What It Means to Be Protestant

“In an age where theology is too often either angry and scornful, or mushy and hesitant, the directness, gentleness, and humility of Gavin Ortlund’s writing is a balm. Whether or not you agree with him, this is as generous and wise a presentation of the case for historic Protestantism as I think you’ll find. In posing the question of what it means to be Protestant, Gavin Ortlund launches the reader into a debate in which there is little consensus and which defies easy answers. Through a combination of robust arguments, theological and historical insight, and generosity toward other traditions, Ortlund admirably captures the restless, rebellious nature of a religious movement constantly striving for renewal. The author makes a case for Protestantism that will not find universal agreement, but which inspires response, reflection, and humility. An important read for all Christians. Much of contemporary Protestantism, conservative to liberal, has little connection to the Reformation. But Ortlund reminds us why the “Protestant” label is worth saving. He has a real gift for distilling complex issues into something easy to understand. This is a well-informed but also passionate defense. Before running to Rome or the East, please read this terrific book first! Gavin Ortlund is one of the most effective defenders and articulators of Protestant theology at work in the world today. His YouTube defenses of Protestant perspectives are viewed by hundreds of thousands. More importantly, they’re clear, fair-minded, and reliable. Protestants maintain a wide array of views on how catholic and traditional Protestants should be. But if you want a mainstream view—one that offers a good summary of Protestant distinctives from a Reformed point of view—this book is for you. I pray that God will use it to help all of us understand the gospel more clearly and follow the Lord Jesus more courageously. Gavin Ortlund presents a compelling case for mere Protestantism by showing how a Protestant faith is a recovery of the apostolic gospel and answers the abiding questions of church, authority, and tradition. It is a robust program to be both evangelical and ecumenical. An authentic church, Ortlund teaches us, should be constantly conforming itself closer to the gospel. This book provides a model for how Protestants should initiate conversations with other Christian traditions. REV. DR. MICHAEL F. BIRD, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL; RIDLEY COLLEGE, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Neither shying away from disagreements between Christian traditions nor triumphing in them, this book offers a wonderful introduction to the riches of the historic Protestant tradition. In conversation with other traditions, Ortlund’s approach embodies a convicted civility that is humble and irenic yet rooted. For anyone looking for an introduction to what it means to be Protestant that avoids common caricatures of Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox positions, this is a great book! With a heart aching for Protestants to understand their own heritage, Gavin Ortlund builds a strong, historically grounded case for the advantages of their tradition. And he makes bold claims for the potential of mere Protestantism, as a renewal movement, to serve as the best cultivator of true catholicity. The result is a vigorous and engaging apologetic for a semper reformanda approach to theology and the Christian life.”

Gwenfair Walters Adams