Sometimes I have thoughts about how cool it would be if Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox all got together, bowed our heads and just asked God to forgive us for creating a mess, and that we all humbly come to each other and sort out all of our issues one by one, eventually leading us to worship together. But it's just a dream, maybe when we're with our Lord in heaven we'll get it together :).
I think it was CS Lewis who once put forth the idea that the closer one gets to God in any of the branches, the closer one is to those of equal nearness in other branches. Its almost as if we are all attached to the same vine.
If CHRIST is The Way, The Truth and The Life and we are all (regardless of our tradition or experience) Exalt Him then we would be spending less time analyzing and criticizing each other.
I think that "Protestants" cease to be such when they stop protesting, and Catholics become such when they start. As eastern faith goes, Eastern churches are welcomed in to Catholicism with lots of fanfare and get to retain their rites and traditions. See the union of Brest and others for the 23 churches of the Catholic Church. To a lesser extent, but in a similar vein, Anglicans that have come into the Catholic Church have been allowed to retain their particular use, also SSPX that has a checkered history, was allowed back as the FSSP and get to continue the traditions of pre vatican II.
@@matthayes533 We are attached to the same vine! 🙂 But unfortunately the branches tend to look at each other and say "I'm closer to the tree than you are".
When he was talking about "Uncle Louie" that brought me right back to the Sunday in 2018 after the scandals broke. I was so close to not going to church that day, I was in such deep despair but I went. In mass the gospel was Peter say to Jesus "where else shall we go, you have the words of eternal life". And the priest almost crying talking about the truth in those words more than ever. We are not Catholic because of any priest or theologian, we are Catholic because of Jesus. Thank you for this video.
@@tintinismybelgian The Pitsburg grand jury report was what I was referring to, In my memory those are the only ones, as I was only I child in 2002. Sorry for the confusion
@@tintinismybelgian That's when I finally began to realize the Pope and Bishops cannot be trusted. I thank God I was at a conference and got to talk with Dr. David Anders of "Called to Communion". He told me became Catholic because of the Truth of the faith. He wasn't surprised by the corruption at all but rather surprised by the few bishops who are really holy men.
There have been many waves of misdeeds by the Catholic Church in the millennia of its existence. As a Catholic, I have been heartbroken each time. The occasion you mention is one of the waves I remember well. I too thought of leaving Catholicism. And I too heard Peter's rhetorical response to Christ. Where else could I go? I do not in any way condone the evil actions that members of my Church family have done. But I have not become Catholic because of them. I became Catholic because of the good things I have learned and seen, and because of the good things I know to be true. And because of the comfort I feel at Mass, because of the Presence of Christ. My heart tells me this is where I belong, and this is where I will stay. God bless my Protestant brothers and sisters in Christ.
Hi Matt, as a Christian revert who eventually settled on the Catholic tradition I find your videos very refreshing. You hold your own which I respect but I greatly admire your effort to understand the other person's perspective as best as possible without misrepresenting it (something I think we can all be guilty of). I don't watch Protestant channels much these days but I really enjoy your content, keep up the good work. God bless
Jeremiah Alphonsus A bit of an unnecessary comment. I firmly believe in the authority and teachings of the Catholic Church, I accept all Catholic dogma and try as best as I can to display obedience to the Bishops. I settled on Catholicism because I am convinced that it’s true, whereas settling on a food has nothing to do with truth, but rather preference. And my comment was about respecting how respectful Matt is during these conversations. I don’t agree with Protestants on the points where they differ from Catholicism but I can nonetheless admire that he is making a genuine effort to learn about traditions other than his own. I also respect that he doesn’t immediately cave when he’s not convinced by our claims, but as a Catholic I pray that unity and agreement will occur. In the video they speak about comments like this...it doesn’t help anything
@@harrymoore9358 Again WELL SAID! I am in a similar position as a Catholic. I believe in the authority and tradition of the church and as a Christian these conversations are really interesting. Especially because its a Protestant and a Catholic talking about some theological similarities and differences between these two ideologies. So I find this content awesome. Many times I have viewed other protestant material and always walked away from it. But Matt just gets right into these discussions with a Catholic. LOVE IT!
Brendan McDonell Glad we both made it to where we believe home is, and it’s nice to see that many people can appreciate this kind of discussion which we see in the video. Prayer and dialogue is the only chance we have of ending these divisions
I was brought up a Catholic. But spent most of my adult life going to protestant and Pentecostal churches. I carried with me the absolute belief in what Jesus said in John ch6. I absolutely believe it. If you should ever find yourself in a Catholic church alone, go and praise Christ in front of the tabernacle. I have done this, while attending protestant churches and it is powerful, prayerful, beautiful. Like so much in the Catholic church, God is so much greater than the people. I have gone back in my old age. I would love all people to see the Grace of God in all the sacraments.
You should know it is a grave sin to attend heretical services (not my opinion, official catholic teaching). Do not commit sacrilege by receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin. Get to confession.
@@mathieuconklin3146 By no means go worship God to a place where people disagree in matters that have nothing to do with the essential purpose of Christ's sacrifice. Makes absolutely no sense.
I think in the future all of the churches will reconcile there differences and become one church again. I've learned a lot about Marry and the saints and it's different from what I heard as a child growing up in the Baptist church. So that has stuck with me, the priest role I'm still confused and the communion I'm still confused on. Purgatory is something I'm interested in learning about. But I think people need an open mind and I think we're gonna get there.
@@braxtonbearden835there is no purgatory. Indulgences are a farce. Rome says she’s the only way to Salvation. Repent and turn to God. extra Ecclesiam nulla salus
@@braxtonbearden835 Both doctrines may be difficult for protestants to understand... But! Research about them, learn what they are and where they reside in the early Church. Patrístic is very important to understand certain doctrines I may be able to explain the eucharist but purgatory is a bit more complicated
livepathsearching Because Catholic and Protestants believe in the same baptism. It has the same meaning. Therefore re-baptism or a new baptism is not needed for them
@@livepathsearching5140 Because baptism iz considered a sacrament in the CC - all sacraments have to do something with grace - and that grace "works" beacuse God is behind it so as long as people use the correct formula (...in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) and water, that is a valid baptism.
Being a Catholic priest, I enjoyed this conversation. I'm reaching out to the Church of England these days to know them more. Last year I was in of their Churches and I was really impressed. I always treated everyone my brothers as I have seen so in our atmosphere (except by non practicing or fanatic Catholics). It's really good talking with our brothers and sisters and praying with them!
You are a heretical priest, modernist, make yourself a pastor, we dont need priest like you. Protestants dont believe in the transubstantiation of the eucharist, deny the intercetion of Mary. Jésus is fondamental you take it or leave it... And im NOT a fanatic, just a catholic from France. Good bless you and i hope you will leave are church.
Pavan Musb Are the statements in Vatican II similar or the same as Vatican one on this issue as well as does anybody understand how to deal with the new decision on baptism and who is included and who is not
As an Anglican, we feel very connected to our Roman siblings even though we have our differences. I always feel comfortable going to Catholic Mass and I hope you also feel comfortable attending our Eucharist ❤️
@Be Skeptical Of Everything What you are saying is wrong and creating division from the evil one. Do you read the Bible? In heaven there is no denomination or particular Church but the worship and honor that belong to God (Jesus) who inhabited humanity to save all those who accept him and resurrection for their salvation. God Bless You!
That's great! Though it shouldn't matter how it makes you feel. It's great that you feel connected and balanced, but that is worrisome if that is the main reason you're catholic because as soon as you don't feel that way anymore, you will go to different churches until you feel connected again. The truth is objective no matter our feelings. Many saints went through long periods of feeling disconnected and kept strong in the faith despite that. God bless
@@mathieuconklin3146 thank you for your viewpoint! I had stopped attending mass but even then didn’t consider visiting Protestant churches. And wouldn’t consider switching either. I’m Catholic through good and bad times. I am older so this could be why I feel differently than when I was young.
I’m publishing a weekly RUclips video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you..
@@willemgloudemans1442 i'm not christain but imo thinking there isnt a god, or some form of higher power is redundant. the universe is FAR too complex for their not to be some ultimate form of order. now that said "god" could be an energy between all of us, or something we are not meant to understand. but in the end, i believe their HAS to be SOME form of "god".
@@thorshk hey you should watch discovery science and associates for bible research and answers in genesis and genesis apologetics and bible project and aoc network playlist on eschatology and typology and apologetics press and living waters
@@willemgloudemans1442 hey I hope you research christianity here are some material watch Associates for bible research and answers in genesis and genesis apologetics and bible project and aoc network playlist on eschatology and typology and apologetics press and living waters .
As one who totally gets the atheist point of view, here's my questions and what I'd have to say. One, if there is a divine creator/s would you want to know that, Him, Her, or They? If not, then there's nothing to bother with, if you do, then here's the next part. Second, if you could come to know and believe in a God/creator, would you be willing to work at getting to know Him, and His will and intention for your life, and then work to follow and obey Him in his way, and acknowledge and ask forgiveness when you don't, with the intention to change your ways, asking Him for help? If you would answer yes to both of those things, then all you have to do is say God, if you are real, will you help me know it, and ultimately know you? For me what I believe is what I've come to know. What I know is God loves you and wants relationship with you, and if your not sure about that, but would want to know if it's true, ask him for that also, in a leap of faith if you have to. A really good book by a once Atheist journalist for the Chicago Tribune if I tembef right, is "The Case for Christ," by Lee Strobel. My advice, if you take this journey, is that you understand it's a marathon not a sprint. At times you'll feel like it's a sprint, at other times you'll be camping out in need of aide. If your someone who operates If
I would also say, if you take the Christian journey and operate better in intellect and study with defined principals,. Look to a more Orthodox Church, my highest suggestion is the Catholic Church. However, if you're more into free spirit and emotional expression, than an evangelical, or non denominational is best. There's really a lot of inbetweens. As long as the bible is taught you can learn, but not all teaching is sound because of assumptions and interpretation. Honestly if you take the journey, just keep asking God to lead you where he wants you, if you get uncomfortable ask Him if it's something in you, or something in the church you're at, and whether to stay or Go, pray or speak up. I hate to say it, but all the church and theological diversity can be tough to navigate. Use your head, trust your gut, and never be afraid to talk with God, and ask for help. If that's a journey you come to that is.
As somebody preparing to enter the seminary for the Catholic priesthood this Fall, I would just like to thank both of you for these civil conversations. This is how our Church will be healed. If every Christian treated each other like you two treat each other (and other Christians), the world would be a much better place. God bless!
JackR168: Wow, you're from Diocese of Lafayette! I'm from that diocese too. I'm a parishioner in Lafayette (St. Lawrence). That's cool to find someone that watches this channel from my diocese. I wish you the best!
Brother Matt, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reaching out to us Catholics. As for your question at the end of this episode, I think there are the same number of differences that exist between Catholics and Protestants, however I think they have been dwarfed by other considerations. The late Archbishop Fulton Sheen once interviewed a Protestant minister who had escaped from behind the Iron Curtain and had suffered horribly under the Communists. What emerged from their riveting conversation was that when you are in the trenches against a common, horrific enemy the theological differences among allies is overshadowed by their common beliefs. That is where I think we are today. Thanks for your wonderful ministry and please...don't wait too long to post Part 3 of this series!!! May the Peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones!
SPOILER: Actual Catholic Christian Teaching: Protestants can be called Christian as well. This is in the Catechism of the Catholic Christian Church: *Wounds to unity* *817* In fact, "in this one and only Church of God from its very beginnings there arose certain rifts, which the Apostle strongly censures as damnable. But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions appeared and large communities became separated from full communion with the Catholic Church - for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame." The ruptures that wound the unity of Christ's Body - here we must distinguish heresy, apostasy, and schism - do not occur without human sin: Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers. *818* "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church." *819* "Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth" are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: "the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements." Christ's Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, and are in themselves calls to "Catholic unity."
@@fredharvey2720 Yes and No. Vatican II isn't a canonically binding council (it adds no new dogma); it takes existing dogma and repackages them in a way that a 21st century person can understand. So let's take the existing dogma and see if we can see how Vatican II arrives at their conclusions. 1) . God gives all innocent unbelievers (infideles negativi) sufficient grace to achieve eternal salvation. (This is a certain truth deduced from the goodness of God, scripture, and other dogmas). 2) Extra Esclisia nulla salus --outside the church there is no salvation Given (3) Not all innocent unbelievers are visibly members of the Church, we must find a way to reconcile this. The above text is one such way to do that, we say that all who are baptized are in effect 'catholic' but that they are invisibly ignorant of the entirety of the truth of the Church. However, If they become aware of their heresy/schism and still persist then they put their souls in danger of hellfire. To further expound this let's take another dogma of the faith: Baptism by water (Baptismus fluminis) is, since the promulgation of the Gospel, necessary for all men without exception, for salvation. Without a careful reading this would seem to exclude the unbaptized from salvation. But it need not, for it did not say the following: Baptism by water (Baptismus fluminis) is, since the promulgation of the Gospel, essential for all men without exception, for salvation. The distinction between necessary and essential is an important one. On a public road it is necessary to drive on the correct side of the road but it is not essential. (That is, you can, for a time, drive on the wrong side of the road). However, it is essential to have an engine in order to drive. (At no time can you transport yourself without a working engine, or without gas in certain cars ect.) Thus we can conclude: Necessary = cannot be avoided, while essential = integral to the commission of. A quick google of the difference will yield these results. Thus, Baptism by water (Baptismus fluminis), since the promulgation of the Gospel, cannot be avoided by any man, without exception, for salvation. This leaves open the possibility that salvation would be possible to those who did not avoid water baptism. (Like a Muslim for instance). We would still say they are baptized (perhaps they are at the moment of death 'baptized' by God himself although not by physical water; So that the primary mode, of which the verb is named is intrinsically linked to the effect, but their are alternatives that grant the same effect. ex: you could 'google' something on the bing search engine).
@@mordimerlives "Vatican II isn't a canonically binding council" The church teaches that Vatican II is ecumenical and binding regardless if did not add new dogma.
@@tysonguess My point wasn't to dismiss Vatican II. By 'canonically binding', I did not mean to reference the cannons of law, but the cannons of dogma. Recall the context. I was asked if the teachings (which I interpreted as dogmas) concerning the ecumenical nature were around pre-Vatican II. To prove that point beyond dispute I pointed to the fact that no dogmatic cannons were added to Vatican 2. Thus the bedrock of Vatican II's teaching must be a result of already established truths.
As a Christian who is feeling pulled towards the Catholic Church, this dialogue with Dr. Jeremy Holmes has been one of the most helpful resources yet. Both of you being so versed in Church history and theology, while being respectful of each others differing views, is invigorating. Thank you greatly for this. God bless.
@@goofygrandlouis6296 I think that IS a very underestimating talk. There is a multitude of people that are so amazing in Catholic Church! And The history of The Saints are beautyful
Softballs thrown, without real challenges presented? You don't need to scream and spit, but questions that literally just about any Christian on the street could ask aren't very satisfying...
@@barelyprotestant5365 everyones gotta start somewhere, especially when Catholics and protestants basically speak a different language with the same words. Yeah, they were definitely softballs, but most protestants dont even talk to an informed catholic enough to have ever even played softball, so... it's a good start.
@@shananotz9920 that ignorance goes both ways; for instance, Romanists thinking that they have a monopoly on the word "Catholic". No. Romanism is not the entirety of the Church Catholic. As an Anglican, I am Catholic. I am simply not under the Papacy's thumb.
@@barelyprotestant5365 yeah ive heard Anglicans say that. Except Anglicanism is called Anglican because it wasn't universal it was.... Anglican. So I dont get it. Didnt they also have to change the name in the USA because Anglican is anglican and that was obvious in the name so in order to make it pretend to be universal it had to change its name?
@@barelyprotestant5365 I know that probably sounded snarky but I didnt mean it that way I just dont get it. The symbol of the papacy is the unifying point. I dont always like the stuff that comes out of heirarchy in an un-official-magisterium way these days, but to me, the authority of the magisterium as represented by the seat of peter is invaluable to the concept of christianity.
I'am a catholic from the Netherlands(the southern part where almost everybody is catholic) and i find this video awesome. For me personelly a protestant is a christian brother. We have to unite that's what Jesus wants us to do. Keep up the good work Matt!
We are not a religion we are in a personal relationship with christ..we are all brothers and sisters in christ..lest a man be born again..means turn from sin and lead a christ filled life..repent and be baptized ...
I know, I kept wanting to yell at them to eat it. I'm the cook of the family and it drives me nuts when people sit and wait for everyone to sit down while their food gets cold.
