What It Means to Be Protestant

‘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.’ * Doug Sweeney, Dean and Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School *‘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 at Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia *‘I find it hard to overstate the importance of this book for every pastor/minister, elder, and serious Bible student that I know. I am purchasing a copy for each elder and ministerial staff at my home church. This book automatically becomes my new go-to resource explaining Protestantism. It is fantastic, and I thank God for it….’ * Bobby Harrington, co-founder of RENEW.org and Discipleship.org, founding pastor Harpeth Christian Church *‘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. Agree with him or not, this is as generous and wise a presentation of the case for historic Protestantism as I think you’ll find.’ * Alec Ryrie, Professor of the History of Christianity, Durham *‘In posing the question 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 towards 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.’ * Bruce Gordon, Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Yale Divinity School *‘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 that a struggling Christian can understand. This is a well-informed but also passionate defense. Before running to Rome or the East, please read this terrific book first!’ * Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California *‘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, which 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!’ * Gayle Doornbos, Associate Professor of Theology, Dordt University *‘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 Professor of Church History and Spiritual Formation Chair, Division of Christian Thought, Director of Spiritual Formation Studies, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary *

Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) serves as President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Church. He is the author of numerous books, including Anselm’s Pursuit of Joy, Retrieving Augustine’s Doctrine of Creation, Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t, and Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals. He and his wife, Esther, have five children.