Why You Should Be Catholic | Dr. Matthew Levering

[@rhwinner]

I converted in the 80s during one of the great evangelical booms that coincided with the Reagan era. By happenstance, I was thrown into the middle of one of these evangelical communities that sprung up around a famous Bible college, Biola University. Although I have great memories of my time there, I almost immediately recognized the Catholic tone of the Scriptures and was drawn, or rather pushed, in that direction. As I grew up on an agnostic household, without the Bible, I had no biases one way or the other going in. It was the texts themselves that set me on that path

[@tony1685]

yet it's the very same tests which prove catholicism isn't Christianity at its even basic comprehension -- John 14:15

[@setonix9151]

@@tony1685 No, it is by it's basic comprehension that you think Catholicism isn't Christianity.

[@myronmercado]

It was very hard listening to Dr. Levering at first. But I realized and I saw Austin see it immediately, he is just an extremely humble but enormously intelligent person. I'm really looking forward to seeing him again on your channel. Part 2 of this please Austin.

[@Kwesi6486]

Thanks for surrendering your lives to the gospel and to the service of the church. So much grace will come through this little but so very significant act of humility, obedience, and love from both of you 🙏🏾

[@joolz5747]

This is excellent. I’m Catholic I’ve been so since birth 77 years ago. This man is humble down to earth and just an ordinary guy trying to figure things out. I love it. I know Thomas, Joseph White because his parents live here in the area in which I live, which is in Hilton head, South Carolina. He has spoken at our church and said masses before. I find this refreshing no one‘s trying to convince anybody of anything and it’s just nice. Pleasant discussion about how he figured things out. I love it I absolutely love it. Plus, he is extremely brilliant obviously, so is Thomas, Joseph White, and he clearly understands things because he has taken time to understand them. He said he’s a fast reader. Smart people are fast readers! Jordan Peterson said he was a very fast reader. These people can go through one book when everybody else is going through two pages ha ha Thank you so so much. Fascinating

[@RandomThoughts77777]

Levering seems like a saintly genius. I love the fact that he just kind of gravitated to the Catholic Church. That is the Holy Spirit moving the heart before the mind has fully caught up...

[@GospelSimplicity]

"Saintly genius" - I like that

[@tony1685]

@@GospelSimplicity i've asked you and other catholics often, how can a system which mandates sin be Christianity? it's not. Bible exposes catholicism in many ways.

[@setonix9151]

@@tony1685 "system which mandates sin" What do you even mean by that?

[@robsunners]

​@tony1685 Could you clarify what you mean? If you are suggesting that Christians are without sin, you'd do well to read Romans 7. Additionally, Austin isn't (presently) Roman Catholic.

[@zeektm1762]

@@tony1685nice to see you again tony

[@JohnDcatholic]

What an enlightening interview. Like Austin, I didn't think Matthew was rambling; I could listen on to more. While I was familiar with the plethora of Matthew Levering books, now I have a better context to understand him and his work. 'Thank you Matthew and Austin.

[@michellemackey390]

I am loving seeing the icons over each of your left shoulders. When I ponder a photo of someone I love, my heart and mind are led to thinking of them and their goodness. Likewise, these icons draw my heart to God and his salvation story. Thank you for the conversation … and those lovely visual reminders.

[@jordand5732]

Less than 1000 views? People dont understand who is being interviewed here. Just like Gavin Ortlund videos should have millions of views, Matthew levering videos should have millions too. The guy is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom. I may no longer share his Catholicism, but he’s an amazingly intelligent and fun guy to listen to. Thanks Austin for the collab here. God bless you and Dr. Levering.

[@aguspare1992]

You can't compare Gavin Ortlund and Matthew Levering. The latter way surpasses the former.

[@richardkim7788]

Absolutely right. Where did you move to after Catholicism?

[@GospelSimplicity]

I think because Dr. Levering doesn't do a lot of interviews people who just consume theology via podcasts don't realize the stature of his scholarship.

[@robertotapia8086]

​@GospelSimplicity you didn't ask him your final questions you ask at the end of all your interviews.

[@haronsmith8974]

I can assure you that Gavins videos dont get "millions of views"

[@johnsayre2038]

Austin's video titles get right to the point. Always enjoy your content.

[@fddooley1]

Thank you, Austin. I carried the conversation from the kitchen to the bathroom and didn't miss a word.

[@NeilTheCatholic]

Kitchen to bathroom - that's one logical progression.

[@chrisj123165]

This was great. You can tell he truly loves what he does.

[@magnumsacramentum]

the Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life".

[@HG-zm2dx]

Amen! The Eucharist is the stairway to heaven..

[@roddumlauf9241]

Amen, the Eucharist is the "source and summit" of all Roman. Orthodox, and Anglo-Catholic Christians !

[@kianoghuz1033]

The eucharist which is also fully valid in Oriental and Orthodox churches

[@jeromepopiel388]

Small correction. The Eucharist is the source of the Catholic life, not Christian life. The gospel is the source of Christian life. 1 Corinthians 4:15 [15]For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

[@doorkeeper4872]

​@@jeromepopiel388YOU ARE RIGHT ❤ I'M X-CATHOLIC FOR GOOD REASONS! NO RELIGION CAN SAVE YOU! ONLY THE BLOOD OF OUR MESSIAH!!!

[@toddvoss52]

"Humility isn't that far from humiliation". So true. One of the hard truths of the spiritual life is that the most powerful source of the virtue of humility are periodic humiliations. Not saying we should seek them out but when they inevitably come (the longer we live the more we encounter them), we should join ourselves to Christ so we can grow in humility from these painful experiences.

[@DarkHorseCrusader]

It's funny how he seemed a little hesitant to get going, but as soon as you asked him about Cardinal Newman he was off to the races. Nice interview!