As a Catholic revert (former agnostic) I want to say thank you for making these videos. I really enjoy your videos. My hope is that all Christians can one day worship under the same roof. Thank you!
lol!! I’m not even Catholic but the Catholic Church is literally the central default church in the history of Christianity. The other branches were the ones that broke off
What?! Catholics may be a lot of things, but cult isn't one of them. They are so big and mainstream. They are the most mainstream group that Christianity has. There are other denominations that do give me cult vibes. They are Amish, Mennonite, Jehovahs Witness, Seventh Day Adventist, Christian Science and Mormon. Learning about them makes me appreciate Catholics so much more. They do have issues with tyranny, particularly during the Dark Ages and Protestant Reformation. However Catholics are unable to isolate followers from the mainstream society. They are the mainstream. So relativly speaking the potential tyranny of Catholics isn't that bad.
This is a fantastic discussion series. I'm an uh.. Agnostic? Atheist? Either way, I'm not part of this world. You once said in a video that you appreciate those of us who are here to learn a bit about something we're not really a part of, and I think conversations like this one do a really good job of helping me learn a bit about faith. Thanks as always, looking forward to the next video!
Keep searching my friend, maybe it will allow you to learn the true nature of God. I know a lot of people who don't believe in God, and they're highly intelligent for it, because the god they don't believe in truly doesn't exist. I pray that He reveals His truth to you in ways that allow you to know who He really is...home is a great place to be!
@@abcoh4440 well its good that you enjoy it and listen to these. Its a much more productive use of your time than 90% of athiests who just comment to bash the videos.
@Free Thinker doesn't that imply there is a deeper truth within the text? Or that it is meant to misguide the reader and there is no truth at all in the text?
As an Episcopalian/Anglican, this conversation about owning your church history is so important to me. It's hard to hold that tension between the admirable and regrettable people and events of your faith background and what you decide to hold close.
Oh wow. Anglican. You guys are the perfect example of owning and reconciling your history. Henry the Eighth was your version of the drunk uncle. He was a notorious figure in history due to his marital issues. However this doesn't mean Anglicans as a whole are bad people. I think it is quite the opposite. The one thing that Henry got right on was the issues of religion. So Anglicans were based on some really brilliant ideas. It is great that they tried to find a balance between Catholic and Protestant. It is even more great that they broke off from the pope, but they still retain a lot of the nice rituals from Catholics. Overall Anglicans form a really good and really well rounded group. They even have the King James Bible, which is awesome for English-speaking Christians. Lutherins are very similar, and they are another great group. The biggest difference is that they are based on Germany instead of England. I like Lutherinism a little bit better because Martin Luther is a more appealing founder. It is just a very tiny even hairsplitting preference. Both groups are awesome though. Both are two of my favorite Christian denominations.
I was raised Lutheran and converted to Catholicism in 2003. I LOVE all of your videos. They are respectful and informative. We need more of this. One thing that I think was touched on briefly is that many protestants feel that Catholics aren't Christians. I agree that I think we are more closely aligned than we think. When I became Catholic I didn't feel that I was now on the correct side of this. My wife and I debated for 13 years about who was "right" and all it did was divide us more, and we seldom went to church. Through a lot of discernment I decide to unite our marriage under our common beliefs in Jesus and not worry about the hair splitting theological differences. The end result is a family that now attends church weekly and our faith is very much part of our lives.
@@georgeibrahim7945 All christians are catholic. The term "catholic" applies to all who are truly christian. Not all who call themselves either are such.
As a white British muslim living in England and following this channel for quite a while now I can honestly say that your videos are some of the most enjoyable from a Christian perspective. Excellent job, exceptional grace, keep up the good work Matt.
I think he's really got it right about the assumptions. Where I differ, as a convert, is that when I read the Early Church Fathers, in their historical context, it became clear to me that I was very wrong in my Protestant set of assumptions in how I read passages like John 6. Apparently that doesn't happen for everyone, which is surprising for me. I think it's very clear that the Catholic view of Scripture, Tradition, Authority and the Sacraments, especially the Real Presence is extremely clear in the earliest Fathers like Polycarp, Ignatius of Antioch, and Iraneaus. My suggestion for people is always to read those men for yourself if you want to really know what the Church believed and practiced before everyone had the luxury of a Bible on their smartphone.
The Fathers are still undefeated. It amazes me how much they have contribute to conversions from the brightest minds in protestantism to the true Church; it's almost instantaneously for some of them like Francis Beckwith.. As cradle catholic, I was ignorant of all of this and now I am reading more and more from these guys... There are millions out there that still need to come home... As Acts 2:47 says, "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as SHOULD BE SAVED."
Agreed. Don't forget Justin Martyr and the First Apology: "...For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the Flesh and Blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.” - (First Apology, 66)
Protestants literally believe that everyone went nuts right after the apostles died and stayed that way for 1500 years till their prophet came along. It requires a belief that Jesus wasn't God or that He didn't start a real, living Church. Neither one of those ideas comports with scripture, which they say they've read.
@@Doug8521 - Amen, agree completely. I'm a convert, so I was raised believing much of the modern distortions, though (Thankfully) not the worst of the Anti-Catholic Bigotry. It amazes me that anyone could actually Read the Church Fathers (and not just some "Cherry picked" proof-texts) and have even the slightest doubt that they were all talking about The Catholic Church, and the same core dogma's She teaches today.... And yet, Clearly, people of "Good Will" can and do. Blows me away.... But "it is what it is".
It’s easy to believe that often times when it APPEARS that saints and Mary are being worshipped while jesus is just forgotten about. Not saying that’s true but when I first even heard about Catholics that’s what it looked like.
@@aidanmcwhirter2612 I first heard that's what Protestants are told about Catholics when I got to college. I told my friend "That's crazy! That's not true!" It would be like because you have a photo of your dead grandmother and talk to it sometimes as if it's her saying things like "I wish you were here. I could really use your advice." Doesn't mean you're worshipping the photo or believe it's actually her.
@@aidanmcwhirter2612 I understand and didn't think that's what you believe. I was surprised to learn it's what some people believe and that's what is taught to Protestant children about Catholics. It isn't until they're older and meet people outside of their social circle that they learn not everything they were taught is true. We're all taught stuff we later find out needed a grain of salt. 😊
I'm Catholic and only discovered G.K. Chesterton in my "noon day devil" years. As I listened to this talk, I was reminded of this Chesterton statement, "A man is not really convinced of a philosophic theory when he finds that something proves it. He is only really convinced when he finds that everything proves it." Bringing the differences to light and addressing them in good humor is important. At some point the scale is going to tip and a fearful decision must be made. May God bless you and your family for this program.
You have a real ministry here. As a Catholic raised Baptist with a Baptist minister father, charismatic sister, and Methodist grandparents, I long and hunger for the day when Jesus prayer in John 17 will be fulfilled and we will all truly be one. Bridge building is so important here and that is what i see in your work. You have a way of saying/asking things candidly, directly, and straightfowardly while at the same time remaining humble, gracious and respectful in your approach. I will pray for you during Mass and during the rest of the week. Thank you for your gift. God bless you!
As I Catholic, there was a time when your questions were my questions really. I praise God, that a protestant convert actually made me understand Catholic teaching fully based on scriptures. I suggest you talk with Scott Hahn.
Keep digging, I was Reformed Baptist (5 points mega-super Calvinist) till 2 years ago when I could not take it anymore. There is nothing like the joy of being part of The Church and receiving Christ risen and glorified in the eucharist. Many died for the eucharist during the first 300 years of Christianity because they knew what they were receiving or taking to their captive brothers/sisters.
To go from Reformed Baptist to Catholic screams huge deception. I normally wouldn't say something so cutting but it seems you're aware theologically of what you've done. Keep digging, and come back to Christianity.
Daniel was thrown to the den of lions for prayer to God. Does this mean that he risked death because he knew public prayer was mandatory for salvation or was he was publicly acknowledging God as supreme to set an example of the Way? Matthew 6:6, public prayer is not required for salvation. Therefore, the risk for following God does not mean the thing you are specifically practicing that could get you killed in the key to salvation.
@Andrew Elliott: Beware of the 200-300 assumptions brother. I believe Jorge followed his conscience, as Luther affirmed. He had his good reasons to do so. Was it deception? You do understand he could say the exact same of you, right? Only God looks into the heart and knows everything. And will judge accordingly. But I think we all should have an open mind and an open heart, like Matt and Dr. Jeremy here. It is edifying. And so we should be too. Not at the expense of truth, agreed. But for the sake of Love.
Dude, I've seen and listened to a lot of people talking about religion and Christianity on RUclips and no one does it better than you do! Keep up the excellent work! God bless!
I agree! I feel like the popular protestants say we Catholics arent Christians. I admire him and gospel simplicity as they are not anti-Catholic even tho they are protestant.
You’re a universal? How? Catholic means universal but yet they believe in extra Ecclesiam nulla salus, there is no salvation outside the Roman church? Church is the buddy/people not the buildings/Rome institutions.
I'm really impressed by your honesty and willingness to ask questions. I'm a Catholic that dreams of having such forthright and respectful conversations with my Protestant friends! God bless your work, brother.
Im trying to find my way now. I was loosely raised Catholic, however I attended a Baptist church with my wife (6 year). She is not interested in Catholicism at all. I keep finding myself attending a Mass every now and then by myself. It is truly hard to deny Church history and Authority. I think the Catholics have it right. I look around, and I have been to several protestant churches, and ask myself, is this how God wants us to worship him? I dont think it is, going back to early Christian and even Jewish teaching/worship, we as protestants lack actual worship in a lot of ways.
danmj2 thanks for your comment. You know, one of things that always stood out to me before I converted to Catholicism was the emphasis by Jesus and the apostles on communion in the early Church. Now as a priest offering the Eucharist I can really say that that centrality has endured to this day in Catholic worshiop.
@@frjohn413 I think that is what is starting to draw me in the most. Reading up and looking at the history of the early church, I dont think we were ever supposed to get away from that. Thanks Fr. John.
Whenever I hear speakers like Steve Ray or Scott Hahn, it's immediately clear how much my protestant brothers love Christ; they certainly have charisms as scholars and evangelists. Which is what makes me lament our sorry, seperated state, because it's clear how much better off the Catholic Church would be if it brought all its sheep back into the fold. I know some may see the amount of christians in the world and say: look, different churches are reaching different people. I see the opposite. Secular, modernists who mock religion or just outright ignore it because our house is not in order, or because they get mixed ideas about what our religion is really about. They get bits and pieces from a hundred different sources, which inevitably contradict and make the whole endeavor seem like a ruse. And if Gods graces could help us unite as one body, it would be even stronger, and reach even more people than the splintered churches do today. God Bless you, Matt. And to everyone: don't let the people of God keep you from God. We can all be hypocrites and judgemental, and it's because of that we need Him. If someone is making you feel bad or unwelcome, they probably need to work on their own formation rather than evangelizing others, so keep looking for someone else to guide you.
I agree. I think that when a lot of non-Christians look at the Christian world, what they see is a lot of division, contradiction, and confusion... which is why Jesus prayed that the Apostles & all who follow them would be unified as one, so that the world would know that it is from God.
This is the main reason why I converted to Catholicism as well (from non-denominational Christian). In the face of moral relativism, we as a Church need to be more unified in our stance, and the Catholic Church has a fighting chance as the church founded by Christ.
I know my comment is a bit late. Since becoming closer with a Catholic friend I have become more curious if why he believes what he does. We have deep conversations of faith, mostly me presenting my narrow view of some difference between us and acknowledging my ignorance on the subject (I am a Protestant myself). I love seeing another curious Protestant asking questions that I would! Thank you so much for this!
Time and time again, I am amazed at how well you articulate yourself. I love and appreciate so much your levelheaded discussions with different traditions of Christianity. I have commented I think on every one of your videos on the Catholic Church, as well as Orthodox Christians. To answer your question, I absolutely believe we are doing a fairly good job loving along side each other. As you mentioned, the extremes on the ends of the bell curve are the loudest and craziest. But the middle genuinely love each other, and see each other as true family. May Almighty God reward you for your continued search for the Truth, and for your heart of Love, and desire for unity!
I agree with you. In college the Protestant Campus Ministry that I was apart of worked better with the Catholic Campus Ministry than with any of the other Protestant groups on campus. I had an awesome conversation with the Catholic priest and he actually gave me words of encouragement as I am now preparing to start seminary in the fall. I have had wonderful conversations with Catholic priests and Catholic laity that have shown me that we are all Christian and we agree on the main things.
Matt, I'm a Catholic convert after 45 years as a pretty seriously committed Protestant viewpoint and I got to say I LOVE WHAT YOU'RE doing here!! thank you and GOD BLESS YOU! I love ALL of your other videos too! On your question of "Are we unified as the Body of Christ or a "mess"", check out Pope Benedict's book "Jesus of Nazareth, Part 2 Holy Week, Chapter Four" - Ratzinger addresses this question and leans heavily on the LUTHERAN theologian Rudolf Bultmann as his source. Really good stuff. Thanks again for all you do!
I am an Evangelical Christian and I love these discussions because I can learn about my brothers and sisters in Jesus and how & why they believe different than me. I have always prayed that the Catholic Church, especially the Pope, would do well and be examples of Christ to the world. Like it or not, non-Christians look toward ANY Christian leader for good or bad. So when the Pope is leading well, Christ is lifted up, or when an Evangelical leader screws up, Christ is laughed at, and vice versa.
William Gibson you should watch videos of Scott Hahn, Jimmy Akin, Tim Staples or Steve Ray. These guys were former protestants but now Catholic and I find the best Catholics are former protestants who have so much love for our Lord and Saviour.
Yes, but more important than outer appearances is the appearance we have towards God, and it doesn't do any benefit to pay lip service to the Apostles and the Gospel while adding things that neither the Apostles or Christ taught. Which is what happens in the official Roman Catholic doctrine (like thesaurus meritorum, insuficiency of the work Christ, etc), that is disregarding the unofficial pronouncements of their current Pope which are all over the place, and also happens a lot in many Evangelical circles (prosperity heresy, word of faith, sabellianism, cheap grace, etc). So keep good relations with everyone when possible, but if actually following Christ is a scandal to outsiders, so be it, but not for our own selfish reasons or to try to appease the current culture by denying Christ.
@@georgeibrahim7945 That seems to disprove Catholicism, that the best Catholics have to be Protestants first, that they have to be saved outside the Catholic church first...
Matt, my family really enjoy your videos. I converted from LCMS to the Catholic Church. Something that helped me to better understand some of the Catholic doctrines was studying Typology. As a Lutheran I knew there were parallels in Scripture but Typology is much more than just a parallel in Scripture. It really opened my eyes or as you mentioned made the picture flip. If possible could you incorporate Catholic Typology in a future video?
Joseph Graham , for example the marian dogmas were a stumbling block for me. I was used to requiring scripture to explicitly say this or that. When I gained a knowledge of what typology is and how it is applied it changed everything. Research ark of the covenant in the OT being a type of Mary as an ark in the NT. You will find some awesome scripture in Luke that ties her the OT. That is one example. Mary as the new Eve is another.
@@zachbrauks5584 Thanks Zach, I've already come across this type; and it is a wonderful one, yet the ever virgin Mary is in the Lutheran confessions and Mary as our mother the church, who held all creation in the humanity of the Christ-child, that her body was taken away like the ark and Moses... these teachings don't seem to me to address the issues of Hus, Luther, Chemnitz or the others of that tradition. That being said, I still hope for reconciliation (the gospel, from my current understanding of the 'lutheran' tradition) and am blessed by the richness of our ancient Christian tradition being revealed to me by Roman and Eastern Theologians.
Joseph Graham , the LCMS did teach of a Virgin birth but not necessarily ever virgin. The LCMS also does not believe in Mary’s immaculate conception or her being sinless her entire life. For myself this is where the ark type helped. The ark was made of the finest materials and was not to be touched by sin. If this is true for the OT ark and we believe that Mary is the NT ark, then these verses in Luke help us to see how the early fathers may have come to this understanding biblically.
I’m a Filipino Roman Catholic, and all I can say is that I also love protestants and orthodox as well. I respect them and I also love their traditions. I think that what matters here is that we worship God as our only Lord and Savior in life despite of our different practices. God bless to all Christians. ✝️✝️✝️❤️🇵🇭
I’m publishing a weekly RUclips video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you..
zorbo77 I find Matt Fradd incredibly humble, he frequently talks about his own struggles and shortcomings. it seems evident he really wants to share the Catholic faith
Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Satan has always attacked the Church, but will not defeat the Church that Jesus formed through Peter and the apostles.
Matt I love your show. I have been waiting for this second one for months. I have loved just about all the ones you have done so for. I am a Catholic with a masters in Catholic theology. I have learned much from many of your shows. Thank you! I think your very gracious to your Catholic guest and I think you are honest and do great work. I loved the Catholic stuff you have done. Please do more of these. They are great friendly dialogues. Thank you for being a great witness to Christ. God bless you brother! Chris B. M.T.S.
As a Catholic, I want to thank you for videos like these. The discussion is intelligent, your reasoning is logical, and knowledge is sought rather than conversion. I genuinely respect your position and I appreciate the respect you show to both Dr. Holmes and Catholics in general, and I ask you to please keep producing content like this because it’s valuable to all people, Protestants and Catholics alike. God bless you!
