Why Do Protestants Convert? With Brad Littlejohn and Chris Castaldo
Jan 22, 2024
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Discussions on Protestant conversions, unity in Christian institutions, enriching worship practices through historical perspectives, and the significance of building life on Jesus Christ for assurance and certainty.
The Reformation centralized the Eucharist for communal worship and emphasized community participation.
Book 'Why Do Protestants Convert?' discusses psychological factors influencing conversion decisions.
Protestants prioritize unity through the Gospel message over institutional structures for a broader understanding of unity.
Deep dives
Reformation Emphasizes Eucharist and Community Participation
The Reformation sought to move the sacrament of the Eucharist from the side chapels to the center of Christian life. It emphasized the participation of the entire community in the sacrament in conjunction with the word of God. By recentering the Eucharist, Protestants aimed for a more communal and meaningful experience, aligning with the original Christian practice.
Understanding and Responding to Protestant Converts
A book titled 'Why Do Protestants Convert?' discusses the reasons behind Protestant converts to other Christian traditions like Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy. It explains the need to interpret and respond to this phenomenon. The book serves as a resource for understanding the conversion process without psychoanalyzing individuals.
Psychological factors like the quest for authority, holiness, and the 'Inner Ring Syndrome' play a role in Protestant conversion decisions. Desire for stability and structure in the Catholic tradition or seeking belonging in a perceived 'inner circle' can influence the conversion choices of Protestants.
Challenges in Responding to Religious Transitions
When responding to a friend or a loved one's religious transition, it is crucial to avoid reacting uncharitably or feeling threatened. Instead, embrace the opportunity to discuss and reflect on the changes, foster conversations, and emphasize the journey of reflection and understanding.
Protestant Ecclesiology and Unity
Protestant ecclesiology emphasizes the essence of unity in the message of the Gospel rather than merely through institutional structures. by focusing on unity through the message of the Gospel, Protestants aim to demonstrate unity in faith despite denominational differences. This approach allows for a broader understanding of unity beyond organizational or institutional boundaries.
In this video Gavin Ortlund interviews Brad Littlejohn and Chris Castaldo about their book, Why Do Protestants Convert?
See their book here: https://davenantinstitute.org/why-do-protestants-convert
Truth Unites exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth.
Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.