[@CupofCloud]

Thank you for being very gentle with Dr. Levering. Hes a very special man. Great work Austin

[@arthurgrey8967]

I so appreciated his commentary especially on Marian doctrine and found it to ring so true for myself as well. Growing up even as a Catholic I had some basic understanding, but always treated it as a side issue to Christ and salvation and so had no real interest or devotion. Its not a binding doctrine in the sense of Mass attendance, Eucharist, or baptism etc. You don't have to ask for Mary's intercession to be Catholic. As I grew older and became more curious as to the catechism I followed a similar trajectory on Mary. That Mary had to be sinless was clear to me to resolve scriptural contradictions if she weren't. So ark of the covenant, I see that. Perpetual virginity also struck me as inevitable. Understanding and resolving the genesis story with respect to Christ as the new Adam and Mary as the new Eve, then yes the progression to Assumption seemed clear. Made more so that it was validated by the authority of the Church as I never doubted papal authority or the clear imo authorization of Peter by Christ. Too much else became incoherent scripturally and by virtue of reason for it to be otherwise.

[@wonderingpilgrim]

@GospelSimplicity Austin, I really appreciate the work you do and the peaceable spirit that you do it in. There is one video that I have been needing you to do for a while and have no problem groveling, begging, and even consistently trolling you for!🙃 It might actually be one of the most important/ helpful videos you could do. Remember the videos where you promote Logos software and how it helped you finally come to the conclusion that the Eucharist really is the body and blood of Christ? Could you PLEEAASEE do a video walking us through that process incrementally with the software and how you came to the conclusions you did??!! Your commercial for that is always a tease that leaves me wanting the whole story! I have watched countless hours of videos on the Eucharist from different traditions, but have yet to come across one that works through the process biblically and historically, especially in reference to John 6. I cannot tell you how eternally grateful I would be, and how helpful it would be if you did that! Thank you so much!

[@Louis.R]

Read Brant Pitre's "The Jewish Roots of the Eucharist." Jewish convert to Catholicism, here.

[@GospelSimplicity]

Have you watched my Bible study video on John 6? It's really old, and I don't talk about the software a ton, but I give the steps of how I came to that conclusion

[@wonderingpilgrim]

@GospelSimplicity I did watch it, and it's hard to believe it's already been 3 years since you did that video! Your conclusion at that time was that you were still processing it and had not yet come to any definitive conclusions. In your Logos promotions, you stated that you have, indeed, come to a conclusion. It would be so helpful to see that process fleshed out, (um, no pun intended:) incrementally and thoroughly. For those of us who have been prayerfully working through this issue for a while, (almost 6 years for me) it could very well help put the final pieces together, especially when coming from such a biblical approach that even many Memorialist pastors respect. I hope you will prayerfully consider this. Thanks so much for all the work you do. May God bless you and Eliza.

[@synanthony]

“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”

[@DarkHorseCrusader]

@@MichaelTheophilus906 Luke 24:30-31

[@saidybarinaga-burch9845]

Excellent interview!

[@batboy49]

I already know why he did it. I am a convert to the Catholic faith converted for some 35 years at this point. He did it the same reason as all of us, he was convinced of the truth of it. For me I was converted by Jack Chick tracts. Just enough truth came through that I became convinced of the Real Presence.

[@teknatheou]

That's amazing that Fr. Thomas Joseph White was converted by Balthasar--I think of them as dueling theologians.

[@christusenciaga]

Very interesting interview! Thank you, Austin!

[@GospelSimplicity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pdxnikki1]

Because it's the one true church with the fullness of grace & truth on earth. We have the Eucharist. And this from a former Jewish atheist for 50 years

[@Nolongeraslave]

The new idols are one true Church and eucharist Rome style.

[@kianoghuz1033]

Political fullness, yes!

[@jeromepopiel388]

​@@NolongeraslaveI agree. Many make the church an idol.

[@ddzl6209]

This is the wishful thinking of all satanic cult believing bastards of sola scriptura a man made tradition invented by a devil possessed ​@@Nolongeraslave

[@pdxnikki1]

@@Nolongeraslave I'm sorry you were thus catechized. As a new Protestant they tried that on me but since I like to research all theological claims before professing my assent, I took each of their dogma one by one starting with the Marian doctrines and ending with the authority of the magisterium and the Petrine apostolic succession. What I found is that the Catholic Church holds the absolute fullness of our Christian faith as Jesus meant it to be practiced. Ge did not leave us alone as He is present in every Mass and He literally gives Himself to us in every Eucharist. The Church's sacraments are essential in the life of Christians, especially reconciliation. Without James 5:14-16 we can't be continually brought back into unimpeded relationship with God. It is the ordinary means by which He desires to do so. Since becoming Catholic I've noticed a great softening of my heart and an ability to perform acts of charity far beyond what I was capable of doing before. It happens rather quickly, and my growth as a Christian and of our faith is much more firmly rooted than it had been in my years as an evangelical. My friends who converted have said they've all experienced this as well. And they were astounded and greatly surprised. May I encourage you please to drop any presumptions you have about Catholicism, talk to Catholics who really know & understanding what the Church actually teaches and whose faith is evidence by the grace & good fruit they possess. And then research your questions sincerely without malice. God bless you!

[@carakerr4081]

Being Catholic and receiving the Sacraments especially the Eucharist is a miracle!

[@Nolongeraslave]

And what is the miracle?

[@kianoghuz1033]

According to the catholic catechism 1399, Orthodox and Orientals also have the miracle of the Eucharist plus they have preserved their rites, so why become catholic?

[@roddumlauf9241]

@@Nolongeraslave The miracle is that through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus and we are united to Him and become one with His Body and each other, as Blood brothers and sisters in the Mystical Body of Christ.