Hi Matt, So I have been a Christian my whole life. I recently got engaged and my fiancé is very Catholic. I was very anti-catholic for, again most of my life due to what I was taught. The interesting thing is that after research, I am now becoming Catholic and would already be if our church wasn’t closed down to COVID-19. Anyway, my question or maybe just a comment is about the Eucharist. I believed just as you that is was a symbol rather than His body and blood. However, after reading a passage from John, it really made me think. It is John 6: 48-68. In this reading Christ does not run after his disciples and say, “Wait, Wait... What I meant was this was just a metaphor to my body and blood.” I think this passage really hit home for me because He let those disciples walk away and not try and stop them or correct an incorrect thought. I really thought that was powerful... But, Just my two cents. Have a Blessed day and look forward to your next video. In Christ
If the Eucharist is the sacrifice of Christ re-presented then that means the Scriptures must be wrong when they say Christ's work is finished, presenting a sacrifice that doesn't need to be repeated. But if the Scriptures are correct it means the work of Christ is complete, and priests are no longer needed cf. Romans 6-7.
@@trinidad17 There's only one Sacrifice. The Eucharist is not a new sacrifice, but the SAME sacrifice for eternity, present, for that very reason, in masses that happens anywhere, anytime. Jesus teaches in The Holy Supper an act that create real presence of flesh and blood of His crucifixion through ages, through centuries and centuries. So that's not ONLY memory and symbol of union, but memory and union in fact. Obey Jesus on that and you'll be part of the Body of Christ (the Church) literally, not only intellectually. Jesus are 100% human, 100% God. The Eucharist is whole Jesus, blood, body, soul (human nature) and divinity (god nature), while the mere revival in memory is half of His teaching and commandment. The priests do not makes new sacrifices, but, instead, in obedience to Jesus, they bring the only sacrifice to christians, so that they may remain with Him, sanctify themselves and be saved.
I definitely think that we as Christians are more unified than ever before when speaking about our differences. However, I also think that the vast majority of us (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, etc.) are inching closer and closer to living secularist lifestyles, believing they can live without the church whatsoever. I have so many evangelical friends who are not relying on the Bible for what they believe, and that's sorta the point of Protestantism. As a high-schooler I've seen many friends grow up in a Southern Baptist church, but through the years slowly or quickly turn to relativism, atheism, and agnosticism without even realizing what changed. In the end, God never changes. We're the ones who change, and I pray that whether Catholic or Protestant, we as Christians continue to seek after God. Thank you so much for this video! I can't wait for the next!
I appreciate these (and all your) videos Matt. I wish there were more civil and gracious resources like this when I was studying. I grew up in a very devoted catholic family and left for protestantism after years of research... and on both sides it was difficult to find intelligent resources that explored this differences without being condescending. Thank you for your work in making the discussion more civil
Best route to the truth is reading Scripture, not relying on human opinions and prejudices. I was guilty of reading other people’s opinion about Scripture more than reading Scripture. Apostle Paul said all scripture is God breathed, or inspired. God gave us the Bible through humans writing it.
Matt, I was born and raised a Catholic, however I didn't actually surrender my life to Jesus until about 11 months ago (37 years into my life) because I received a grace from God, to be in a position in my life in which after 11 1/2 years of marriage my wife was convicted that she wanted out. The journey with Jesus has been amazing and very intense. My comment is a response to the final question that you posed at the end of this video. Full disclosure, I am highly uneducated. The highest form of education I have ever received is 12 units at a community college for some general education. I might as well be a "fisherman." I feel moved by the Holy Spirit however to offer a different perspective that I don't really hear at all surprisingly. I am going to play Devil's Advocate here. The Catholic Church has been under attack by Satan since the beginning. If I was the Enemy and I know the weaknesses of Man, wouldn't I want to attack those weaknesses relentlessly? One of our many human weaknesses is our own selfish pride. If a Pope acted in a despicable manner (he is still just a man with weakness just like any of us), wouldn't we open ourselves up to the attacks from the Enemy by taking a position of judgment. God is the one true and only judge. I would offer that the Enemy is pleased by the number of Christian denominations there are (thousands) because of the lack of unity. However, after more than 2,000 years, the Catholic Church still stands. All Glory and Praise to Jesus.
I am a life-long, multi-denominational Protestant exploring Catholicism with an open mind. I was dedicated Southern Baptist, baptised Episcopalian/Anglican, confirmed Lutheran (LCMS), and then had a brief adult fling with the Presbyterian Church (Evangelical and PCA). I have rejected all forms of Calvinism and currently go to a non-denom rooted in the Southern Baptist tradition. While I love my church, I feel there are things missing. I AM disheartened by the gazillion splinters in the Protestant category and find a lot of the Evangelical Christian approach to salvation to be inadequate. A recent trip to my Uncle's funeral mass reignited my interest in Catholicism. These videos have been deeply enlightening and thought-provoking. Please keep them up. As others have suggested, please hit up Father Mike Schmitz for a conversation. His videos at Ascension Presents are just fabulous. God bless.
There are not a "gazillion" splinters in the Protestant church. Most churches allow you to take communion with each other for example. That is how the Roman Church identifies "full communion" therefore there are NOT 30,000 denominations.
Just wanna say, I am now subscribing to your channel because I’m a catholic and I love my Protestant brothers and sisters. I wish and pray that we will grow into greater and greater unity. I feel like there is so much the Catholic Church could benefit from learning from Protestants, and so much that the Protestants could learn from the Catholics. I truly believe both are Gods Church and belong in unity. So, I am super thankful for your respect towards Catholics and your taking your time to talk with us and point out the really key things that we actually still have in common. I think you’re doing a good thing. I wish more people would notice this and see the fact that the Holy Spirit is at work in both of us, Protestants and Catholics.
Lucia: That is a SUPER wonderful & heart warming comment. I have been reading all of the comments and yours is one of the most gracious and uplifting (no hyperbole). I am sure Matt will see this and appreciate it. Thank you! (ps: catholic here too).
Years ago Dennis Prager had a radio show on Sunday nights called Religion on the line. It was absolutely fascinating, informative and inspiring. So happy to have found your channel. So far looks like the discussion are with Christians of varying denominations which are many! Very interesting to learn how different denominations are expressed. :)
Thank you Matt, I’ve been hoping to find a video to share with my sister, who remained a Roman Catholic all her life, how Eastern Orthodoxy is different.I was able to share your series with her. I was raised Catholic drifted away as an young adult and eventually asked myself what do all churches had in common: the Bible, of course. I became a Baptist, then shifted to an evangelical church. I learned the Bible and towards the 25 year mark, I attended a Sunday school class on early church history. This caused me to re-examine my beliefs, especially about the eucharist (esp. ‘anamnesis’ - used only 4x in the NT- although translated as ‘remembrance’ this does not cover the full expression of the Greek word) as for the schism, I ended up agreeing with Orthodoxy. I also learned that many ancient words (‘symbol’, being one) had their meaning redefined over the centuries. In the West, many theologians tend to be lawyers whereas in the East it is otherwise. Thanks for your honest curiosity.
"In the West, many theologians tend to be lawyers whereas in the East it is otherwise." So in the east many theologians end up being lawyers? Interesting
Thank you for allowing the love of Christ to radiate through both of you. Ultimately, that is what will truly bring people closer to Jesus and His Church.
I'm kinda disappointed that we didnt get to see the rest of this discussion..its been 4 months.....feels like we were left hanging ... too bad bcoz I really found this a very interesting conversation 😔
Matt, as a catholic I would like to say I love how you are so focused in seeking the truth and what say "group of Christ followers" or what "group of brothers in Christ" you should be part of. You really remind me of Nabeel.
Great video Matt! As a Catholic I am glad to see that you have the courage to engage a Catholic theologian. I pray you will join the Catholic Church in God's time.
@@makikoba He is genuinely trying to live out his faith, yes. And we must respect people regardless of their beliefs, we are not obliged to respect their religion though. I do not respect Protestantism as a true religion, nor Islam or any other false religion. We must pray that they find the true Church, the Catholic Church. :)
I’m publishing a weekly RUclips video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him.. Thank you..
I truly appreciate these conversations. As a life long protestant (along the Pentecostal vein) I had various assumptions about the Catholic church. I still have some of those assumptions but I think this video (and those like it) show that far more can be garnered or understood by having actual conversations instead of the seemingly new norm which is the 'dumpster fire' of youtube videos 'correcting' any denomination that is not theirs. I found this refreshing.
Thank you for the video. A diffrence that I notice is that on many questions and interpretations of scripture and the truth of faith and morals Catholics defer to the authority of the Church and protastants act more independently. As a Catholic self denial is mostly good because it helps us turn away from self satisfying behavior and thinking and towards knowing, loving and serving God. Also, as educated and prayful as one may be, I do not think people can interprate truth independently, we need the church. God bless you.
I think the reason protestants tend to be wary of the church's "authority" is due to the fact that the church has proven to be majorly wrong on a lot of things throughout history. Also, I would argue that protestants aren't "independent" in our interpretations but that we rely on God's guidance and read scripture for ourselves rather than blindly following what the church tells us.
stuffofme xx I got a notification saying you had replied but can't see it for some reason. Did you delete it? The notification said: "Dolan Tremp Hello, thank you for your reply. The challange is that it is not easy or simple to decern God's guidence. As the video mentioned, protastants are able to distance/ divorce themselves fr..." (gets cut off here). Unfortunately I can't really gather much from this but I'm interested in hearing the rest of what you had to say. I certainly don't disagree with you that it can be difficult to discern God's guidance, but without knowing where you were going with that, I don't really know how to respond. I genuinely enjoy having conversations about this kind of stuff though so hope I'll hear from you again.
@@dolantremp So sorry, yes I deleted it because I am actually trying be a more quite person as my tendancy is to talk too much. I basiclly wrote about decernment, retaining responsibility for communal historical sins and failures and the dangers and errors associated with relying on independent judgement. Sorry for the inconvenience that I may have caused you. God bless you.
@@stuffofmexx6077 Fair enough. I can definitely see both sides of it but just wanted to share how I see things. It wasn't really an inconvenience, just slightly confusing. I don't think there's anything wrong with talking a lot if there is a conversation to be had but ultimately that's your decision so no worries.
@@dolantremp When Adam and Eve ate of the tree, they thought they could judge right from wrong on their own authority, the way God does. And they were afraid and ashamed of their nakedness and got kicked out and forced to work and die. Christ came to restore our inheritance and call us back to it. Really sad if after all that you want to keep fumbling around in the darkness.
Really appreciate this video. I have been reading up on Catholic doctrine recently as I was unsatisfied in regurgitating speculation on what Catholics believe. I am a protestant and still differ on the issues you outlined but do not at all shut off my Catholic brothers and sisters as some do. If I am to be sure to follow Christ, I don't want my belief to rest on assumptions but reality. The Holy Spirit really is like the wind, going where it will. I have seen it at work in both Catholic and Protestant alike. Thank you for this discussion.
Thanks for all you do Matt! As a Catholic, my wife and I love your show. This channel has inspired me to start my own apologetics channel. God bless brother and keep doing what you’re doing! 🙏🏼
True RightRight Trent Horn actually more a person of dogmatic and deep systematical dialogue, this to clear the common misunderstanding most often given by those people inquiring in good will, just like Matt of this channel who are sincerely hope to have good and deep discussion about the Catholic faith. Trent Horn is not a debater but an excellent dialogue partner. Matt Fradd is another excellent option maybe in conjunction with his channel pint with Aquinas
And I think that Trent Horn's dialogue is trying to seek "What is true?" which is an answer to Matt's question about unity. We may be closer to being unified, but when we search to believe only in the things that are true, there can really only be one right answer. So when debating an issue over Protestant viewpoints vs Catholic doctrine, I feel like only one of them can be the "right" one because the other contradicts it. And as we've read so many conversion stories in the past, how can the Catholic church be right on so many other things, but wrong on a few?
First, this is my favorite series on any Christian channel. Period. Please keep it up. More interviews. More round tables. Maybe in the future you can get yourself, Jeremy, an Orthodox and a Lutheran together. That’d be a real blast. Second, as a Catholic who was raised Protestant (in your type of community AND a “Jack Chick” style community), I’d agree that we’re more united than divided. I know Catholics who attend Protestant Bible studies. I know Protestant who attend Catholic vigils and other special services because they’re in love with the reverence and atmosphere. Glory to God and keep it up, Matt. We are all brothers and sisters through Christ our Lord.
When we get persecuted for our faith, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Protestant, or Catholic, it won’t matter. We will all be united by our love for Christ. The Bride, the Church, may have disagreements, but when it comes down to it, we are united.
Diana Janna I mean.. duh. What does that prove? The Church is the believers. Romans 14 acknowledges that we’d have disagreements but to live in peace. That’s such a weak argument.
No. Cults are not brothers and sister in christ. Are Mormons Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh day adventist ect? Salvation matters. Believing the trinity and knowing Jesus deity isn't enough. Its also what and how he did it. I dont mean to be condemning. Im telling you out of care and decernment. It matters. 😔🙏
At first I was mad when I realized there was a missing part 3, but then I realized it is just something to look forward to. So I subscribed and hit the bell
@@MattWhitmanTMBH Yay! I can't wait! Dr. Holmes was a very dear professor of mine in college (I had him 4 times), and your discussion really brought me back to my Theology 101 and 201 classes with him. Knowing him as well as I do, he is well-seasoned in answering the type of questions that you asked - I remember us hashing out a lot of questions like that in class with him, and he wasn't fazed by any of it. Thank you so much for picking him to interview.
I am evangelical Protestant, but have been feeling a strong call to unity. Thank you for what you are doing. No echo chamber…no rhetoric….just exchange of ideas. This is great!
FINALLY YOU RELEASED PART 2!!! Then you give me another CLIFF HANGER!!! Well done!!! Lol.. As a former catholic school kid, who also attended and still attends a protestant, non-denominational church I find this conversation awesome... The similarities between what we believe (JESUS) are very much the same, but the WAY we go about serving, our traditions or lack thereof are much different... The Catholic reverence for the Gospel, it's teachers, etc is simply AWESOME-- something that is truly missing in today's society... Then there are the Protestants who "Keep It Simple Stupid" and focus on Jesus and the Bible without all the frills... Sooooo who's right? I love this dichotomy of thought......
Jesus is always right. He would have given us a divinely canonized bible and not a Church, but he made the choice to give us a Church as his living presence and guaranteed her his presence until the end of time.
BRO! I was just wondering where this part 2 was and I checked the channel and it came out a half hour ago. Thank you so much for this video. God Bless!
When you next speak to Dr. Holmes, please convey my thanks for a wonderful, intelligent conversation. Your conversation with him was by far my favorite. (I really enjoyed the trip to the Church of the Madeleine.(forgive me if I said it wrong), but this multi part conversation with Dr. Holmes was SO interesting and informative. It was nice to hear the catholic perspective from such a learned gentleman.(I am Lutheran, by the way) I find a lot of the Catholic ritual very interesting (The Rosary especially) and even appealing, but also find it to be like tight Jean's after a big meal.....a tad too restrictive. Thank YOU for all of the effort you put into these wonderful videos.
Dude, I think that most devout Catholics look at Protestants in the exact same way (more or less) that we look at Catholics who don't go to Mass or Confession regularly. It's like, *WE WANT THE BEST FOR YOU,* and we don't understand why you wouldn't want the same for yourself. That's frustrating in its own right, and the best we can do is love you into the fullness of the Christian faith as God loved you into existence. Protestantism, though - and here's where the "(more or less)" distinction comes into play - has a wide variety of theological oppositions to Catholicism, some of which are more blasphemous than others; and we don't exactly know where any individual Protestant is coming from at any particular time, so there's a defensiveness that creeps into us. So, so many Protestants don't even bother to read the Catechism before they engage in theological accusations that simply aren't true! Think: "yOu PrAy To StAtUeS." 1. No, we obviously don't. 2. If it's "faith alone," and we clearly have as much faith in Christ as you do, then... [cue Miles Davis riff] so what? Not only that, but where is the authority? Scripture doesn't come equipped with a table of contents. The Bible has been used to justify slavery. The Bible has been used to justify genocide - look what's happening in the Middle East! I heard somebody quote the Bible the other day - where St. Paul writes "there is no man nor woman" - *to literally claim that Jesus was transgender.* I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried, dude. Those things are *INCOMPATIBLE* with Christianity. Hey, I realize that not all Protestants support these interpretations, but that's where you can wind up without Apostolic authority. You just go through life and you realize how ridiculous Sola Fide and Sola Scriptura are. No true Catholic holds those positions, because we acknowledge that Jesus created a Church to guide us, and *THAT'S IN SCRIPTURE!* As far as Protestants go, there's like anywhere from 400 to 6,000 different possibilities. Some are hostile. Some aren't. Some are more misguided than others. We love you all the same - love, meaning "to will the good of the other." Here's my point. We know you. We care about you. We love you. We want to bring you closer to Christ. We don't always understand why you refuse, because we (understandably) don't always understand what exactly it is you believe. We know that Christ has always intended there to be *UNITY* among His followers. We want you participate fully in that with us, and He wants us to want that from you. Dig it? There was only one Christian Church for over a thousand years before the East-West Schism, which should, God willing, be mended in my lifetime - thanks to Pope Paul VI and all the ecumenical discussions between the popes and patriarchs since! I pray for that every day. And I pray everyday for Protestants, even the ones who spit in our face (and the face of Christ) either implicitly or explicitly, with or without full knowledge, because I genuinely want everybody who loves Christ to be one in the *fullness* of that Christian faith. I haven't even watched but five minutes of this video, but I'm eager to watch it all the way through. You seem like a good guy, and I just wanted to say whatever I had to say before my thoughts could be tainted by whatever prejudice I may hold within my heart. I just wanted to let you know all of this before I even pressed play. God bless you.
