can't just accept everyone and everything just because it's hard to figure out what's true, but I'm just saying that on your journey to making the choice it seems to still be possible to grow in faith and love for God and that might have to be good enough, at least for a little while.