[@Nolongeraslave]

@@roddumlauf9241 You mean transubstantiation is the power of the Holy Spirit?

[@roddumlauf9241]

@@Nolongeraslave Yes, it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that Christ becomes incarnate and present in the signs of Bread and Wine. If you want to use the "transubstantiation", or "con-substantiation," or I like the term "Real Presence" and leave it a mystery.

[@leoIVX]

It’s about time

[@mikelandsman8993]

His book Participatory Biblical Exegesis is fantastic.

[@sulongenjop7436]

Catholic Church is the true church established and head by Peter appointed by Jesus as the first Pope!

[@ritav89]

Our guest here has the ability to quickly filter info and that explains his B-line into Christ's One, True Church. The rest of us have slow, messier, more pride-filled "journeys", in which we insist on assenting to and understanding every tidbit.

[@jmferris542]

An interesting discussion. A foundational divide in logic and faith between Catholic and Protestant is illustrated by Dr. Levering's statement at 39:15. In his discussion of the Assumption of Mary, he states that, "either the [Catholic] Church has been guided by the Spirit or not," and "if not, then there goes the council of Nicaea, and Constantinople, and the divinity of the Holy Spirit." This is an example of an "all or nothing" fallacy, creating a false dichotomy. As Protestants we can benefit from where the CC has guarded the deposit and at the same time protect ourselves from where they have gone off into myths and speculations rather than stewardship. (1 Timothy 1:4) For instance, I can appreciate the Catholic challenge to think deeply about the incarnation and spiritual participation in Lord's Supper, but in doing so, not have to violate my conscience by participating in Marian devotions or Eucharistic adoration. It is not an "all or nothing" situation when Scripture is our authority.

[@jonathanstensberg]

All or nothing is not a fallacy when the question is perfection. Protestants utilize the same framework for understanding scripture: either scripture is inerrantly inspired by the Holy Spirit, or you cannot depend upon upon scripture as the guide to true teaching. Without that perfection, there is no certainty, just a long list of maybe’s.

[@jmferris542]

@@jonathanstensberg Yes, Newman's all or nothing view asserts that if a person accepts the incarnation, then he must also accept all Roman Catholic doctrines saying, "We have to choose between *this* [Roman Catholic] theology and none at all." So if you have already been convinced that the Roman Magisterium is an "all or nothing" choice of perfection, then of course you will live within that premise. But the reality is that this assertion is arbitrary. There is no biblical precedent for the infallibility of human ideas and teaching. In fact, the Apostle Paul said that even if he or the other Apostles in the future should preach a different gospel, the Galatians were to reject it. And the Magisterium claims to represent Apostolic succession, so they should be open to scriptural scrutiny. Also Paul warned that false teachers would arise from within the church, from men appointed by the Apostles themselves. So we are warned of the reality that accretions would come. Therefore, to blindly accept all (or nothing) of human tradition is not wise. Additionally for the RCC to claim that acceptance of Nicaea requires submission to Rome isn't merited because Nicaea was primarily a Greek council, not Western. No one church can claim that belief in NIcene theology necessitates belief in all their particular additional dogmas. All true believers in Christ share in Nicene doctrinal DNA. We share in it because it is scripturally consistent.

[@tayalollipop2317]

Fascinating interview.

[@darmat6288]

I heard someone say that Mary was only a type of surrogate and that Jesus had none of her DNA. My thought is how could He be truly human or Son of Man without Mary’s DNA.

[@hyeminkwun9523]

Yes, you are right. As a man, Our Lord got everything from Her. Satan wants to defame Her as much as possible and as best he can using those poor men who became his instruments of evil.

[@paulmiller8362]

Nestorianism is alive and well today.

[@iblameabel]

@@paulmiller8362is that really apart of Nestorian doctrine?

[@RestingJudge]

The Assumption bothered me when I first learned about it. I was a teen with Catholic friends, and was a self described agnostic with a Baptist upbringing. Learning about Enoch, Elijah, & Moses' (debatable) assumptions it just didn't really concern me after that. What son wouldn't take his mother fully with him. Especially if you're the Son of God and you follow the commandments to their full capacity.

[@kodyoneill497]

Because there is absolutely zero proof that ever happened and to make the belief of it mandatory dogma on pain of anathema is heresy. Jesus says whoever believes will be saved not whoever believes I died for them and believe my mother was bodily assumed. It’s making a tertiary issue a salvation issue.

[@adorablebelle]

Love your channel and would love to see more women interviewed!

[@GospelSimplicity]

I really appreciate you bringing that up. Theology has traditionally been a male-dominated field, especially dogmatics, which makes it difficult. But difficult doesn't mean impossible! Do you have any favorite female theologians that speak about the kind of things I cover on my channel (church history, theology, etc)?

[@adorablebelle]

@@GospelSimplicity I appreciate you receiving this feedback, and I definitely understand. Someone who comes to mind is Amy Peeler. She is an Anglican priest on the faculty at Wheaton and wrote a book called 'Women and the Gender of God.' I think especially given recent stats on women leaving Christianity, her work is crucial and seeking to help many women's wounds with our faith.

[@krizilloo2538]

Come into the light, Doctor.

[@DD-bx8rb]

The good Dr walks in the light of Jesus Christ who established and guaranteed His church, to teach His truth, in every generation, to the end. He built His church on the apostles and their successors. It will never fail. The Protestant sects do not possess apostolic succession. Only the official teaching office of the Church has the divine guarantee. The Protestant sects replace this with putting Individual Interpetation of scripture above the Final Authority of the Church. Consequently, they inhabit a world of doctrinal confusion and continual division. Come into the Light of Jesus Christ, Krizilloo. Pax

[@krizilloo2538]

@@DD-bx8rb I just meant that he should have more light on his face so we can see him better.