From what I've learned the earliest Christians believed in the Eucharist like Catholics do. The Eucharist was the center of mass for them. I want to follow their lead on that. Bishop Robert Barron ("Word on Fire" RUclips page) does a compelling job explaining Christ's teaching on the Eucharist. Also, different than what was said in the video, a better scriptural argument for the Eucharist as understood by Catholics comes from John 6, where Christ makes it clear he is not using metaphor. That is why the disciples turned away. It is indeed a "hard saying". See Barron's explanation on that. Also, having infrequent but deeply thought out infallible teachings from the magisterium is really clarifying and a guardrail for me in various ethical issues (like contraception)--that made a lot of sense for me in becoming Catholic. Yes, Popes are sinners like the rest of us. Most important part of this though: love my devout protestant brothers and my time in protestant churches. Love this channel too as we need to be united.
@Monica Merino Well, if you look at it beyond the materiality/sense-based aspects of it (for example, blood can only be blood, flesh can only flesh, this happened only 2,000 years ago, etc.), or just taking the words literally as they are- You can draw from that the event, which is central to ALL Christians, that is, Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection, (Without any of those, we lose the unique claims of Christianity), you can draw from the Last Supper is that it is the initiation of something supernatural. It is not a commonplace thing that happened in that room, like a bunch of friends having a going-away party, no. Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection, transcends all time and all space, because those things are the purpose of His becoming like us, it is the linchpin of All Creation, from Adam's Fall to the Last Judgment. So that bread does not become just bread- that wine does not become just wine, that Cross does not become just an instrument of punishment, but all had become implements of our Salvation. The confusion rises in trying to tie in the New Testament as an immediate continuation of the Old Testament in the way Jews would envision any sort of continuation of the OT- that is, with a Temple, with animal sacrifices, with a king, and a Jewish kingdom- rather, the New Testament releases ALL of humanity from the sort of oppressive tribalism and pharisaism that the Jews, and everyone else, engaged in and deprived everyone of a loving relationship with God. Why else was Our Lord murdered by them? Because He posed a different narrative than what prevailed then- externally obedient, but internally rotten.
@Monica Merino Jesus does not lie. It is His Flesh and Blood, the way the Risen Christ is with us though He is seated at the right Hand of the Father. They ate His Flesh, and drank His Blood because He claimed them to be so. The NT wasn't even written and codified until hundreds of years later; this is because Our Lord wrote nothing, and never ordered anything to be written- instead He commanded you to Eat His Flesh, and Drink His Blood, directly- not the Apostles, but Jesus commanded it.
What I've never understood is that the people who believe in transubstantiation base their belief on those who took it literally were also the same ones who turned away and yet ignore those who took Christ words metaphorically and stayed.
@@RyanKCR Their understanding of a Messiah diverged. All those people who left were expecting a Judas Maccabeus figure, but turned out to them they were following a madman; in essence they believed that Jesus was just "a rabbi" or even "a prophet" but could not take a step further in believing Jesus was "The Son of God" who was essentially divine, and had to be both the High Priest and the Sacrifice upon the altar that is the cross. This was "a difficult teaching" to say the least, because it was literal, but those people could not make the jump of faith and assumed that Jesus was a madman who told people to eat His Flesh and drink His Blood as though he were a normal human being. The Last Supper clarified that the bread becomes His Body, and the wine becomes His Blood, because in essence, those who follow Jesus partake in becoming one with Him- it was not a coincidence that the Bread and Wine that Jesus told his disciples to eat and drink is made up of small particles that had to be crushed- likewise, a Christian will be destroyed and crushed by the world, but they will be incorporated into what is called "The Mystical Body of Christ", which is an organism that we call "The Church"- all the baptized Christians doing Jesus' will, is a part of this body, and we do what He instructed us to do, including taking communion, eating literally His Body, and His blood. I think at the time, the Apostles, the people who stayed, were a lot like a little kid trusting that their dad is doing what's best for them. When the Last Supper happened, you could tell, they were like "What's going on? Are you going away? Why are you saying we can't come with you? When are we fighting the Romans?" So they had to make a leap of faith when Jesus said what He said.
@Monica Merino --> No, they were not symbolic. If they were only symbolic then the disciples would have understood Christ in John 6. In Catholic theology the bread and wine used at the last supper were indeed bread and wine but Jesus transformed them into his body, blood, soul, and divinity. Their appearance, texture, and taste are called the "accidents" of the items. But the SUBSTANCE was changed and were no longer bread and wine but Christ himself, ergo "The Bread of Life." Of course you have to have faith to accept this which is the main reason Protestants are our separated brethren.
I greatly admire this Protestant's desire to engage in a discussion about Christianity and admit that he might be wrong. However, beware. That is how many have come to embrace the fullness of the truth in the Catholic Church! Will pray for you brother!
@@borisbadenov2744 Of course. I believe there are protestants who have come to be where they are in their faith through an honest search for truth. However, there are also many people who have entered the Catholic Church because of what they found to be true within it- how it aligned more perfectly with Scripture among other things. People like Scott Hahn, Peter Kreeft, Steve Ray, to name a few.
So glad to see this approach. I believe most miss information happens because we only listen to those in our bubble. The better way is asking someone on the other side-the difficult conversations. God bless you for reaching out.
We (confessional Lutherans)are the true church that Christ founded. The RCC went astray centuries ago. Luther kept what he found in Catholic worship that did not lead to sin. Luther rejected what he found to be unBiblical such as joining a monastery to earn salvation.
"Basically Catholics"? No, Lutherans (and Anglicans) aren't "basically" Catholics; we are. We aren't part of the Papal Communion; in fact, we were both kicked out and relentlessly attacked. So yes, we Anglicans and Lutherans are Catholics. We aren't Romanists.
I don’t think the “basically Catholics” comment was meant with disrespect. Having been to both it’s just striking, when raised Catholic, to attend a Lutheran service and note how liturgically similar they are
Hi Matt I have been watching a lot of your content over the last 2 years, Thank you for your informative and balanced discussions. I am a convert to Anglicanism, all my family are still Catholic and we attend each others services. In Ireland of course we have an added historical dimension of reformation, colonisation, the security that came with being protestant and then the restoration in the 20th century when the Catholic Church did exactly the same thing. I came to Anglicanism after many years denying God, mainly because it was the only sacre mantel liturgical church willing to teach and nurture the very immature faith I had grown up with. Most of our family, friends etc are only nominally Christian and have no interest in Learning anything more about their rich and beautiful Catholic faith. I left my faith tribe and washed my hands of the almost insurmountable problems that still beset the Catholic Church and am free to believe that the eucharistic is the actual body and blood of our Lord or not, as the Orthodox would say its a mystery.
Thank you Matt! I think what you're doing is very important! I feels so good to talk or hear people talking about these difficult subject and with such friendliness and love. I hugely appreciate this. I must admit that before watching your videos I used to feel a bit angry about other denominations or religions because I would think how could they not believe this or that, and just keep asking unanswerable questions, but know after listening to your conversations and reading what people think in the comment section, i feel much better:). I'm sure God loves this kind of work. I kinda agree that we are now more united than ever. Thanks again Matt.
Hey brother! Greetings from a Catholic Theology major! I'd have to say that I'm in agreement with you about the universal christian church being quite ecumenical about most things today, more than we give it credit for. Although I'd like to talk further on this, I want to voice both an important and unpopular opinion that I think has the potential to be overlooked. Essentially what I want I want to make clear is the importance of doctrine. We have big discussions on scripture, tradition, the sacraments, the Church, because they impact our relationship with Jesus, thus affecting our Salvation. These differences matter. They impact our perception of God, our relationship with Him, and with each other as Christians. For example, either the Holy Eucharist is the Body of Jesus or not. Either I receive him in intimate Holy Communion every Sunday, or not. In so doing, I confess faith in all the teachings of the Church, which is his body, and that I am in communion with it, belief in a Church that has been established by the God-Man with a priesthood that through which he gives me himself in the sacrament. This is a radically different perspective of who Jesus is when compared to other faith traditions and I don't know if Jesus wants his body on earth to have such different varying opinions or ideas of him and his saving work. That is why it is important, as you said, to go forward still in rejoicing that we've reached a point where ecumenical dialogue reigns. Where we can listen carefully to the Holy Spirit and his yearnings, that Spirit that "Will guide you to all truth." Take care during this crazy time, and great work!
Hey Matt been a Christian for 8 years and been studying theology in those 8 years. Mainly cause im studying to be an ordained preacher. Really enjoy your videos man. I find them very comprehensible and understandable and just interesting. Keep doing what you're doing brother. God bless
@@BRUISER14 In my studies of Systematic Biblical Theology Mary is a blessed by God woman, but not someone to pray to. What Catholics call veneration looks very close to worship and she isn't just the Mother of God, but the Queen of Heaven too, even though that doesn't have official Vatican approval it certainly is not discouraged either. How can Mary hear millions of prayers without omnipresence and omniscient ability as well?
I’m a minister in rural, small town Indiana. I’m blessed to be a member of our local ministerial association. Church leaders from all different denominations meet once a month, rotating through out various churches. We plan service projects and special worship events together. We have representation from Presbyterian, Methodist, Christian Church, Baptist, Church of Christ, Catholic, and more. We all love and respect each other. We realize that there are differences - and significant differences at that - but we all unify on Christ. Now more than ever the church in America must unite or die off. We must no longer let our petty doctrinal differences drive a wedge between us. On a related note, it does seem that where there is growing division between churches and Christians is more political than religious, unfortunately.
Thanks Matt for your openness to sharing faith in general and with a catholic specifically! I hope you keep these conversations going. Both you and Dr. Holmes are a great example of kindness and charity! At the end of your video you mentioned your thoughts of "church" and described your group as being a tribe. You also mentioned that we are all working on different sets of assumptions and there was much dialogue of how there have been some bad catholic leaders and many "fires." Ironically, the fact that there has been struggle, sin, and difficulty and yet the Catholic Church has persisted for over 2,000 years is pretty amazing. Any secular organization that wasn't divinely inspired and guided would have certainly ceased to exist by now. I can't think of any other Christian denomination that has such a detailed spelled out, publicly-declared belief system, and scripture interpretation than the Catholic Church. If you want to keep advancing your knowledge about the Catholic faith (of course Dr. Holmes is doing a great job), please read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This is the official teaching of the Catholic Church, no assumptions. I think you will be wonderfully surprised! Thanks again! God bless!
I love this so much. This is the type of conversation I'd love to have with Protestants. I've had many that are so bitter and vitriolic that its turned me off from engaging in discussion entirely. Thanks for the reminder that inter Christian dialogue can (and should) be chartiable!
Without being bitter or vitriolic I am so saddened by these sort of ‘conversations’. Christians today are so childish and immature in it. God expects us to grow into his stature. Watching this and reading comments is like watching the blind lead the blind to quite Jesus or like a blind man groping in the noonday sun to quote Isaiah
Michael Roy sure yes. And thank you for asking. This is what Paul was talking about to the Corinthians in the 1st letter ch.3. Envy strife and divisions are a focus of babes in Christ. While we focus on ‘doctrines’ we have not realised that we are Gods building. We have not conceived to even ask the question what are you Lord? Let alone hear the answer or learn the difference. Nor the question who am I in you, Lord? Effectively we are using our own mind to pick out our own way to God. Our own minds are at enmity with him, unless we subject them to our born again spirit through the knowledge of God like Peter instructs in his 2nd book the 2nd verse. While focusing on our own doctrines we haven’t even grasped the holiness of our redeemer or the righteousness required to know him which is the first step to growing in Christ. Only after that comes the knowledge we think we have when we discuss divisions like this in our own understanding. And this is the beginning of knowing who he is and what are his ways. It’s not a gnostic or esoteric pursuit. It is a pathway that god will open as we follow his lead. His word is a lamp unto our feet! But the path only becomes clear when we worship him in spirit and in truth. It’s a false spirituality or light the thinks it has the answer without actually knowing the answer in person. This is thinking you see when you are actually blind. And Jesus said (if I remember right) take care that the light you think you have is not darkness, because if it’s not light then it is very dark indeed... there is a deep darkness which parades as the entrance to heaven. now that’s not somewhere I want to be, and I trust neither do you.
@@jonnyvincent2236 Thanks for explaining! I see your point and agree to some degree. We should definitely strive first before anything to have a personal relationship with God. To try and understand doctrine without that personal relationship is meaningless. However, the differences in our doctrine are still important. God is One in Truth, he didn't create multiple different churches with multiple truths. Thus, it's crucial we strive together as Christians to discern what is the One Truth he established. Otherwise, we could be leading people astray and into sin, all the while thinking we are obeying His will. So yes, relationship with Christ first, but doctrine matters too.
Matt, my Brother! I love your videos. I discovered your channel last night. You kept me up way past my bed time. Loved to see your conversation with Jeremy. It made me think of what a theological conversation between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis might have looked like in our time. Two of my favorite authors, whom of course you may know, one of them being a Catholic and the other a Protestant, but none the less best of friends who loved and respected each other greatly, who also shared a deep love for Our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm sure many a time they shared a pipe and a pint and had very similar dialog. I'm a Roman Catholic and am very sorry to hear of all the negative feedback you've received from my fellow Catholic "Comm Box Offenders" as it was put in the video. I too have also been told by Protestant Christians that I somehow am simply not a Christian at all because I hold the Catholic faith, so I feel your pain. I feel a lot of even the differences that you mentioned, but didn't touch on much in your conversation can be satisfactorily explained to someone who has an open mind, such as the question of the Catholic understanding and exaltation of Mary the Mother of God. I can tell you have an authentic love for Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You have a big beautiful family which is a wonderful thing to see in this time of all out attack on the family. May God bless you on your faith journey and you are in my prayers my friend!
Sometimes I have thoughts about how cool it would be if Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox all got together, bowed our heads and just asked God to forgive us for creating a mess, and that we all humbly come to each other and sort out all of our issues one by one, eventually leading us to worship together. But it's just a dream, maybe when we're with our Lord in heaven we'll get it together :).
I think it was CS Lewis who once put forth the idea that the closer one gets to God in any of the branches, the closer one is to those of equal nearness in other branches. Its almost as if we are all attached to the same vine.
@@matthayes533 I think this also can happen even with other religions!
If CHRIST is The Way, The Truth and The Life and we are all (regardless of our tradition or experience) Exalt Him then we would be spending less time analyzing and criticizing each other.
I think that "Protestants" cease to be such when they stop protesting, and Catholics become such when they start.
As eastern faith goes, Eastern churches are welcomed in to Catholicism with lots of fanfare and get to retain their rites and traditions. See the union of Brest and others for the 23 churches of the Catholic Church.
To a lesser extent, but in a similar vein, Anglicans that have come into the Catholic Church have been allowed to retain their particular use, also SSPX that has a checkered history, was allowed back as the FSSP and get to continue the traditions of pre vatican II.
@@matthayes533 We are attached to the same vine! 🙂 But unfortunately the branches tend to look at each other and say "I'm closer to the tree than you are".
When he was talking about "Uncle Louie" that brought me right back to the Sunday in 2018 after the scandals broke. I was so close to not going to church that day, I was in such deep despair but I went. In mass the gospel was Peter say to Jesus "where else shall we go, you have the words of eternal life". And the priest almost crying talking about the truth in those words more than ever. We are not Catholic because of any priest or theologian, we are Catholic because of Jesus. Thank you for this video.
Why do you say it was 2018 that the scandals broke? It's been close to two decades (2002) since the scandals came to public light.
@@tintinismybelgian The Pitsburg grand jury report was what I was referring to, In my memory those are the only ones, as I was only I child in 2002. Sorry for the confusion
@@tintinismybelgian Google Carlo Viganò and Theodore McCarrick and so on
@@tintinismybelgian That's when I finally began to realize the Pope and Bishops cannot be trusted. I thank God I was at a conference and got to talk with Dr. David Anders of "Called to Communion". He told me became Catholic because of the Truth of the faith. He wasn't surprised by the corruption at all but rather surprised by the few bishops who are really holy men.
