Gavin Ortlund | How Protestants Should Respond to Catholic and Orthodox Critiques

How should Protestants respond when Catholics and Orthodox criticize Protestant theology or practice? In this video, theologian Gavin Ortlund argues that Protestant apologetics must be guided by more than winning debates—it must reflect the character of Christ. While Protestants should be clear and candid about doctrinal differences, they must also respond with humility, love, and a willingness to learn. Often, criticism contains at least a measure of truth—especially where modern Protestant practice has drifted from the aims and reverence of the early Reformers. Ortlund highlights a practical example: the Lord’s Supper. In many Protestant contexts today, communion can become routine or treated lightly. Yet historically, the Reformers worked to recover the sacredness, frequency, and biblical practice of the Eucharist—encouraging believers to receive both bread and wine, and to approach the table with reverence and preparation. This episode calls Protestants to hold together truth and charity, remembering that theological disagreements are witnessed not only by other Christians, but also by non-believers watching how followers of Jesus speak to one another. The goal is not compromise, but faithful conviction expressed with genuine love—so that our defense of Protestantism strengthens, rather than harms, our witness to the gospel. This video is part of a larger series on Protestant apologetics, exploring Scripture, history, and theology with clarity, conviction, and grace. @TruthUnites