[@NicoleYoshihara]

Catholicism ❤

[@AdrianaMontemayor7]

GOD BLESS HIS ONE AND ONLY CATHOLICH CHURCH ✝️

[@richardbenitez1282]

I’ve always thought Newman was boring as heck. My hold in faith comes from other ways/sources.

[@leoinsf]

My previous comment was taken off! So much for Catholics who can't stand questioners!!!

[@GospelSimplicity]

I've been in Hawaii for the last ten days, and I promise the last thing I was concerned with was reading and deleting comments. It was probably just auto-flagged by KZbin's filters

[@antoniocortes2908]

Ordinary Catholic here on why I believe in the Assumption of Mary that's tackled here. I believe that it hasn't yet dawned on Protestants who regard Mary as a negligible so-so actor in the biblical drama that... * Protestants Were Redeemed By The Blood Of The Blood Of Mary! * ALL the Patriarchs and Prophets of the Old Testament were redeemed by the Blood of the Blood of Mary. Each & EVERYONE of the Apostles, disciples & notable characters in the New Testament were redeemed by the Blood of the Blood of Mary. Truth is, the Blood of the Blood of Mary redeemed ALL of Mankind! So is Mary just a forgettable bible character? The Church Fathers affirm that, While Jesus is the New Adam, Mary is in fact the *New Eve*! In all of God's creation (visible & invisible, men & angels), *Only* Mary (stress on "ONLY"), *Only* Mary, as New Eve, can say to Jesus, the New Adam, words *Similar* to how Adam addressed Eve in Genesis 2:23: "You, Jesus, are bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh"... and *Blood Of My Blood*. The Blood of Jesus, which was poured out to save the whole world, * IS * * The Blood Of The Blood Of Mary ! * Had Mary said *NO* to archangel Gabriel, Jesus would **NOT**, repeat, **NOT** even have the body & blood to pour out. * You Were "SAVED" By Mary's "YES"! * So *gratitude* is called for here & some reverence for Mary. Christians are not an unthankful people (2 Tim 3:1-2). We are not ingrates. Enoch & Elijah who were saved by the Blood of the Blood of Mary were Assumed into heaven. And *Mary Was Not*?... *Unthinkable*! Seems so nonsensical considering the universe-shaking, *redemption-LIKE* role Mary played to save mankind ... by her freely willed * "YES" *! The Church Fathers' Tradition of the *Assumption* of the Blessed Virgin Mary body and soul into heaven is so easy for me to believe because it's a very reasonable Catholic notion. As to how Mary became *The Mother of the Whole Church*, I arrived at it as follows: The Blood of Mary's Blood redeemed each & every member of Christ's Church by virtue of her *"YES"* to God. Now we see that the *woman clothed with the sun* in Revelation 12 is *both* Mary *and* , effectively, the Church (Mary having birthed each & every member of Jesus' Church by the Blood of Her Blood).

[@kazager11]

Where do you get that Mary is the new Eve? Revelation 12 is not Mary. RCC claims she did not experience birth pain. When did Mary go into the wilderness for 1260 days? The woman is Israel.

[@antoniocortes2908]

​@@kazager11 As to your question on where I got "New Eve" from, I already said that it's from the Church Fathers. It's easy to look up online. Basic research. I did this myself: Fathers of the Church & the New Eve. My answer to your question will clearly be addressed in a lot of articles. And you'll learn a lot about the Catholic position on Mary as the "New Eve". You say that the woman in Revelation 12 is not Mary. To you it is Israel or nothing. To us Catholics the "woman" refers primarily to Mary but likewise to the Church. But it also encompasses Israel as an acceptable meaning, all in a combination or interface with Mary & Jesus' Church. But remember that the heroes & elect members of Old Testament Israel are also members of the Church of Jesus Christ since they were redeemed by the Blood of the Blood of Mary, which is no other than the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ Himself. Name any of the heroes of Old Testament Israel: Enoch, Elijah, Moses, Abraham, David, Daniel, Isaiah, Samson, Joshua, etc. They were All, Each and Everyone of them, redeemed by the Blood of the Blood of Mary & thus members of the Church that Jesus founded. You said that the Catholic Mary didn't experience childbirth/labor pains with Jesus. To us Catholics, the birthing pains of the woman in Revelations 12 are metaphorical in reference to Mary. They refer to Mary's sufferings such as those prophesied by Simeon about a sword that will pierce her heart as a result of birthing Christ, i.e., Jesus' passion, cross, death and mission, etc. Since we Catholics believe in Tradition (with capital "T"), I again suggest some research since it's the easiest thing to do, i.e., Fathers of the Church citations on Mary's painless birthing of Jesus. I said in my original post that MARY encompasses the whole Church that Jesus founded since Mary birthed each & every member of the Church by the Blood of Her Blood. With this perspective, Mary & Jesus' Church are almost interchangeable. So such pain of the "woman" going 1,260 days of the into the wilderness represents to us Catholics the time of extreme difficulty that the Church will experience before the ultimate triumph of Christ.

[@DaveK548]

@@antoniocortes2908 Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

[@Kwesi6486]

Please be teaching HCT IV next semester Dr. Levering

[@fuji302]

Protestants (and Orthodox) make a bigger deal of their objections to Catholicism than what they mean to day to day life as a Catholic. It is acts of faith. Jesus said whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me. Faith as a simple “I believe” means nothing. If someone suffers and I can do something to help I help because I am helping both someone suffering and Jesus’ suffering. Sometimes I’m good sometimes I fall short. Humans are imperfect so I throw myself to the mercy of the just judge.