There have been many waves of misdeeds by the Catholic Church in the millennia of its existence. As a Catholic, I have been heartbroken each time. The occasion you mention is one of the waves I remember well. I too thought of leaving Catholicism. And I too heard Peter's rhetorical response to Christ. Where else could I go? I do not in any way condone the evil actions that members of my Church family have done. But I have not become Catholic because of them. I became Catholic because of the good things I have learned and seen, and because of the good things I know to be true. And because of the comfort I feel at Mass, because of the Presence of Christ. My heart tells me this is where I belong, and this is where I will stay. God bless my Protestant brothers and sisters in Christ.
Hi Matt, as a Christian revert who eventually settled on the Catholic tradition I find your videos very refreshing. You hold your own which I respect but I greatly admire your effort to understand the other person's perspective as best as possible without misrepresenting it (something I think we can all be guilty of). I don't watch Protestant channels much these days but I really enjoy your content, keep up the good work. God bless
Well Said.
This comment is pretty wholesome.
Jeremiah Alphonsus A bit of an unnecessary comment. I firmly believe in the authority and teachings of the Catholic Church, I accept all Catholic dogma and try as best as I can to display obedience to the Bishops. I settled on Catholicism because I am convinced that it’s true, whereas settling on a food has nothing to do with truth, but rather preference. And my comment was about respecting how respectful Matt is during these conversations. I don’t agree with Protestants on the points where they differ from Catholicism but I can nonetheless admire that he is making a genuine effort to learn about traditions other than his own. I also respect that he doesn’t immediately cave when he’s not convinced by our claims, but as a Catholic I pray that unity and agreement will occur. In the video they speak about comments like this...it doesn’t help anything
@@harrymoore9358 Again WELL SAID! I am in a similar position as a Catholic. I believe in the authority and tradition of the church and as a Christian these conversations are really interesting. Especially because its a Protestant and a Catholic talking about some theological similarities and differences between these two ideologies. So I find this content awesome. Many times I have viewed other protestant material and always walked away from it. But Matt just gets right into these discussions with a Catholic. LOVE IT!
Brendan McDonell Glad we both made it to where we believe home is, and it’s nice to see that many people can appreciate this kind of discussion which we see in the video. Prayer and dialogue is the only chance we have of ending these divisions
I was brought up a Catholic. But spent most of my adult life going to protestant and Pentecostal churches. I carried with me the absolute belief in what Jesus said in John ch6. I absolutely believe it. If you should ever find yourself in a Catholic church alone, go and praise Christ in front of the tabernacle. I have done this, while attending protestant churches and it is powerful, prayerful, beautiful. Like so much in the Catholic church, God is so much greater than the people. I have gone back in my old age. I would love all people to see the Grace of God in all the sacraments.
Lm
That’s mortal sin, you need to repent.
You should know it is a grave sin to attend heretical services (not my opinion, official catholic teaching). Do not commit sacrilege by receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin. Get to confession.
@@mathieuconklin3146 By no means go worship God to a place where people disagree in matters that have nothing to do with the essential purpose of Christ's sacrifice. Makes absolutely no sense.
@@luisvargas9893 All sin is mortal.
This dialogue fills my heart. I'm a Catholic with a profound love for my people, Protestants and all. I wish there could be more of this.
Love your neighbors as you love yourself...there you have it !
I think in the future all of the churches will reconcile there differences and become one church again. I've learned a lot about Marry and the saints and it's different from what I heard as a child growing up in the Baptist church. So that has stuck with me, the priest role I'm still confused and the communion I'm still confused on. Purgatory is something I'm interested in learning about. But I think people need an open mind and I think we're gonna get there.
@@braxtonbearden835there is no purgatory. Indulgences are a farce. Rome says she’s the only way to Salvation. Repent and turn to God.
extra Ecclesiam nulla salus
@@braxtonbearden835 May we all be one some day! God bless
@@braxtonbearden835 Both doctrines may be difficult for protestants to understand... But! Research about them, learn what they are and where they reside in the early Church.
Patrístic is very important to understand certain doctrines
I may be able to explain the eucharist but purgatory is a bit more complicated
Use me as the “IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR SO LONG” button
See you in two months!
Man, if only he would leave us on the cliffhanger for a little less time.
There's a reason why the Catholic Church does not re-baptize Protestant converts to Catholicism.
Why?
livepathsearching Because Catholic and Protestants believe in the same baptism. It has the same meaning. Therefore re-baptism or a new baptism is not needed for them
Thank you @Juan that is true
but if you want to become protestant after being catholic, you must do the protestant baptize...
@@livepathsearching5140 Because baptism iz considered a sacrament in the CC - all sacraments have to do something with grace - and that grace "works" beacuse God is behind it so as long as people use the correct formula (...in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) and water, that is a valid baptism.
Being a Catholic priest, I enjoyed this conversation. I'm reaching out to the Church of England these days to know them more. Last year I was in of their Churches and I was really impressed. I always treated everyone my brothers as I have seen so in our atmosphere (except by non practicing or fanatic Catholics). It's really good talking with our brothers and sisters and praying with them!
You are a heretical priest, modernist, make yourself a pastor, we dont need priest like you. Protestants dont believe in the transubstantiation of the eucharist, deny the intercetion of Mary. Jésus is fondamental you take it or leave it... And im NOT a fanatic, just a catholic from France. Good bless you and i hope you will leave are church.
Pavan Musb Are the statements in Vatican II similar or the same as Vatican one on this issue as well as does anybody understand how to deal with the new decision on baptism and who is included and who is not
Pavano you are welcomed to find out more about the Church of England, despite some of the more fanatical responses you might read here.
As an Anglican, we feel very connected to our Roman siblings even though we have our differences. I always feel comfortable going to Catholic Mass and I hope you also feel comfortable attending our Eucharist ❤️
@Be Skeptical Of Everything What you are saying is wrong and creating division from the evil one. Do you read the Bible? In heaven there is no denomination or particular Church but the worship and honor that belong to God (Jesus) who inhabited humanity to save all those who accept him and resurrection for their salvation. God Bless You!
I’m a catholic and I’m Watching this from kenya 🇰🇪 I’m loving it.
Tumsifu yesu kristu!
Wangui Kariuki milele na milele Amina!!
Kumbe tuko wengi hapa!!!!
Tuko pamoja....I really enjoy these conversations
Question from the intro is answered at 14:33
Thank you!
Hello, I’m a revert to Catholicism and it’s been the best decision I’ve made. I feel more connected and balanced than ever before.
That's great! Though it shouldn't matter how it makes you feel. It's great that you feel connected and balanced, but that is worrisome if that is the main reason you're catholic because as soon as you don't feel that way anymore, you will go to different churches until you feel connected again. The truth is objective no matter our feelings. Many saints went through long periods of feeling disconnected and kept strong in the faith despite that. God bless
@@mathieuconklin3146 thank you for your viewpoint! I had stopped attending mass but even then didn’t consider visiting Protestant churches. And wouldn’t consider switching either. I’m Catholic through good and bad times. I am older so this could be why I feel differently than when I was young.
I’m publishing a weekly RUclips video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you..
@@reynabellaloves
God bless your decision. We're better with you among us.
Connected to what, and balanced in what way? The issue is whether we believe in Christ as our savior, John 3:16 et al.
Atheist here but I love these videos and hearing other views on this matter
@@willemgloudemans1442 i'm not christain but imo thinking there isnt a god, or some form of higher power is redundant. the universe is FAR too complex for their not to be some ultimate form of order. now that said "god" could be an energy between all of us, or something we are not meant to understand. but in the end, i believe their HAS to be SOME form of "god".
@@thorshk hey you should watch discovery science and associates for bible research and answers in genesis and genesis apologetics and bible project and aoc network playlist on eschatology and typology and apologetics press and living waters
@@willemgloudemans1442 hey I hope you research christianity here are some material watch Associates for bible research and answers in genesis and genesis apologetics and bible project and aoc network playlist on eschatology and typology and apologetics press and living waters .
As one who totally gets the atheist point of view, here's my questions and what I'd have to say.
One, if there is a divine creator/s would you want to know that, Him, Her, or They? If not, then there's nothing to bother with, if you do, then here's the next part. Second, if you could come to know and believe in a God/creator, would you be willing to work at getting to know Him, and His will and intention for your life, and then work to follow and obey Him in his way, and acknowledge and ask forgiveness when you don't, with the intention to change your ways, asking Him for help? If you would answer yes to both of those things, then all you have to do is say God, if you are real, will you help me know it, and ultimately know you?
For me what I believe is what I've come to know. What I know is God loves you and wants relationship with you, and if your not sure about that, but would want to know if it's true, ask him for that also, in a leap of faith if you have to. A really good book by a once Atheist journalist for the Chicago Tribune if I tembef right, is "The Case for Christ," by Lee Strobel.
My advice, if you take this journey, is that you understand it's a marathon not a sprint. At times you'll feel like it's a sprint, at other times you'll be camping out in need of aide. If your someone who operates If
I would also say, if you take the Christian journey and operate better in intellect and study with defined principals,. Look to a more Orthodox Church, my highest suggestion is the Catholic Church. However, if you're more into free spirit and emotional expression, than an evangelical, or non denominational is best. There's really a lot of inbetweens. As long as the bible is taught you can learn, but not all teaching is sound because of assumptions and interpretation. Honestly if you take the journey, just keep asking God to lead you where he wants you, if you get uncomfortable ask Him if it's something in you, or something in the church you're at, and whether to stay or Go, pray or speak up.
I hate to say it, but all the church and theological diversity can be tough to navigate. Use your head, trust your gut, and never be afraid to talk with God, and ask for help. If that's a journey you come to that is.
As somebody preparing to enter the seminary for the Catholic priesthood this Fall, I would just like to thank both of you for these civil conversations. This is how our Church will be healed. If every Christian treated each other like you two treat each other (and other Christians), the world would be a much better place. God bless!
JackR168 as your brother seminarian, I second that! Praying for you as you deepen your Yes. God bless you dude!
Ps- which seminary/diocese?
JackR168 if it’s to become a Novus ordo priest, you’re better off staying away.
Daniel Corso I’ll be going to Saint John Vianney college seminary in St. Paul! Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana!
You are the men going into the burning building... To save souls, God bless you. B
JackR168: Wow, you're from Diocese of Lafayette! I'm from that diocese too. I'm a parishioner in Lafayette (St. Lawrence). That's cool to find someone that watches this channel from my diocese. I wish you the best!
Brother Matt, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reaching out to us Catholics. As for your question at the end of this episode, I think there are the same number of differences that exist between Catholics and Protestants, however I think they have been dwarfed by other considerations. The late Archbishop Fulton Sheen once interviewed a Protestant minister who had escaped from behind the Iron Curtain and had suffered horribly under the Communists. What emerged from their riveting conversation was that when you are in the trenches against a common, horrific enemy the theological differences among allies is overshadowed by their common beliefs. That is where I think we are today. Thanks for your wonderful ministry and please...don't wait too long to post Part 3 of this series!!! May the Peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones!
SPOILER: Actual Catholic Christian Teaching: Protestants can be called Christian as well.
This is in the Catechism of the Catholic Christian Church:
*Wounds to unity*
*817* In fact, "in this one and only Church of God from its very beginnings there arose certain rifts, which the Apostle strongly censures as damnable. But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions appeared and large communities became separated from full communion with the Catholic Church - for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame." The ruptures that wound the unity of Christ's Body - here we must distinguish heresy, apostasy, and schism - do not occur without human sin:
Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.
*818* "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."
*819* "Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth" are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: "the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements." Christ's Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, and are in themselves calls to "Catholic unity."
Did such teachings exist in Catholicism pre-Vatican II, and if they did, why do so many especially Latin Rite Catholics say otherwise?
I reckon you two should do something together. You might end up with some seriously bad jokes, but that would be refreshing :)
@@fredharvey2720 Yes and No. Vatican II isn't a canonically binding council (it adds no new dogma); it takes existing dogma and repackages them in a way that a 21st century person can understand. So let's take the existing dogma and see if we can see how Vatican II arrives at their conclusions.
1) . God gives all innocent unbelievers (infideles negativi) sufficient grace to achieve eternal
salvation.
(This is a certain truth deduced from the goodness of God, scripture, and other dogmas).
2) Extra Esclisia nulla salus --outside the church there is no salvation
Given (3) Not all innocent unbelievers are visibly members of the Church, we must find a way to reconcile this. The above text is one such way to do that, we say that all who are baptized are in effect 'catholic' but that they are invisibly ignorant of the entirety of the truth of the Church. However, If they become aware of their heresy/schism and still persist then they put their souls in danger of hellfire.
To further expound this let's take another dogma of the faith:
Baptism by water (Baptismus fluminis) is, since the promulgation of the Gospel, necessary
for all men without exception, for salvation.
Without a careful reading this would seem to exclude the unbaptized from salvation. But it need not, for it did not say the following:
Baptism by water (Baptismus fluminis) is, since the promulgation of the Gospel, essential
for all men without exception, for salvation.
The distinction between necessary and essential is an important one. On a public road it is necessary to drive on the correct side of the road but it is not essential. (That is, you can, for a time, drive on the wrong side of the road). However, it is essential to have an engine in order to drive. (At no time can you transport yourself without a working engine, or without gas in certain cars ect.)
Thus we can conclude: Necessary = cannot be avoided, while essential = integral to the commission of. A quick google of the difference will yield these results. Thus,
Baptism by water (Baptismus fluminis), since the promulgation of the Gospel, cannot be avoided
by any man, without exception, for salvation.
This leaves open the possibility that salvation would be possible to those who did not avoid water baptism. (Like a Muslim for instance). We would still say they are baptized (perhaps they are at the moment of death 'baptized' by God himself although not by physical water; So that the primary mode, of which the verb is named is intrinsically linked to the effect, but their are alternatives that grant the same effect. ex: you could 'google' something on the bing search engine).
@@mordimerlives
"Vatican II isn't a canonically binding council"
The church teaches that Vatican II is ecumenical and binding regardless if did not add new dogma.
@@tysonguess My point wasn't to dismiss Vatican II. By 'canonically binding', I did not mean to reference the cannons of law, but the cannons of dogma. Recall the context. I was asked if the teachings (which I interpreted as dogmas) concerning the ecumenical nature were around pre-Vatican II. To prove that point beyond dispute I pointed to the fact that no dogmatic cannons were added to Vatican 2. Thus the bedrock of Vatican II's teaching must be a result of already established truths.
As a Christian who is feeling pulled towards the Catholic Church, this dialogue with Dr. Jeremy Holmes has been one of the most helpful resources yet. Both of you being so versed in Church history and theology, while being respectful of each others differing views, is invigorating. Thank you greatly for this. God bless.
Yeah I'm not sure all Catholics are as interesting as that Jeremy Holmes. 😉
He's just reaaaaaally good. Period.
@@goofygrandlouis6296 I think that IS a very underestimating talk.
There is a multitude of people that are so amazing in Catholic Church!
And The history of The Saints are beautyful
I wish every conversation about religion could be like this.
Softballs thrown, without real challenges presented?
You don't need to scream and spit, but questions that literally just about any Christian on the street could ask aren't very satisfying...
@@barelyprotestant5365 everyones gotta start somewhere, especially when Catholics and protestants basically speak a different language with the same words. Yeah, they were definitely softballs, but most protestants dont even talk to an informed catholic enough to have ever even played softball, so... it's a good start.
@@shananotz9920 that ignorance goes both ways; for instance, Romanists thinking that they have a monopoly on the word "Catholic". No. Romanism is not the entirety of the Church Catholic. As an Anglican, I am Catholic. I am simply not under the Papacy's thumb.
@@barelyprotestant5365 yeah ive heard Anglicans say that. Except Anglicanism is called Anglican because it wasn't universal it was.... Anglican. So I dont get it. Didnt they also have to change the name in the USA because Anglican is anglican and that was obvious in the name so in order to make it pretend to be universal it had to change its name?
@@barelyprotestant5365 I know that probably sounded snarky but I didnt mean it that way I just dont get it. The symbol of the papacy is the unifying point. I dont always like the stuff that comes out of heirarchy in an un-official-magisterium way these days, but to me, the authority of the magisterium as represented by the seat of peter is invaluable to the concept of christianity.
I'am a catholic from the Netherlands(the southern part where almost everybody is catholic) and i find this video awesome. For me personelly a protestant is a christian brother. We have to unite that's what Jesus wants us to do. Keep up the good work Matt!
Bert E Filipino catholic here. And I agree with you friend :)
We do have to unite. Catholic Church was supposed to be and imply a "universal" Church to encompass all Christians.
We are not a religion we are in a personal relationship with christ..we are all brothers and sisters in christ..lest a man be born again..means turn from sin and lead a christ filled life..repent and be baptized ...
@@SG-tf1fx the catholic church is divinely inspired just as scripture is
@@crobeastness the bible is divinely inspired...the church is a building the people in it are the chruch
I imagine your food was pretty cold by the time you guys even took a bite.
