What It Means to Be Protestant

The Case for an Always-Reforming Church

By: Gavin Ortlund

Narrated by: Mike Lenz

These days many evangelicals are exploring the more sacramental, liturgical, and historically conscious church traditions, including Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. This hunger for historical rootedness is a welcome phenomenon—but unfortunately, many assume that this need can only be met outside of Protestant contexts.

In What it Means to Be Protestant, Gavin Ortlund draws from both his scholarly work in church history and his personal experience in ecumenical engagement to offer a powerful defense of the Protestant tradition. Retrieving classical Protestant texts and arguments, he exposes how many of the contemporary objections leveled against Protestants are rooted in caricature. Ultimately, he shows that historic Protestantism offers the best pathway to catholicity and historical rootedness for Christians today.

In his characteristically charitable and irenic style, Ortlund demonstrates that the 16th century Reformation represented a genuine renewal of the gospel. This does not entail that Protestantism is without faults. But because it is built upon the principle of semper reformanda (always reforming), Protestantism is capable of reforming itself according to Scripture as the ultimate authority. This scholarly and yet accessible book breaks new ground in ecumenical theology and will be a staple text in the field for many years to come.

©2024 Gavin Ortlund (P)2024 Zondervan

Outstanding Explanation of Protestant Beliefs

Gavin Ortlund’s What It Means to be Protestant meets a need for so many who do not know what classical Protestantism teaches or believes. Dr. Ortlund addresses the most common misunderstandings about Protestantism. He uses the Bible, Church Fathers, Creeds and Councils to refute common myths, misconceptions, and false beliefs that have grown up around Protestantism. Ortlund’s arguments are sound and presented graciously to those who might disagree. Before you convert to Catholicism or Orthodoxy, be sure to listen to this most helpful book.

The depth coupled with simplicity

This will be my go to recommended book for people asking questions about Roman Catholicism and eastern orthodoxy

What it means to be Protestant

This is an excellent book. It's got an easy, not overly technical flow, but is very careful to be very historically fact based. It truly does answer the question, as to why one should be Protestant.

Clear, direct, and charitable defense of Protestantism

this book presents the heart of protestant understanding of the need for a continually reforming Church. The best defense of Protestantism I have ever read

A lone voice of truth in the wilderness

This book found me during a prayer retreat while I was discerning God's call to the Roman Catholic church. Having attended two protestant seminaries and pastored churches in various non-denominational contexts for 20+ years - including 15 years as an army chaplain - I'd become increasing concerned at the lack of substance on Sunday morning (communion, prayer, confession, scripture reading, etc). And I was witnessing long-time friends trickle toward Anglicanism and Romans Catholicism in search of a place to moor their theology.

Gavin's book made me realize the answer to the tension in my heart could be found in embracing a truer protestantism - rather than Roman Catholicism. We often joke that history began for protestants in 1517. I wish this was more true. But we don't even read books from that era. The fact is I'd never actually read Calvin's high view of the Eucharist as us feasting on Christ. I'd never actually read the reformers arguments for sola scriptura (from their own words). I'd never actually read the church fathers that the reformers appeals to.

I now see that protestantism not only attempts to restore the church to the faith of the New Testament but also to the faith of history. I now see that my current tradition holds the best hope for Church unity. I now see the poverty of my experiences are not due to a flaw in my tradition, as much as flaw in my character. This book has lead me to fix blame within (repent and embrace Christ anew) rather than search for "greener grass" elsewhere. Thank you Dr. Ortlund.

- Josh Gilliam, California

The one true church

I have recently completed this book and highly recommend it. Gavin has clearly invested significant effort into its creation, offering a thoughtful and respectful defense of the Protestant position. If you are contemplating leaving Protestantism, I strongly encourage you to read this book before making your decision.

A much needed defense of Protestantism

In a world where many people are making a shift from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy, where anxiety is high and the number of voices arguing for folks to leave Protestantism online is higher, Gavin is a much needed champion of a charitable but clear defense of Protestantism. Whether you’re considering a tradition/denomination change, trying to better understand the true differences between the main branches of Christianity, or simply curious, this is a great read.

Great selected comparative history

What I appreciated was the overview of the main differences between Protestant and non-Protestant Christian traditions. The two end case studies were especially helpful, but I feel a longer text with more case studies would have been better.