[@sonicrocks2007]

I want to send you down a whole other topic for a video. What is the day of the lord? Reading about you get that it is bitter and causes soldiers to cry, it brings justice, it judges soul , nations and actions, it brings purification, it is melting pot of things it purgatorial fire. Infact that is what the church fathers called it was purgatorial fire. Which became purgatory

[@allhatnocattle]

Three days of atheism….! I’m used to hearing about periods of atheism…three decades, three years, but three days! Only an intensely rich and brilliant imagination would flee so quickly 🥰

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

🤔... because I like the Anglican Ordinariate mission near me. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheZealotsDen]

Would be a blessing to come on here or host you on The Zealots Den my Catholic channel

[@frederickanderson1860]

Birds of a feather gather together thats human nature a social gathering.

[@RedRoosterRoman]

If I had to revert to protestantism; (and I pray that I would if it is God's will) I would be distraught at the loss of faith in the eucharist. It is so special As well as relationship to mother Mary. May God bless your discernment brother

[@shlamallama6433]

Please pray the rosary and go to adoration about this. I know I'm just some guy on the internet and you may already be doing this but bring everything to God and ask for the virtue of faith.

[@RedRoosterRoman]

@@shlamallama6433 thanks for the encouragement I appreciate it And I will

[@learningmoreandmore1]

I hope you know that there are many Protestant traditions who have a very high view of the Eucharist! I say this as someone who is on a very similar journey as you I'm sure. God bless!

[@RedRoosterRoman]

@@learningmoreandmore1 may God guide us both. What you say is true, but I take issue with those that deny it remits sins for theological reasons. I am quite convinced of this aspect. Similarly - A part of me would also struggle with questioning if it is fully valid outside of one of the 4 "apostolic" branches- I even as a Catholic acknowledge that I believe God bestows grace through the invalid sacrament. But it is an exception not a rule

[@RedRoosterRoman]

@@learningmoreandmore1 may God guide us both. I respect those protestant traditions but a part of me would always question the *full* validity. Especially with denying the "remittance of sin" aspect that I am quite convinced of

[@philoalethia]

Great discussion! To be clear, all Christians are "catholic" in the original sense of the word. Apologists for the Church of Rome have successfully changed the meaning of the word to refer only to members of their church, but that is a different meaning than the classical, original meaning. Second, one should be Roman Catholic if and only if it helps one to draw closer to God and to experience salvation. Some may find that in Roman Catholicism. Some may find that elsewhere. Roman Catholicism has errors and problems just like any other church, and whether it is the "right" path for someone comes down to the person's character and overall circumstances. Finally, the claim by some Roman Catholic apologists that it is the "one true church" or that it is the one started by Jesus are just transparently, demonstrably false. These would be deeply erroneously reasons to become Roman Catholic, and are likely to manifest delusions, prompt division, and even lead to tragedies.

[@bridgefin]

You: To be clear, all Christians are "catholic" in the original sense of the word. Apologists for the Church of Rome have successfully changed the meaning of the word to refer only to members of their church, but that is a different meaning than the classical, original meaning. Me: Well I use that argument all the time so I am happy to finally find someone who may be able to shed light on the Protestant perspective on this. The early church was very careful to protect the deposit of faith. As Protestants reject some of that they would likely have been invited to embrace the truth or else be excommunicated. And the word "catholic" is first an adjective but it is the NAME of a particular church. You: Second, one should be Roman Catholic if and only if it helps one to draw closer to God Me: I would suggest that the only reason would be that Christ established it for one's salvation. You: Finally, the claim by some Roman Catholic apologists that it is the "one true church" or that it is the one started by Jesus are just transparently, demonstrably false. Me: Interesting. As I see it, there is no other alternative. Both historically and Scripturally there is no other entity which is 2000 years old, much less one which is a church with a Peter at its head. How do you see this differently?

[@niva6511]

There is so much error in this comment. The name is Catholic Church. You cannot rename it to the church of rome or whatever you like. You can almost always tell if someone call Roman Catholic in the comment section, that the person is Protestant. There is a latin rite in the Catholic Church just as the Maronite rite etc but all is called Catholic Church. That is a fact.

[@fantasia55]

The term Roman Catholic was invented by British Protestants.

[@kylepetruzziello3321]

So his argument for believing in the assumption of Mary is that she is special? And the church is guided by the Spirit? That is an incredibly weak argument.

[@toddvoss52]

It’s a bit more than that: he wrote a whole book on it

[@GospelSimplicity]

To echo Todd's comment, his book on the subject is worth reading. I didn't necessarily find it compelling, but I think it shows how a reasonable Catholic can hold to the doctrine. It's a different type of argument than a typical "patristic consensus" approach

[@kylepetruzziello3321]

@@GospelSimplicity thanks for the response. I will look into the book, although, I have a list of books that I’m more interested in getting through at the moment. Maybe I’ll add it to the list. Thanks again!

[@hyeminkwun9523]

She was conceived without the stain of the Original Sin, for She was destined to be the Mother of God, the Incarnated Word. And She never sinned during Her whole life and always did God's will perfectly. There was no reason for Her to die, thus She was assumed into Heaven without physically dying, as it would have been for both Adam and Eve if they did not sin, for God created them to be incorruptible (Wisdom 2:23).

[@kylepetruzziello3321]

@@hyeminkwun9523 Also not a very compelling case for these doctrines. There’s no basis for the claim that she was conceived without sin.

[@fingerscrossed1307]

Oh I can think a few reasons why people would want to join the rcc Reason 1: you like anti-christ authrority. Reason 2: you like talking to dead people. Reason 3: you prefer traditions over the word of God.

[@JasmineLee-i2z]

Hey Austin, huge fan here! Just wondering if you ever listened to this guy? He’s very charitable and he seems to be fan of your because he’s mentioned you in some of his videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqmviXWkq6dsjNk

[@lizledbitter6711]

That hoody made you look like you were emulating Fr Casey

[@myronmercado]

Austin, is it just me? I think you're beginning to look like Jesus.