I know, I kept wanting to yell at them to eat it. I'm the cook of the family and it drives me nuts when people sit and wait for everyone to sit down while their food gets cold.
If I was there the food would be gone
I wanted to eat it for them.
Poor Jeremy looks like he may have been needing some
🤣🤣🤣
As a Catholic revert (former agnostic) I want to say thank you for making these videos. I really enjoy your videos. My hope is that all Christians can one day worship under the same roof. Thank you!
We are worshipping under the same roof, it's called heaven.
Amen. As a Catholic I've been called a cult member. Etc. And I know it goes both ways. Lol. Just glad there is still conversation.
🙏 decrement 😁
lol!! I’m not even Catholic but the Catholic Church is literally the central default church in the history of Christianity. The other branches were the ones that broke off
Beware of false teachings.
What?! Catholics may be a lot of things, but cult isn't one of them. They are so big and mainstream. They are the most mainstream group that Christianity has. There are other denominations that do give me cult vibes. They are Amish, Mennonite, Jehovahs Witness, Seventh Day Adventist, Christian Science and Mormon. Learning about them makes me appreciate Catholics so much more. They do have issues with tyranny, particularly during the Dark Ages and Protestant Reformation. However Catholics are unable to isolate followers from the mainstream society. They are the mainstream. So relativly speaking the potential tyranny of Catholics isn't that bad.
This is a fantastic discussion series. I'm an uh.. Agnostic? Atheist? Either way, I'm not part of this world. You once said in a video that you appreciate those of us who are here to learn a bit about something we're not really a part of, and I think conversations like this one do a really good job of helping me learn a bit about faith. Thanks as always, looking forward to the next video!
Don't discount yourself, you are always welcome to be a part of this, as it is for you.
Keep searching my friend, maybe it will allow you to learn the true nature of God. I know a lot of people who don't believe in God, and they're highly intelligent for it, because the god they don't believe in truly doesn't exist. I pray that He reveals His truth to you in ways that allow you to know who He really is...home is a great place to be!
Zelkova 👏🏻🥰
@@abcoh4440 well its good that you enjoy it and listen to these. Its a much more productive use of your time than 90% of athiests who just comment to bash the videos.
I’m a revert to Roman Catholicism and I find these kinds of videos intelligent and refreshing, thank you Matt!
@Free Thinker doesn't that imply there is a deeper truth within the text? Or that it is meant to misguide the reader and there is no truth at all in the text?
To me you all are heretics lol.
What caused you to go back?
You're a revert to worshipping your queen of the universe mary.
Welcome back home. You must have had quite the journey.
As an Episcopalian/Anglican, this conversation about owning your church history is so important to me. It's hard to hold that tension between the admirable and regrettable people and events of your faith background and what you decide to hold close.
Oh wow. Anglican. You guys are the perfect example of owning and reconciling your history. Henry the Eighth was your version of the drunk uncle. He was a notorious figure in history due to his marital issues. However this doesn't mean Anglicans as a whole are bad people. I think it is quite the opposite. The one thing that Henry got right on was the issues of religion. So Anglicans were based on some really brilliant ideas. It is great that they tried to find a balance between Catholic and Protestant. It is even more great that they broke off from the pope, but they still retain a lot of the nice rituals from Catholics. Overall Anglicans form a really good and really well rounded group. They even have the King James Bible, which is awesome for English-speaking Christians. Lutherins are very similar, and they are another great group. The biggest difference is that they are based on Germany instead of England. I like Lutherinism a little bit better because Martin Luther is a more appealing founder. It is just a very tiny even hairsplitting preference. Both groups are awesome though. Both are two of my favorite Christian denominations.
I was raised Lutheran and converted to Catholicism in 2003. I LOVE all of your videos. They are respectful and informative. We need more of this. One thing that I think was touched on briefly is that many protestants feel that Catholics aren't Christians. I agree that I think we are more closely aligned than we think. When I became Catholic I didn't feel that I was now on the correct side of this. My wife and I debated for 13 years about who was "right" and all it did was divide us more, and we seldom went to church. Through a lot of discernment I decide to unite our marriage under our common beliefs in Jesus and not worry about the hair splitting theological differences. The end result is a family that now attends church weekly and our faith is very much part of our lives.
Anyone who teaches that catholics are not christian is an antichrist.
Glenn Freiburger all Catholics are Christian, but not all Christians are Catholic
@@georgeibrahim7945 All christians are catholic. The term "catholic" applies to all who are truly christian. Not all who call themselves either are such.
Glenn Freiburger I want you to look at the story about our lady of Guadalupe
He doesn’t need your personal opinion he can decide for himself
As a white British muslim living in England and following this channel for quite a while now I can honestly say that your videos are some of the most enjoyable from a Christian perspective. Excellent job, exceptional grace, keep up the good work Matt.
From another British brother, I hope you attend a Traditional Latin Mass one day. God Bless !
You converted to Islam or were you born a muslim?
Why do Anglo Saxon people always state the color of their skin as one of the first things?
I think he's really got it right about the assumptions. Where I differ, as a convert, is that when I read the Early Church Fathers, in their historical context, it became clear to me that I was very wrong in my Protestant set of assumptions in how I read passages like John 6. Apparently that doesn't happen for everyone, which is surprising for me. I think it's very clear that the Catholic view of Scripture, Tradition, Authority and the Sacraments, especially the Real Presence is extremely clear in the earliest Fathers like Polycarp, Ignatius of Antioch, and Iraneaus. My suggestion for people is always to read those men for yourself if you want to really know what the Church believed and practiced before everyone had the luxury of a Bible on their smartphone.
The Fathers are still undefeated. It amazes me how much they have contribute to conversions from the brightest minds in protestantism to the true Church; it's almost instantaneously for some of them like Francis Beckwith.. As cradle catholic, I was ignorant of all of this and now I am reading more and more from these guys... There are millions out there that still need to come home... As Acts 2:47 says, "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as SHOULD BE SAVED."
Agreed. Don't forget Justin Martyr and the First Apology:
"...For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the Flesh and Blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.” - (First Apology, 66)
James Salerno respectfully and I’ve read both Greek and Latin founders, that our reading of John 6 is correct. Here I would differ with the fathers.
Protestants literally believe that everyone went nuts right after the apostles died and stayed that way for 1500 years till their prophet came along. It requires a belief that Jesus wasn't God or that He didn't start a real, living Church. Neither one of those ideas comports with scripture, which they say they've read.
@@Doug8521 - Amen, agree completely. I'm a convert, so I was raised believing much of the modern distortions, though (Thankfully) not the worst of the Anti-Catholic Bigotry. It amazes me that anyone could actually Read the Church Fathers (and not just some "Cherry picked" proof-texts) and have even the slightest doubt that they were all talking about The Catholic Church, and the same core dogma's She teaches today.... And yet, Clearly, people of "Good Will" can and do. Blows me away.... But "it is what it is".
I have had Protestants tell me I'm not a Christian because I'm Catholic. They ironically are unaware their religion stemmed from mine.
The intro was a little weird because I've almost always heard it the other way around, i.e. Catholics aren't Christians in the eyes of Protestants.
It’s easy to believe that often times when it APPEARS that saints and Mary are being worshipped while jesus is just forgotten about. Not saying that’s true but when I first even heard about Catholics that’s what it looked like.
@@aidanmcwhirter2612 I first heard that's what Protestants are told about Catholics when I got to college. I told my friend "That's crazy! That's not true!" It would be like because you have a photo of your dead grandmother and talk to it sometimes as if it's her saying things like "I wish you were here. I could really use your advice." Doesn't mean you're worshipping the photo or believe it's actually her.
@@laurataylor8717 I know now that’s not what is actually believed but it was difficult when I first discovered Catholics in middle school.
@@aidanmcwhirter2612 I understand and didn't think that's what you believe. I was surprised to learn it's what some people believe and that's what is taught to Protestant children about Catholics. It isn't until they're older and meet people outside of their social circle that they learn not everything they were taught is true. We're all taught stuff we later find out needed a grain of salt. 😊
I'm Catholic and only discovered G.K. Chesterton in my "noon day devil" years. As I listened to this talk, I was reminded of this Chesterton statement, "A man is not really convinced of a philosophic theory when he finds that something proves it. He is only really convinced when he finds that everything proves it." Bringing the differences to light and addressing them in good humor is important. At some point the scale is going to tip and a fearful decision must be made. May God bless you and your family for this program.
I love him. I just discovered him and I’m in my early 30’s
As a protestant... I agree 100%
You have a real ministry here. As a Catholic raised Baptist with a Baptist minister father, charismatic sister, and Methodist grandparents, I long and hunger for the day when Jesus prayer in John 17 will be fulfilled and we will all truly be one. Bridge building is so important here and that is what i see in your work. You have a way of saying/asking things candidly, directly, and straightfowardly while at the same time remaining humble, gracious and respectful in your approach. I will pray for you during Mass and during the rest of the week. Thank you for your gift. God bless you!
You need to talk with Matt Fradd. That's all I have to say.
Oggie P I’d LOVE to see that! I think they’d both really enjoy meeting & speaking w one another.
Yes
Joseph Adongay That would be great.
Based
Corda Based and breadpilled
As I Catholic, there was a time when your questions were my questions really. I praise God, that a protestant convert actually made me understand Catholic teaching fully based on scriptures. I suggest you talk with Scott Hahn.
As a Catholic I believe you are doing God’s work. Keep at it. Pray for the reunion of all Christians.
Keep digging, I was Reformed Baptist (5 points mega-super Calvinist) till 2 years ago when I could not take it anymore. There is nothing like the joy of being part of The Church and receiving Christ risen and glorified in the eucharist. Many died for the eucharist during the first 300 years of Christianity because they knew what they were receiving or taking to their captive brothers/sisters.
To go from Reformed Baptist to Catholic screams huge deception. I normally wouldn't say something so cutting but it seems you're aware theologically of what you've done. Keep digging, and come back to Christianity.
Hmm. What do you mean, when you say “being part of the church” are you saying as a reformed baptist you weren’t part of the church?
@@andrewdoesapologetics What theologically has he done ?
Daniel was thrown to the den of lions for prayer to God. Does this mean that he risked death because he knew public prayer was mandatory for salvation or was he was publicly acknowledging God as supreme to set an example of the Way? Matthew 6:6, public prayer is not required for salvation. Therefore, the risk for following God does not mean the thing you are specifically practicing that could get you killed in the key to salvation.
@Andrew Elliott: Beware of the 200-300 assumptions brother. I believe Jorge followed his conscience, as Luther affirmed. He had his good reasons to do so. Was it deception? You do understand he could say the exact same of you, right? Only God looks into the heart and knows everything. And will judge accordingly. But I think we all should have an open mind and an open heart, like Matt and Dr. Jeremy here. It is edifying. And so we should be too. Not at the expense of truth, agreed. But for the sake of Love.
Dude, I've seen and listened to a lot of people talking about religion and Christianity on RUclips and no one does it better than you do! Keep up the excellent work! God bless!
I really like this guy. I'm a Catholic and truly appreciate his honesty and questions. God bless!
I agree! I feel like the popular protestants say we Catholics arent Christians. I admire him and gospel simplicity as they are not anti-Catholic even tho they are protestant.
You’re a universal? How? Catholic means universal but yet they believe in extra Ecclesiam nulla salus, there is no salvation outside the Roman church? Church is the buddy/people not the buildings/Rome institutions.
I'm really impressed by your honesty and willingness to ask questions. I'm a Catholic that dreams of having such forthright and respectful conversations with my Protestant friends! God bless your work, brother.
Im trying to find my way now. I was loosely raised Catholic, however I attended a Baptist church with my wife (6 year). She is not interested in Catholicism at all. I keep finding myself attending a Mass every now and then by myself. It is truly hard to deny Church history and Authority. I think the Catholics have it right. I look around, and I have been to several protestant churches, and ask myself, is this how God wants us to worship him? I dont think it is, going back to early Christian and even Jewish teaching/worship, we as protestants lack actual worship in a lot of ways.
danmj2 read Rome Sweet Home. 😊
@@karatriolo3238 Thanks, I will have to check that out.
danmj2 thanks for your comment. You know, one of things that always stood out to me before I converted to Catholicism was the emphasis by Jesus and the apostles on communion in the early Church. Now as a priest offering the Eucharist I can really say that that centrality has endured to this day in Catholic worshiop.
@@frjohn413 I think that is what is starting to draw me in the most. Reading up and looking at the history of the early church, I dont think we were ever supposed to get away from that. Thanks Fr. John.
@Jonathan 102501 awesome verse. It really does apply to these times!
Whenever I hear speakers like Steve Ray or Scott Hahn, it's immediately clear how much my protestant brothers love Christ; they certainly have charisms as scholars and evangelists. Which is what makes me lament our sorry, seperated state, because it's clear how much better off the Catholic Church would be if it brought all its sheep back into the fold.
I know some may see the amount of christians in the world and say: look, different churches are reaching different people. I see the opposite. Secular, modernists who mock religion or just outright ignore it because our house is not in order, or because they get mixed ideas about what our religion is really about. They get bits and pieces from a hundred different sources, which inevitably contradict and make the whole endeavor seem like a ruse. And if Gods graces could help us unite as one body, it would be even stronger, and reach even more people than the splintered churches do today.
God Bless you, Matt. And to everyone: don't let the people of God keep you from God. We can all be hypocrites and judgemental, and it's because of that we need Him. If someone is making you feel bad or unwelcome, they probably need to work on their own formation rather than evangelizing others, so keep looking for someone else to guide you.
I agree. I think that when a lot of non-Christians look at the Christian world, what they see is a lot of division, contradiction, and confusion... which is why Jesus prayed that the Apostles & all who follow them would be unified as one, so that the world would know that it is from God.
This is the main reason why I converted to Catholicism as well (from non-denominational Christian). In the face of moral relativism, we as a Church need to be more unified in our stance, and the Catholic Church has a fighting chance as the church founded by Christ.
Yup
Well said
I know my comment is a bit late. Since becoming closer with a Catholic friend I have become more curious if why he believes what he does. We have deep conversations of faith, mostly me presenting my narrow view of some difference between us and acknowledging my ignorance on the subject (I am a Protestant myself). I love seeing another curious Protestant asking questions that I would! Thank you so much for this!
Time and time again, I am amazed at how well you articulate yourself. I love and appreciate so much your levelheaded discussions with different traditions of Christianity. I have commented I think on every one of your videos on the Catholic Church, as well as Orthodox Christians. To answer your question, I absolutely believe we are doing a fairly good job loving along side each other. As you mentioned, the extremes on the ends of the bell curve are the loudest and craziest. But the middle genuinely love each other, and see each other as true family. May Almighty God reward you for your continued search for the Truth, and for your heart of Love, and desire for unity!
I agree with you. In college the Protestant Campus Ministry that I was apart of worked better with the Catholic Campus Ministry than with any of the other Protestant groups on campus. I had an awesome conversation with the Catholic priest and he actually gave me words of encouragement as I am now preparing to start seminary in the fall. I have had wonderful conversations with Catholic priests and Catholic laity that have shown me that we are all Christian and we agree on the main things.
Matt, I'm a Catholic convert after 45 years as a pretty seriously committed Protestant viewpoint and I got to say I LOVE WHAT YOU'RE doing here!! thank you and GOD BLESS YOU! I love ALL of your other videos too! On your question of "Are we unified as the Body of Christ or a "mess"", check out Pope Benedict's book "Jesus of Nazareth, Part 2 Holy Week, Chapter Four" - Ratzinger addresses this question and leans heavily on the LUTHERAN theologian Rudolf Bultmann as his source. Really good stuff. Thanks again for all you do!
You'll be interviewed by Marcus Grodi few years from today. 😂 Just kidding. Thanks for the videos.
I am an Evangelical Christian and I love these discussions because I can learn about my brothers and sisters in Jesus and how & why they believe different than me. I have always prayed that the Catholic Church, especially the Pope, would do well and be examples of Christ to the world. Like it or not, non-Christians look toward ANY Christian leader for good or bad. So when the Pope is leading well, Christ is lifted up, or when an Evangelical leader screws up, Christ is laughed at, and vice versa.
William Gibson you should watch videos of Scott Hahn, Jimmy Akin, Tim Staples or Steve Ray. These guys were former protestants but now Catholic and I find the best Catholics are former protestants who have so much love for our Lord and Saviour.
Yes, but more important than outer appearances is the appearance we have towards God, and it doesn't do any benefit to pay lip service to the Apostles and the Gospel while adding things that neither the Apostles or Christ taught. Which is what happens in the official Roman Catholic doctrine (like thesaurus meritorum, insuficiency of the work Christ, etc), that is disregarding the unofficial pronouncements of their current Pope which are all over the place, and also happens a lot in many Evangelical circles (prosperity heresy, word of faith, sabellianism, cheap grace, etc).
So keep good relations with everyone when possible, but if actually following Christ is a scandal to outsiders, so be it, but not for our own selfish reasons or to try to appease the current culture by denying Christ.
