The BEST and WORST Responses to my Icons Video

In this video I work through the best and worst responses to my video on venerating icons, identifying 5 arguments we need to leave behind, and then 3 we need to keep exploring.

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.

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00:00 - Introduction
02:00 1. Am I Dishonest?
07:31 2. Moving the Goalposts
10:30 3. Evasive Hermeneutics
17:43 4. Misframed Expectations
21:26 5. Comparing Apples and Oranges
24:28 1. Relics vs. Icons
30:58 2. Development of Doctrine
37:27 3. What About the Oriental Orthodox?

[jg]

I’m not against icons or religious art in of itself.
I’m just against people kissing and bowing down to paintings / statues and forcing other Christians to also do so with the threat of anathema if they don’t.

[thecatholicperspective]

I am a Catholic teen Who loves you and this channel. Apologetics Is about the Truth, but I really have fun in these dialogues and debates. It's very fascinating and exciting! Thank you

[PeterTheRock-II]

As a Catholic I find this conversation extremely fascinating. Thank you Gavin for furthering this discussion.

[onepingonlyplease]

Forcing believers to kiss icons via the threat of being anathematized and dishonoring previous church saints and fathers who did not kiss icons by making it an anathema is very problematic for me.

[Presbapterian]

Very dense and valuable resources! We are so grateful for your ministry through this channel. May the Lord bless you and your family even greater this year 🙏 🙏 🙏

[Rubberglass]

I’m a Protestant revisiting church history and traditions as I’m more mystical in my approach to the faith and feel a bit alone with my reformed friends. Your channel has been super helpful in my journey of enlightenment.

[bethsaari]

This series has been more than helpful. Faith affirming and eye-opening! My prayer is this channel grows like crazy!!! Thank you, Gavin, for the time and work you have put into these videos.

[jayehm]

Gavin, I really appreciate your work. Please continue your efforts they have had a tremendous effect on me and others I know.

[brandonclark]

Not only do I feel like I can relate to you because I’m Baptist but I’m also obsessed with “Michael Scott”. Makes your channel that much better. Thank you for the video Dr. Ortlund!

[rolandovelasquez]

Great Gavin. Thanks again. So clear.

The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.
Proverbs 18:17

Great examination 👍🏼👍🏼

[kennylee]

Too often, I find that the common sense, logical view of things ends up siding with the Protestant camp and Catholics and Eastern Orthodox tend to defer to tradition, theology, and eventually justify those with the magisterium.

In this case, it is plainly clear, without a doubt, that icon veneration was a historical accretion. That’s just that. The fact that this has blown up shows just how strong your argument has been, that it makes you a danger to the theology of Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

[AppalachianPaisano]

As a traditionally minded Catholic I wanted to take a moment to personally attack you for making these videos....I kid! I used to believe largely in the stereotype that Protestants just didn't think about these topics at all, you have shown that that is not necessarily true. While I disagree with you on much, your videos have helped me to realize I must act more charitable towards other traditions and denominations, yet while being uncompromising on my Catholic faith. After exploring your channel for a little while I have certainly grown in this regard. Much appreciated and I look forward to further discussions!

[HearGodsWord]

Gavin Ortlund must have them worried otherwise they wouldn't put out so many videos about his videos.

[matthiasbrandt]

Another helpful video. Your avoidance of nastiness and not simply dismissing opposing viewpoints are commendable. I visited an Eastern Orthodox church a few times. One time Mary's "dormition" was the focus. A man bowed down on the ground to a fabric with Mary's image woven into it. Thinking back, I wish I had said " you must not do that!" like the angel in Revelation. Nobody stopped him. It boggles my mind how central icons are to these people. Thanks for all the amazing information and staying grounded in the scriptures. Keep it up and the Lord bless you!

[BrianLassek]

I am so grateful these things are getting talked about. It's so helpful to have dialog that points to different texts and arguments. These talks have really helped me focus on more productive areas of study and prayerfully considering these things.

[MrHEMIII]

Love your channel!! You are very balanced and thorough in your responses. All while being kind and smart. I love your grace. May God richly bless you for your expression of God's grace and truth in your responses!

[natebozeman]

My book list keeps growing. Thank you for the amazing work as always!

Also, the new mic sounds great!

[paulsmallwood]

Thank you for your hard work in this area. It has been very helpful. The knee jerk “Protestants are always wrong” approach on the part of some Roman Catholic apologists is so counter productive. These people are not interested in advancing the dialogue.

[georgelulgjuraj]

I’ve been really really disgruntled by the lack of Protestant interaction with early church history. Gabon is doing a work that so few are willing and able to do. God blues you brother

[davidlarson]

Thanks for your concise verbiage. I truly appreciate it when you keep things specific and non-repetitive.