[@kianoghuz1033]

The things that were the "kill shots" to the Roman Catholic argument for me when I was determining whether the East or West was right in the Great Schism: 1. Canon 28 of Chalcedon. Even though Rome at first rejected it because it changed the ancient order of the Churches, Rome eventually adopted the ordering in the 4th Lateran Council which has Ecumenical authority in RCcism. However, the real point of why canon 28 is significant is the fact that the eastern Churches believed that the Roman Church had been "granted privileges from the fathers", and that the Roman Church had preeminece among the Churches because it was situated in the capital. The eastern bishops did not believe the bishop of Rome had a special divine charism above other bishops. While RCs reject this reasoning the fact remains the eastern Churches believed this and thus didn't have a Papal mindset that RCcism eventually came to have of the Church of Rome. 2. Pope Vigilius was suspended and Pope Honorius was condemned as a heretic. The eastern Churches understood that their authority, when gathered in Ecumenical Council, was above the Pope to the point that they could suspend him and/or excommunicate him for heresy. This is in contradiction to Vatican I which claims the Pope's authority is above an Ecumenical Council, and canon 1404 of Roman Catholic canon law that states, "The First See is judged by no one." Again, this shows that the Churches of the East didn't have a Papal mindset. 3. Constantinople I was convened without the participation of Rome and seen as dogmatically authoritative in the Christian East long before Rome signed off on it. Furthermore, the Council was presided over by Meletios who was not in communion with Rome at the time, and even died out of communion with Rome, and yet is considered a Saint in the Church. This demostrates that for the eastern Sees Rome's approval of an Ecumenical Council, while certainly sought for due to Christian unity, ultimately was not a deciding factor as to whether a Council was authoritative for the Church in the East. 4. The Lateran Council of 649, was at the time an attempt for the Pope to convoke an ecumenical council at the time. It condemned monothelitism by the Pope, and despite it all, it received no recognition as ecumenical and the emperor convoked an ecumenical council 30 years later These, as well as other things such as Rome accusing the East of changing the Creed by removing the filioque clause (false), Rome changing the Apostolic Tradition of communing in both kinds and not communing infants, led me to conclude that the Orthodox position was the correct position of remaining more faithful to the beliefs and practices of the first millennium Church.

[@cabellero1120]

The Orthodox Church sees Both Protestants as well as Catholics as separated from the ancient and original faith Catholics Add Protestants Subtract Evangelicals seem to reject Any and All authority....

[@stratmatt22]

Orthodox church is a clown show. One half literally endorses a holy war in 2024

[@cabellero1120]

I don't understand what this man is trying to accomplish here. He's obviously Protestant. Is this an excerise in Ecumenism? Many of his fellow Prots ( especially Evangelicals) would disagree with his take, here) Church history is 1 thing. Anyone can study that What is his particular goal, here?

[@guntotinpatriot8873]

Christian brothers and sisters, if you are able, visit a local Orthodox Church. Attend a service and, if you'd like to know more, talk with the priest. Doing this truly changed my perspective on what Christianity is and, in turn, changed my entire outlook on life. God bless.

[@pdxnikki1]

Done it. Really studied it. There are deep flaws in it.

[@roddumlauf9241]

Sadly, the closest Orthodox Church is 3 hours away....that's a fault of the Orthodox and their lack of evangelism.

[@kianoghuz1033]

​@@pdxnikki1 Like venerating schismatic saints that contradict universal magisterium? Like desteoying your own liturgy for modernism? Conforming to the ideas of the secular world?

[@guntotinpatriot8873]

@@roddumlauf9241 This is a problem that does arise unfortunately. I would recommend carving out a couple of hours on a Sunday or during a weekday to go and attend a service. I know this sounds crazy to most modern Christians (it certainly did to me at first), but you may end up having to move closer to that parish. The Church and your local parish community are vital to living the true Christian life. I was fortunate enough to live close to a parish. I had plans to move away, but now I've completely thrown those out. Kind of an inverse situation, but truly, once you get plugged into your parish community and get to know your priest, I don't think you'll have any second thoughts about moving closer. May God bless you and keep you. 🙏

[@guntotinpatriot8873]

@@pdxnikki1 Have you talked with a local priest? Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about Orthodoxy that are spread online. I would also encourage you, if you are able, to visit a monestary. And last, but certainly not least, read the lives of the Saints. Truly, God's Saints are a gift to us. Their stories and teachings will, God willing, soften your heart - they certainly softened mine. I would recommend Saint Paisios the Athonite as a good Saint to begin with.

[@krzysztofglinka]

I am a Christadelphian, and your film has inspired me to create my own presentation titled "Why You Should Be a Restorationist and Christadelphian."

[@krzysztofglinka]

@OHCA-p5c Thank you for your response. As a Christadelphian, I certainly do not reject Christ. In fact, our faith is deeply rooted in following Jesus as the Messiah and understanding his teachings. However, we interpret some aspects of Christian doctrine differently from mainstream Christianity. I’d be happy to share more if you’re interested.

[@stratmatt22]

Lol. If you deny the full divinity of Christ you are not Christian. If you deny 1900 years of Christianity you are not Christian. You may be "christadelphian" but you are not Christian.

[@kazager11]

Marian dogma isn't about lots of "dimensions", it's about one bad doctrine making another bad doctrine necessary. When you start lying you can't stop.

[@bridgefin]

You are heretic also to your own "Reformers" who embraced the Marian doctrines.

[@IAMNationX]

Be a Catholic ✅ Be a Roman Catholic ❌

[@HG-zm2dx]

Do you know the meaning of the Roman?? It’s just Roman missal!!