@@trinidad17 well said
@@georgeibrahim7945 That seems to disprove Catholicism, that the best Catholics have to be Protestants first, that they have to be saved outside the Catholic church first...
God bless you, William. For us Catholics you're a dear brother in Christ.
Matt, my family really enjoy your videos. I converted from LCMS to the Catholic Church. Something that helped me to better understand some of the Catholic doctrines was studying Typology. As a Lutheran I knew there were parallels in Scripture but Typology is much more than just a parallel in Scripture. It really opened my eyes or as you mentioned made the picture flip. If possible could you incorporate Catholic Typology in a future video?
Hey, what did you find as the difference between their understandings of typology? I thought they were similar?
Joseph Graham , for example the marian dogmas were a stumbling block for me. I was used to requiring scripture to explicitly say this or that. When I gained a knowledge of what typology is and how it is applied it changed everything. Research ark of the covenant in the OT being a type of Mary as an ark in the NT. You will find some awesome scripture in Luke that ties her the OT. That is one example. Mary as the new Eve is another.
@@zachbrauks5584 Thanks Zach, I've already come across this type; and it is a wonderful one, yet the ever virgin Mary is in the Lutheran confessions and Mary as our mother the church, who held all creation in the humanity of the Christ-child, that her body was taken away like the ark and Moses... these teachings don't seem to me to address the issues of Hus, Luther, Chemnitz or the others of that tradition.
That being said, I still hope for reconciliation (the gospel, from my current understanding of the 'lutheran' tradition) and am blessed by the richness of our ancient Christian tradition being revealed to me by Roman and Eastern Theologians.
Disunity for sure. Probably depends on your immediate locality, but my experience has not been encouraging.
Joseph Graham , the LCMS did teach of a Virgin birth but not necessarily ever virgin. The LCMS also does not believe in Mary’s immaculate conception or her being sinless her entire life. For myself this is where the ark type helped. The ark was made of the finest materials and was not to be touched by sin. If this is true for the OT ark and we believe that Mary is the NT ark, then these verses in Luke help us to see how the early fathers may have come to this understanding biblically.
I’m a Filipino Roman Catholic, and all I can say is that I also love protestants and orthodox as well. I respect them and I also love their traditions. I think that what matters here is that we worship God as our only Lord and Savior in life despite of our different practices. God bless to all Christians. ✝️✝️✝️❤️🇵🇭
Sorry( but) love them but don't believe their doctrine read 1tim 4:1-2. .. Gal 1-1cc
I’m publishing a weekly RUclips video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you..
I love you too, from a coptic orthodox.
“Who forbids marriage and abstinence from foods that God created”….
That’s a Roman Catholic teaching.
Thanks Matt, I'm not religious but your channel helps me understand those who are.
Matt Fradd ... the bromance would be palpable.
Frank Pugliese this needs to happen
If matt will let him speak
zorbo77 I find Matt Fradd incredibly humble, he frequently talks about his own struggles and shortcomings. it seems evident he really wants to share the Catholic faith
Not Matt Frad, Jimmy Akin, please
Trent Horn wouldn't let him get away with some stuff he said..for sure...Trent would kill him softly and with a smile 🤗😀
I get the feeling you are doing your part to bring unity to the church, thank you.
Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Satan has always attacked the Church, but will not defeat the Church that Jesus formed through Peter and the apostles.
Matt I love your show. I have been waiting for this second one for months. I have loved just about all the ones you have done so for. I am a Catholic with a masters in Catholic theology. I have learned much from many of your shows. Thank you! I think your very gracious to your Catholic guest and I think you are honest and do great work. I loved the Catholic stuff you have done. Please do more of these. They are great friendly dialogues. Thank you for being a great witness to Christ. God bless you brother!
Chris B. M.T.S.
As a Catholic, I want to thank you for videos like these. The discussion is intelligent, your reasoning is logical, and knowledge is sought rather than conversion. I genuinely respect your position and I appreciate the respect you show to both Dr. Holmes and Catholics in general, and I ask you to please keep producing content like this because it’s valuable to all people, Protestants and Catholics alike. God bless you!
Charlie: That's a really good & respectful comment!!! I'm sure Matt really appreciates it!
Hi Matt, So I have been a Christian my whole life. I recently got engaged and my fiancé is very Catholic. I was very anti-catholic for, again most of my life due to what I was taught. The interesting thing is that after research, I am now becoming Catholic and would already be if our church wasn’t closed down to COVID-19. Anyway, my question or maybe just a comment is about the Eucharist. I believed just as you that is was a symbol rather than His body and blood. However, after reading a passage from John, it really made me think. It is John 6: 48-68. In this reading Christ does not run after his disciples and say, “Wait, Wait... What I meant was this was just a metaphor to my body and blood.” I think this passage really hit home for me because He let those disciples walk away and not try and stop them or correct an incorrect thought. I really thought that was powerful... But, Just my two cents. Have a Blessed day and look forward to your next video. In Christ
That is the whole truth, you hit the nail on the head.
Welcome to the Catholic Church.
If the Eucharist is the sacrifice of Christ re-presented then that means the Scriptures must be wrong when they say Christ's work is finished, presenting a sacrifice that doesn't need to be repeated. But if the Scriptures are correct it means the work of Christ is complete, and priests are no longer needed cf. Romans 6-7.
@@trinidad17 There's only one Sacrifice. The Eucharist is not a new sacrifice, but the SAME sacrifice for eternity, present, for that very reason, in masses that happens anywhere, anytime. Jesus teaches in The Holy Supper an act that create real presence of flesh and blood of His crucifixion through ages, through centuries and centuries. So that's not ONLY memory and symbol of union, but memory and union in fact. Obey Jesus on that and you'll be part of the Body of Christ (the Church) literally, not only intellectually. Jesus are 100% human, 100% God. The Eucharist is whole Jesus, blood, body, soul (human nature) and divinity (god nature), while the mere revival in memory is half of His teaching and commandment. The priests do not makes new sacrifices, but, instead, in obedience to Jesus, they bring the only sacrifice to christians, so that they may remain with Him, sanctify themselves and be saved.
This is a nice conversation. Wishing everyone here good health and please stay safe
I definitely think that we as Christians are more unified than ever before when speaking about our differences. However, I also think that the vast majority of us (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, etc.) are inching closer and closer to living secularist lifestyles, believing they can live without the church whatsoever. I have so many evangelical friends who are not relying on the Bible for what they believe, and that's sorta the point of Protestantism. As a high-schooler I've seen many friends grow up in a Southern Baptist church, but through the years slowly or quickly turn to relativism, atheism, and agnosticism without even realizing what changed.
In the end, God never changes. We're the ones who change, and I pray that whether Catholic or Protestant, we as Christians continue to seek after God.
Thank you so much for this video! I can't wait for the next!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Yes i am pretty sure the Christian world is mlre unified then in the past like in 1204 or in the 30 years war.
I appreciate these (and all your) videos Matt. I wish there were more civil and gracious resources like this when I was studying. I grew up in a very devoted catholic family and left for protestantism after years of research... and on both sides it was difficult to find intelligent resources that explored this differences without being condescending. Thank you for your work in making the discussion more civil
Best route to the truth is reading Scripture, not relying on human opinions and prejudices. I was guilty of reading other people’s opinion about Scripture more than reading Scripture. Apostle Paul said all scripture is God breathed, or inspired. God gave us the Bible through humans writing it.
Matt, I was born and raised a Catholic, however I didn't actually surrender my life to Jesus until about 11 months ago (37 years into my life) because I received a grace from God, to be in a position in my life in which after 11 1/2 years of marriage my wife was convicted that she wanted out. The journey with Jesus has been amazing and very intense. My comment is a response to the final question that you posed at the end of this video. Full disclosure, I am highly uneducated. The highest form of education I have ever received is 12 units at a community college for some general education. I might as well be a "fisherman." I feel moved by the Holy Spirit however to offer a different perspective that I don't really hear at all surprisingly. I am going to play Devil's Advocate here. The Catholic Church has been under attack by Satan since the beginning. If I was the Enemy and I know the weaknesses of Man, wouldn't I want to attack those weaknesses relentlessly? One of our many human weaknesses is our own selfish pride. If a Pope acted in a despicable manner (he is still just a man with weakness just like any of us), wouldn't we open ourselves up to the attacks from the Enemy by taking a position of judgment. God is the one true and only judge. I would offer that the Enemy is pleased by the number of Christian denominations there are (thousands) because of the lack of unity. However, after more than 2,000 years, the Catholic Church still stands. All Glory and Praise to Jesus.
@@Bibleindepth Jesus established a Church and a religion.
I am a life-long, multi-denominational Protestant exploring Catholicism with an open mind. I was dedicated Southern Baptist, baptised Episcopalian/Anglican, confirmed Lutheran (LCMS), and then had a brief adult fling with the Presbyterian Church (Evangelical and PCA). I have rejected all forms of Calvinism and currently go to a non-denom rooted in the Southern Baptist tradition. While I love my church, I feel there are things missing. I AM disheartened by the gazillion splinters in the Protestant category and find a lot of the Evangelical Christian approach to salvation to be inadequate. A recent trip to my Uncle's funeral mass reignited my interest in Catholicism. These videos have been deeply enlightening and thought-provoking. Please keep them up. As others have suggested, please hit up Father Mike Schmitz for a conversation. His videos at Ascension Presents are just fabulous. God bless.
There are not a "gazillion" splinters in the Protestant church. Most churches allow you to take communion with each other for example. That is how the Roman Church identifies "full communion" therefore there are NOT 30,000 denominations.
Disciples don't protest. They abide and obey.
Just wanna say, I am now subscribing to your channel because I’m a catholic and I love my Protestant brothers and sisters. I wish and pray that we will grow into greater and greater unity. I feel like there is so much the Catholic Church could benefit from learning from Protestants, and so much that the Protestants could learn from the Catholics. I truly believe both are Gods Church and belong in unity. So, I am super thankful for your respect towards Catholics and your taking your time to talk with us and point out the really key things that we actually still have in common. I think you’re doing a good thing. I wish more people would notice this and see the fact that the Holy Spirit is at work in both of us, Protestants and Catholics.
Lucia: That is a SUPER wonderful & heart warming comment. I have been reading all of the comments and yours is one of the most gracious and uplifting (no hyperbole). I am sure Matt will see this and appreciate it. Thank you! (ps: catholic here too).
Someone once said that there is a special blessing reserved for Catholics and Protestants who worship together. This has been my experience.
Years ago Dennis Prager had a radio show on Sunday nights called Religion on the line. It was absolutely fascinating, informative and inspiring. So happy to have found your channel. So far looks like the discussion are with Christians of varying denominations which are many! Very interesting to learn how different denominations are expressed. :)
Thank you Matt, I’ve been hoping to find a video to share with my sister, who remained a Roman Catholic all her life, how Eastern Orthodoxy is different.I was able to share your series with her. I was raised Catholic drifted away as an young adult and eventually asked myself what do all churches had in common: the Bible, of course. I became a Baptist, then shifted to an evangelical church. I learned the Bible and towards the 25 year mark, I attended a Sunday school class on early church history. This caused me to re-examine my beliefs, especially about the eucharist (esp. ‘anamnesis’ - used only 4x in the NT- although translated as ‘remembrance’ this does not cover the full expression of the Greek word) as for the schism, I ended up agreeing with Orthodoxy. I also learned that many ancient words (‘symbol’, being one) had their meaning redefined over the centuries. In the West, many theologians tend to be lawyers whereas in the East it is otherwise. Thanks for your honest curiosity.
"In the West, many theologians tend to be lawyers whereas in the East it is otherwise."
So in the east many theologians end up being lawyers? Interesting
Love these shows! Even as a Catholic Maronite (middle eastern rite), I can't wait for the unity of Christians to finally unfold
You'll soon be charged with the grave sin of Ecumenism or One World-ism. Lol
Thank you for allowing the love of Christ to radiate through both of you. Ultimately, that is what will truly bring people closer to Jesus and His Church.
I'm kinda disappointed that we didnt get to see the rest of this discussion..its been 4 months.....feels like we were left hanging ... too bad bcoz I really found this a very interesting conversation 😔
Matt, as a catholic I would like to say I love how you are so focused in seeking the truth and what say "group of Christ followers" or what "group of brothers in Christ" you should be part of. You really remind me of Nabeel.
Great video Matt! As a Catholic I am glad to see that you have the courage to engage a Catholic theologian. I pray you will join the Catholic Church in God's time.
I think he is a good protestant...the only thing we have to learn is to respect each other beliefs, and to live under the teachings we have.
@@makikoba He is genuinely trying to live out his faith, yes. And we must respect people regardless of their beliefs, we are not obliged to respect their religion though. I do not respect Protestantism as a true religion, nor Islam or any other false religion. We must pray that they find the true Church, the Catholic Church. :)
I’m publishing a weekly RUclips video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him.. Thank you..
Matt seems like the kind of guy I want to be friends with
And, Jeremy!!!!! Yes... Yes... Yes...
Y'all Be Safe!
I'm working on being kind of like Matt so that I'm the kind of guy you would want to be friends with too.
I truly appreciate these conversations. As a life long protestant (along the Pentecostal vein) I had various assumptions about the Catholic church. I still have some of those assumptions but I think this video (and those like it) show that far more can be garnered or understood by having actual conversations instead of the seemingly new norm which is the 'dumpster fire' of youtube videos 'correcting' any denomination that is not theirs.
I found this refreshing.
Thank you for the video. A diffrence that I notice is that on many questions and interpretations of scripture and the truth of faith and morals Catholics defer to the authority of the Church and protastants act more independently. As a Catholic self denial is mostly good because it helps us turn away from self satisfying behavior and thinking and towards knowing, loving and serving God. Also, as educated and prayful as one may be, I do not think people can interprate truth independently, we need the church. God bless you.
I think the reason protestants tend to be wary of the church's "authority" is due to the fact that the church has proven to be majorly wrong on a lot of things throughout history. Also, I would argue that protestants aren't "independent" in our interpretations but that we rely on God's guidance and read scripture for ourselves rather than blindly following what the church tells us.
stuffofme xx I got a notification saying you had replied but can't see it for some reason. Did you delete it? The notification said:
"Dolan Tremp Hello, thank you for your reply. The challange is that it is not easy or simple to decern God's guidence. As the video mentioned, protastants are able to distance/ divorce themselves fr..." (gets cut off here).
Unfortunately I can't really gather much from this but I'm interested in hearing the rest of what you had to say. I certainly don't disagree with you that it can be difficult to discern God's guidance, but without knowing where you were going with that, I don't really know how to respond. I genuinely enjoy having conversations about this kind of stuff though so hope I'll hear from you again.
@@dolantremp So sorry, yes I deleted it because I am actually trying be a more quite person as my tendancy is to talk too much. I basiclly wrote about decernment, retaining responsibility for communal historical sins and failures and the dangers and errors associated with relying on independent judgement. Sorry for the inconvenience that I may have caused you. God bless you.
@@stuffofmexx6077 Fair enough. I can definitely see both sides of it but just wanted to share how I see things. It wasn't really an inconvenience, just slightly confusing. I don't think there's anything wrong with talking a lot if there is a conversation to be had but ultimately that's your decision so no worries.
@@dolantremp When Adam and Eve ate of the tree, they thought they could judge right from wrong on their own authority, the way God does. And they were afraid and ashamed of their nakedness and got kicked out and forced to work and die. Christ came to restore our inheritance and call us back to it. Really sad if after all that you want to keep fumbling around in the darkness.
I’m agnostic but I find these videos very interesting. Thanks for the great content!
Hi, Matt. You did great! I'm a Catholic who appreciates your good will.
Really appreciate this video. I have been reading up on Catholic doctrine recently as I was unsatisfied in regurgitating speculation on what Catholics believe. I am a protestant and still differ on the issues you outlined but do not at all shut off my Catholic brothers and sisters as some do. If I am to be sure to follow Christ, I don't want my belief to rest on assumptions but reality. The Holy Spirit really is like the wind, going where it will. I have seen it at work in both Catholic and Protestant alike. Thank you for this discussion.
Thanks for all you do Matt! As a Catholic, my wife and I love your show. This channel has inspired me to start my own apologetics channel. God bless brother and keep doing what you’re doing! 🙏🏼
Such an exceptional video. As a teacher of R.E, philosophy and ethics I'd love to have your permission to show this to my students. Bravo to you both.
So great to see a protestant with a good will like yourself, you should try to talk to Matt Fradd or Trent Horn....Very humbling.
I would love to see Matt on Pints with Aquinas.