[@kodyoneill497]

You shouldn’t. There you go saved you an hour

[@tony1685]

Christianity at its basic comprehension shows clearly that catholicism simply isn't God's church.

[@bridgefin]

You are confusing Christianity with Protestantism. Jesus established a church 2,000 years ago and there is only one candidate to be that one.

[@geoffjs]

Jesus est His One True Church, Mt 16 18-19 with Peter as His first representative or Prime Minister Isa 22:22 which is the pillar & foundation of Truth 1 Tim 3:15 which Ignatius named as Katholikos or Universal in 107AD which codified your bible in 382AD which has existed for 2000 yrs, in spite of sinful men & is the longest existing human institution. Fact check if you don’t believe me. Without altars & no liturgical sacrificial worship, Protestantism generally, doesn’t have proper worship, so not “church”, but, truthfully, more like synagogue with prayer & teaching!

[@tony1685]

@@geoffjs wow! that's a lot of nonsense you posted there! care to expound on any of it?

[@bridgefin]

@@tony1685 While we will entertain your foolishness here I doubt that Jesus will when you two meet. The Scriptural and historical evidence for the Catholic Church are beyond obvious and your cute skepticism is an obvious ploy so we won't see your rebellion against God. Hey, it's not working. You don't see it because you won't see it.

[@leojmullins]

The pinnacle of creation's truth and goodness lies in living according to the Deposit of Faith expressed in the Catholic Church that Christ founded. Evil is any and all lack of truth and goodness that is measured against the Catholic Church. For evil to flourish, there must be nothing to measure it against, hense this age's rage against Catholicism. Protestantism is good when it leads the faithful to Catholicism, but failing that, it serves as a denial of the full truth of Christ. It is the core deceit at the centre of the heresies of the end times. Like all of Satan's lies, it is built on half truths and personal subjective interpretations of the scriptures while denying the traditions that brought the scriptures into being from the beginning. Today, Protestants trying to live a Christian life and worship the authentic Christ and his family have little or no protection from the Accuser and Imposter that is provided by the Apostolic Orthodox Catholic Church that carries the faith down the centuries in their commonly held sacrements, scriptures, creeds, liturgies and traditions

[@Malachor8091]

Follow Christ. All else is irrelevant.

[@johnyang1420]

Thats why we are Catholic.

[@jeromepopiel388]

I didn't get anything convincing. The reason I left Catholicism is that it is a religion of rituals which is an OT wineskin. It is as if the cross didn't fundamentally change the way we can realate to God. It isn't a "new and living way" . The Catholic Church didn't explain how i could be born again. I now know God personally, not through rituals. Matthew was looking for a church in which he would be spoon fed with Jesus served up on a plate. But truly knowing the Lord is done first of all by faith and by a lot of perseverance. I recommend reading a very short but deep book called "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. You meet God in the secret place.

[@RedRoosterRoman]

Brother Lawrence was a committed Roman Catholic? You think his book means you shouldn't be a Catholic? I don't think he would support that... Just because some elements of ritual carry over does not change how incredibly different our worship is compared to the shadow Jewish worship. It's almost sounding like you think the God of the OT is completely different to the NT... Have you read much of "Revelation" and John's gospel? It is HIGHLY liturgical. It is DRIPPING with liturgy. And it is absolutely a refutation of Sola fide. Over and over "you shall be judged for what you do in the body" I'm glad you have a fresh passion for Christ. But it is very unfair to say your experience was based upon a deficiency in Catholicism when so many of us find deeper faith in the liturgy. If you think recieving the eucharist is being "spoon fed Jesus" "Without faith Then you are crazy brother Do you know how much faith it takes in Christ to confess your dirty sins out loud. Presenting your shame for it to be taken away... That take courage from faith. And to kneel down and TRUST the thing placed on your tongue that: -tastes like bread -looks like bread -smells like bread -has bread calories Is the ACTUAL FLESH OF JESUS: because you trust HIS words... Brother that takes a lot of faith. If you eat without discernment then that does not mean the issue is with the eating. It was with a lack of discernment. You meet God in a secret place yes. But it is not one or the other. He is with us 1 on 1. But He also wants us to be in communion. As St Paul the apostle says: One spirit. ONE BODY. I hope this does not come across as rude. Just my 2 cents. I'd love to talk more with you

[@RedRoosterRoman]

Brother Lawrence was a Catholic? Just because some elements of ritual carry over does not change how incredibly different our worship is compared to the shadow Jewish worship. It's almost sounding like you think the God of the OT is completely different to the NT... Have you read much of "Revelation" and John's gospel? It is HIGHLY liturgical. It is DRIPPING with liturgy. And it is absolutely a refutation of Sola fide. Over and over "you shall be judged for what you do in the body" I'm glad you have a fresh passion for Christ. But it is very unfair to say your experience was based upon a deficiency in Catholicism when so many of us find deeper faith in the liturgy. If you think recieving the eucharist is being "spoon fed Jesus" "Without faith Then you are crazy brother Do you know how much faith it takes in Christ to confess your dirty sins out loud. Presenting your shame for it to be taken away... That take courage from faith. And to kneel down and TRUST the thing placed on your tongue that: -tastes like bread -looks like bread -smells like bread -has bread calories Is the ACTUAL FLESH OF JESUS: because you trust HIS words... Brother that takes a lot of faith. If you eat without discernment then that does not mean the issue is with the eating. It was with a lack of discernment. You meet God in a secret place yes. But it is not one or the other. He is with us 1 on 1. But He also wants us to be in communion. As St Paul the apostle says: One spirit. ONE BODY. I hope this does not come across as rude. Just my 2 cents. I'd love to talk more with you

[@RedRoosterRoman]

Brother Lawrence was a Catholic? Just because some elements of ritual carry over does not change how incredibly different our worship is compared to the shadow Jewish worship. It's almost sounding like you think the God of the OT is completely different to the NT... Have you read much of "Revelation" and John's gospel? It is HIGHLY liturgical. It is DRIPPING with liturgy. And it is absolutely a refutation of Sola fide. Over and over "you shall be judged for what you do in the body" I'm glad you have a fresh passion for Christ. But it is very unfair to say your experience was based upon a deficiency in Catholicism when so many of us find deeper faith in the liturgy. If you think recieving the eucharist is being "spoon fed Jesus" "Without faith Then you are crazy brother Do you know how much faith it takes in Christ to confess your dirty sins out loud. Presenting your shame for it to be taken away... That take courage from faith. And to kneel down and TRUST the thing placed on your tongue that: -tastes like bread -looks like bread -smells like bread -has bread calories Is the ACTUAL FLESH OF JESUS: because you trust HIS words... Brother that takes a lot of faith. If you eat without discernment then that does not mean the issue is with the eating. It was with a lack of discernment. You meet God in a secret place yes. But it is not one or the other. He is with us 1 on 1. But He also wants us to be in communion. As St Paul the apostle says: One spirit. ONE BODY. I hope this does not come across as rude. Just my 2 cents. I'd love to talk more with you.

[@magnumsacramentum]

@@jeromepopiel388 the Catholic Church didn't tell you how you're born again? Interesting...

[@docverit2668]

You obviously did not pay attention to what you were indeed taught, and so now you are making false charges to try to justify your apostasy. And you have spewed many mischaracterizations of the Church and what it teaches. You are not sincere, because all that you claim is not available is absolutely available. Lastly, it is up to you to follow Jesus on His terms; not yours. He set up His One True Church and invites people to come in. He does not give anyone permission to break away from His Church and declare that they are actually following Him in a way He has never and will never approve. Go to the Catholic Answers website to see all of the Church teaching you unjustly claim is not there. Also learn the theology and beauty of rituals you have been duped into believing are a problem because you do not understand how and why they are used to enhance one's true relationship with Jesus....again on His terms. The Real Presence is first and foremost in the Eucharist that our Lord commands us to partake in; not symbolically but actually. Stop whining about what you believe you were not provided and see for yourself what the Church does provide and still offers to you and stop lying about the Lord's Church. Good luck.

[@kazager11]

This Marian dogma explanation is nonsense

[@filiusvivam4315]

Dude, at some point I hope you realize that delayed obedience is actually disobedience. Jesus Christ founded One Church, one faith, there is one Baptism. I hope you stop messing around with your pick-and-choose theology.

[@aussierob7177]

Being Catholic gives you 100% of the Word of God. Being non-Catholic gives you 33.3333333% of the word of God.

[@kazager11]

False

[@aussierob7177]

@@kazager11 Sola Scriptua 33.333333 %

[@kazager11]

@@aussierob7177 what are you claiming is 66% of the word of God?

[@SarahHodgins]

the original Catholic Church is still the Orthodox Church. Please research to see how the "Latins" were ripped from her by Charlemagne.

[@SuperSaiyanScandinavian]

the mere fact you say the "Latins" shows that you're not to be trusted. You're either being disingenuous, or you're actually clueless. There are 24 rites in the Catholic Church, and the Western aka Roman, aka Latin Rite makes up just 1 of them. Sure, it's the largest rite; however, calling all Catholics "Latins" is hilarious, and just displays your ignorance. Eastern Catholics do not identify as "Latins", their tradition is very different, and other than the fact that they submit to the Pope, they're almost indistinguishable from the Orthodox.

[@kianoghuz1033]

​@@SuperSaiyanScandinavianthe other 23 rites represent barely 2% of Catholics, and most of the have contradictions against infallible teaching like venerating schismatic saints mind you

[@SuperSaiyanScandinavian]

@@kianoghuz1033 doesn't change the fact that it's incorrect to call all Catholics "Latins"

[@briandelaney9710]

Ok. Cut the silly hit and run proselytizing.

[@kianoghuz1033]

@@SuperSaiyanScandinavian Who rules the roman catholic church? The pope. the Latin pope. immediate and supreme jurisdiction over all churches. Although the chieti document officially approved by the vatican contradicts it

[@philipmarchalquizar7741]

Austin is still Protesting until now. He just make this video for Catholic clicks and views.

[@halleylujah247]

Or he wants to continue having conversations.

[@wonderingpilgrim]

@philipmarchalquizar7741 That's an unfair and unkind judgment call. Some of us take longer than others to come to conclusions, with myself being no exception. But you better believe that if Austin finally does come to the conclusion that Catholicism is true, that there will be no going back and he'll be Catholic for life!

[@wonderingpilgrim]

​@halleylujah247 Definitely! As someone who is still Protestant, but wants to learn, these conversations are important to me.

[@kevinmauer3738]

Ratioed.

[@dylan3456]

Snide, adolescent, smears are an ugly look. Comments like yours add-up to hurt good people. Remember who it is you worship.

[@EssensOrAccidens]

Catholic is the antithesis of Roman Catholic.

[@TyroneBeiron]

Technically, ‘Roman’ Catholics refer properly to the Catholics of the diocese of Rome. The Protestant usage is from the Reformation obviously, and widely used in the British Commonwealth to distinguish Anglican dioceses from those of the Catholics. Thus, the legal use of Roman Catholic is a largely British legacy in such places but is not used by the Catholic Church except when referring specifically to those of the diocese of Rome. Church documents and Canon attest to this usage by Catholics.

[@bridgefin]

The Catholic Church was given the adjective "Roman" by non-Catholics. It is still the only Catholic Church.