Trent Horn is looking for people to talk to
True RightRight Trent Horn actually more a person of dogmatic and deep systematical dialogue, this to clear the common misunderstanding most often given by those people inquiring in good will, just like Matt of this channel who are sincerely hope to have good and deep discussion about the Catholic faith. Trent Horn is not a debater but an excellent dialogue partner. Matt Fradd is another excellent option maybe in conjunction with his channel pint with Aquinas
And I think that Trent Horn's dialogue is trying to seek "What is true?" which is an answer to Matt's question about unity. We may be closer to being unified, but when we search to believe only in the things that are true, there can really only be one right answer. So when debating an issue over Protestant viewpoints vs Catholic doctrine, I feel like only one of them can be the "right" one because the other contradicts it. And as we've read so many conversion stories in the past, how can the Catholic church be right on so many other things, but wrong on a few?
How would I contact you. As the first Catholic in my family for 5 generations I would love to discuss some things with you
First, this is my favorite series on any Christian channel. Period. Please keep it up. More interviews. More round tables. Maybe in the future you can get yourself, Jeremy, an Orthodox and a Lutheran together. That’d be a real blast. Second, as a Catholic who was raised Protestant (in your type of community AND a “Jack Chick” style community), I’d agree that we’re more united than divided. I know Catholics who attend Protestant Bible studies. I know Protestant who attend Catholic vigils and other special services because they’re in love with the reverence and atmosphere. Glory to God and keep it up, Matt. We are all brothers and sisters through Christ our Lord.
When we get persecuted for our faith, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Protestant, or Catholic, it won’t matter. We will all be united by our love for Christ. The Bride, the Church, may have disagreements, but when it comes down to it, we are united.
Steven Velez side note- the first three traditions you mention all fall under Protestantism
Diana Janna I mean.. duh. What does that prove? The Church is the believers. Romans 14 acknowledges that we’d have disagreements but to live in peace. That’s such a weak argument.
Absolutely true..It will be Christianity...
You are absolutely right if. Christ is your lord and savior and you accept him as so..that is what is important
No. Cults are not brothers and sister in christ. Are Mormons Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh day adventist ect? Salvation matters. Believing the trinity and knowing Jesus deity isn't enough. Its also what and how he did it.
I dont mean to be condemning. Im telling you out of care and decernment. It matters. 😔🙏
At first I was mad when I realized there was a missing part 3, but then I realized it is just something to look forward to. So I subscribed and hit the bell
I appreciate it, and you won't have to wait long.
@@MattWhitmanTMBH Hi Matt, I hope you're well. Do you have any recommendations for introductory books on early church history and the Great Schism?
@@MattWhitmanTMBH Yay! I can't wait! Dr. Holmes was a very dear professor of mine in college (I had him 4 times), and your discussion really brought me back to my Theology 101 and 201 classes with him. Knowing him as well as I do, he is well-seasoned in answering the type of questions that you asked - I remember us hashing out a lot of questions like that in class with him, and he wasn't fazed by any of it. Thank you so much for picking him to interview.
I am evangelical Protestant, but have been feeling a strong call to unity. Thank you for what you are doing. No echo chamber…no rhetoric….just exchange of ideas. This is great!
FINALLY YOU RELEASED PART 2!!! Then you give me another CLIFF HANGER!!! Well done!!! Lol.. As a former catholic school kid, who also attended and still attends a protestant, non-denominational church I find this conversation awesome... The similarities between what we believe (JESUS) are very much the same, but the WAY we go about serving, our traditions or lack thereof are much different... The Catholic reverence for the Gospel, it's teachers, etc is simply AWESOME-- something that is truly missing in today's society... Then there are the Protestants who "Keep It Simple Stupid" and focus on Jesus and the Bible without all the frills... Sooooo who's right? I love this dichotomy of thought......
Jesus is always right. He would have given us a divinely canonized bible and not a Church, but he made the choice to give us a Church as his living presence and guaranteed her his presence until the end of time.
YES I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!!! ALLELUIA!!!!
BRO! I was just wondering where this part 2 was and I checked the channel and it came out a half hour ago. Thank you so much for this video. God Bless!
When you next speak to Dr. Holmes, please convey my thanks for a wonderful, intelligent conversation. Your conversation with him was by far my favorite. (I really enjoyed the trip to the Church of the Madeleine.(forgive me if I said it wrong), but this multi part conversation with Dr. Holmes was SO interesting and informative. It was nice to hear the catholic perspective from such a learned gentleman.(I am Lutheran, by the way) I find a lot of the Catholic ritual very interesting (The Rosary especially) and even appealing, but also find it to be like tight Jean's after a big meal.....a tad too restrictive.
Thank YOU for all of the effort you put into these wonderful videos.
Dude, I think that most devout Catholics look at Protestants in the exact same way (more or less) that we look at Catholics who don't go to Mass or Confession regularly. It's like, *WE WANT THE BEST FOR YOU,* and we don't understand why you wouldn't want the same for yourself. That's frustrating in its own right, and the best we can do is love you into the fullness of the Christian faith as God loved you into existence.
Protestantism, though - and here's where the "(more or less)" distinction comes into play - has a wide variety of theological oppositions to Catholicism, some of which are more blasphemous than others; and we don't exactly know where any individual Protestant is coming from at any particular time, so there's a defensiveness that creeps into us. So, so many Protestants don't even bother to read the Catechism before they engage in theological accusations that simply aren't true! Think: "yOu PrAy To StAtUeS." 1. No, we obviously don't. 2. If it's "faith alone," and we clearly have as much faith in Christ as you do, then... [cue Miles Davis riff] so what?
Not only that, but where is the authority? Scripture doesn't come equipped with a table of contents. The Bible has been used to justify slavery. The Bible has been used to justify genocide - look what's happening in the Middle East! I heard somebody quote the Bible the other day - where St. Paul writes "there is no man nor woman" - *to literally claim that Jesus was transgender.* I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried, dude. Those things are *INCOMPATIBLE* with Christianity.
Hey, I realize that not all Protestants support these interpretations, but that's where you can wind up without Apostolic authority. You just go through life and you realize how ridiculous Sola Fide and Sola Scriptura are. No true Catholic holds those positions, because we acknowledge that Jesus created a Church to guide us, and *THAT'S IN SCRIPTURE!* As far as Protestants go, there's like anywhere from 400 to 6,000 different possibilities. Some are hostile. Some aren't. Some are more misguided than others. We love you all the same - love, meaning "to will the good of the other."
Here's my point. We know you. We care about you. We love you. We want to bring you closer to Christ. We don't always understand why you refuse, because we (understandably) don't always understand what exactly it is you believe. We know that Christ has always intended there to be *UNITY* among His followers. We want you participate fully in that with us, and He wants us to want that from you. Dig it?
There was only one Christian Church for over a thousand years before the East-West Schism, which should, God willing, be mended in my lifetime - thanks to Pope Paul VI and all the ecumenical discussions between the popes and patriarchs since! I pray for that every day. And I pray everyday for Protestants, even the ones who spit in our face (and the face of Christ) either implicitly or explicitly, with or without full knowledge, because I genuinely want everybody who loves Christ to be one in the *fullness* of that Christian faith.
I haven't even watched but five minutes of this video, but I'm eager to watch it all the way through. You seem like a good guy, and I just wanted to say whatever I had to say before my thoughts could be tainted by whatever prejudice I may hold within my heart. I just wanted to let you know all of this before I even pressed play. God bless you.
From what I've learned the earliest Christians believed in the Eucharist like Catholics do. The Eucharist was the center of mass for them. I want to follow their lead on that. Bishop Robert Barron ("Word on Fire" RUclips page) does a compelling job explaining Christ's teaching on the Eucharist. Also, different than what was said in the video, a better scriptural argument for the Eucharist as understood by Catholics comes from John 6, where Christ makes it clear he is not using metaphor. That is why the disciples turned away. It is indeed a "hard saying". See Barron's explanation on that. Also, having infrequent but deeply thought out infallible teachings from the magisterium is really clarifying and a guardrail for me in various ethical issues (like contraception)--that made a lot of sense for me in becoming Catholic. Yes, Popes are sinners like the rest of us. Most important part of this though: love my devout protestant brothers and my time in protestant churches. Love this channel too as we need to be united.
@Monica Merino Well, if you look at it beyond the materiality/sense-based aspects of it (for example, blood can only be blood, flesh can only flesh, this happened only 2,000 years ago, etc.), or just taking the words literally as they are- You can draw from that the event, which is central to ALL Christians, that is, Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection, (Without any of those, we lose the unique claims of Christianity), you can draw from the Last Supper is that it is the initiation of something supernatural. It is not a commonplace thing that happened in that room, like a bunch of friends having a going-away party, no. Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection, transcends all time and all space, because those things are the purpose of His becoming like us, it is the linchpin of All Creation, from Adam's Fall to the Last Judgment. So that bread does not become just bread- that wine does not become just wine, that Cross does not become just an instrument of punishment, but all had become implements of our Salvation.
The confusion rises in trying to tie in the New Testament as an immediate continuation of the Old Testament in the way Jews would envision any sort of continuation of the OT- that is, with a Temple, with animal sacrifices, with a king, and a Jewish kingdom- rather, the New Testament releases ALL of humanity from the sort of oppressive tribalism and pharisaism that the Jews, and everyone else, engaged in and deprived everyone of a loving relationship with God. Why else was Our Lord murdered by them? Because He posed a different narrative than what prevailed then- externally obedient, but internally rotten.
@Monica Merino Jesus does not lie. It is His Flesh and Blood, the way the Risen Christ is with us though He is seated at the right Hand of the Father. They ate His Flesh, and drank His Blood because He claimed them to be so.
The NT wasn't even written and codified until hundreds of years later; this is because Our Lord wrote nothing, and never ordered anything to be written- instead He commanded you to Eat His Flesh, and Drink His Blood, directly- not the Apostles, but Jesus commanded it.
What I've never understood is that the people who believe in transubstantiation base their belief on those who took it literally were also the same ones who turned away and yet ignore those who took Christ words metaphorically and stayed.
@@RyanKCR Their understanding of a Messiah diverged. All those people who left were expecting a Judas Maccabeus figure, but turned out to them they were following a madman; in essence they believed that Jesus was just "a rabbi" or even "a prophet" but could not take a step further in believing Jesus was "The Son of God" who was essentially divine, and had to be both the High Priest and the Sacrifice upon the altar that is the cross. This was "a difficult teaching" to say the least, because it was literal, but those people could not make the jump of faith and assumed that Jesus was a madman who told people to eat His Flesh and drink His Blood as though he were a normal human being.
The Last Supper clarified that the bread becomes His Body, and the wine becomes His Blood, because in essence, those who follow Jesus partake in becoming one with Him- it was not a coincidence that the Bread and Wine that Jesus told his disciples to eat and drink is made up of small particles that had to be crushed- likewise, a Christian will be destroyed and crushed by the world, but they will be incorporated into what is called "The Mystical Body of Christ", which is an organism that we call "The Church"- all the baptized Christians doing Jesus' will, is a part of this body, and we do what He instructed us to do, including taking communion, eating literally His Body, and His blood.
I think at the time, the Apostles, the people who stayed, were a lot like a little kid trusting that their dad is doing what's best for them. When the Last Supper happened, you could tell, they were like "What's going on? Are you going away? Why are you saying we can't come with you? When are we fighting the Romans?" So they had to make a leap of faith when Jesus said what He said.
@Monica Merino --> No, they were not symbolic. If they were only symbolic then the disciples would have understood Christ in John 6. In Catholic theology the bread and wine used at the last supper were indeed bread and wine but Jesus transformed them into his body, blood, soul, and divinity. Their appearance, texture, and taste are called the "accidents" of the items. But the SUBSTANCE was changed and were no longer bread and wine but Christ himself, ergo "The Bread of Life." Of course you have to have faith to accept this which is the main reason Protestants are our separated brethren.
I greatly admire this Protestant's desire to engage in a discussion about Christianity and admit that he might be wrong. However, beware. That is how many have come to embrace the fullness of the truth in the Catholic Church!
Will pray for you brother!
You know that goes both ways, right?
@@borisbadenov2744 Of course. I believe there are protestants who have come to be where they are in their faith through an honest search for truth. However, there are also many people who have entered the Catholic Church because of what they found to be true within it- how it aligned more perfectly with Scripture among other things. People like Scott Hahn, Peter Kreeft, Steve Ray, to name a few.
So glad to see this approach. I believe most miss information happens because we only listen to those in our bubble. The better way is asking someone on the other side-the difficult conversations. God bless you for reaching out.
Heh, one of the ways I like to rib my dad (a Lutheran) is: "You know, the rest of the Protestants think you guys are basically Catholics." :P
Born and raised Catholic, but attended a Lutheran service with the in-laws. Said to my wife "Do they realize they are basically Catholics?" lol
We (confessional Lutherans)are the true church that Christ founded. The RCC went astray centuries ago. Luther kept what he found in Catholic worship that did not lead to sin. Luther rejected what he found to be unBiblical such as joining a monastery to earn salvation.
@@markhorton3994 Luther also had a accident that left him not well, mentally. This brain trauma affected him greatly. Im saying that respectfully.
"Basically Catholics"? No, Lutherans (and Anglicans) aren't "basically" Catholics; we are. We aren't part of the Papal Communion; in fact, we were both kicked out and relentlessly attacked.
So yes, we Anglicans and Lutherans are Catholics. We aren't Romanists.
I don’t think the “basically Catholics” comment was meant with disrespect. Having been to both it’s just striking, when raised Catholic, to attend a Lutheran service and note how liturgically similar they are
Hey man, thank so much for your videos, keep it up and God bless! From a french catholic 😉
Hi Matt I have been watching a lot of your content over the last 2 years, Thank you for your informative and balanced discussions. I am a convert to Anglicanism, all my family are still Catholic and we attend each others services. In Ireland of course we have an added historical dimension of reformation, colonisation, the security that came with being protestant and then the restoration in the 20th century when the Catholic Church did exactly the same thing. I came to Anglicanism after many years denying God, mainly because it was the only sacre mantel liturgical church willing to teach and nurture the very immature faith I had grown up with. Most of our family, friends etc are only nominally Christian and have no interest in Learning anything more about their rich and beautiful Catholic faith. I left my faith tribe and washed my hands of the almost insurmountable problems that still beset the Catholic Church and am free to believe that the eucharistic is the actual body and blood of our Lord or not, as the Orthodox would say its a mystery.
Thank you Matt! I think what you're doing is very important! I feels so good to talk or hear people talking about these difficult subject and with such friendliness and love. I hugely appreciate this. I must admit that before watching your videos I used to feel a bit angry about other denominations or religions because I would think how could they not believe this or that, and just keep asking unanswerable questions, but know after listening to your conversations and reading what people think in the comment section, i feel much better:). I'm sure God loves this kind of work. I kinda agree that we are now more united than ever. Thanks again Matt.
Hey brother! Greetings from a Catholic Theology major! I'd have to say that I'm in agreement with you about the universal christian church being quite ecumenical about most things today, more than we give it credit for. Although I'd like to talk further on this, I want to voice both an important and unpopular opinion that I think has the potential to be overlooked.
Essentially what I want I want to make clear is the importance of doctrine. We have big discussions on scripture, tradition, the sacraments, the Church, because they impact our relationship with Jesus, thus affecting our Salvation. These differences matter. They impact our perception of God, our relationship with Him, and with each other as Christians. For example, either the Holy Eucharist is the Body of Jesus or not. Either I receive him in intimate Holy Communion every Sunday, or not. In so doing, I confess faith in all the teachings of the Church, which is his body, and that I am in communion with it, belief in a Church that has been established by the God-Man with a priesthood that through which he gives me himself in the sacrament. This is a radically different perspective of who Jesus is when compared to other faith traditions and I don't know if Jesus wants his body on earth to have such different varying opinions or ideas of him and his saving work.
That is why it is important, as you said, to go forward still in rejoicing that we've reached a point where ecumenical dialogue reigns. Where we can listen carefully to the Holy Spirit and his yearnings, that Spirit that "Will guide you to all truth." Take care during this crazy time, and great work!
Daniel Fox wonderful comment
Hey Matt been a Christian for 8 years and been studying theology in those 8 years. Mainly cause im studying to be an ordained preacher. Really enjoy your videos man. I find them very comprehensible and understandable and just interesting. Keep doing what you're doing brother. God bless
And Mary?
@@MountainFisher what about Mary?
@@BRUISER14 In my studies of Systematic Biblical Theology Mary is a blessed by God woman, but not someone to pray to. What Catholics call veneration looks very close to worship and she isn't just the Mother of God, but the Queen of Heaven too, even though that doesn't have official Vatican approval it certainly is not discouraged either. How can Mary hear millions of prayers without omnipresence and omniscient ability as well?
@@MountainFisher well i didnt mention anything about mary but. She is definitely not God's mother nor is she an intercessor to pray to.
I’m a minister in rural, small town Indiana. I’m blessed to be a member of our local ministerial association. Church leaders from all different denominations meet once a month, rotating through out various churches. We plan service projects and special worship events together. We have representation from Presbyterian, Methodist, Christian Church, Baptist, Church of Christ, Catholic, and more. We all love and respect each other. We realize that there are differences - and significant differences at that - but we all unify on Christ. Now more than ever the church in America must unite or die off. We must no longer let our petty doctrinal differences drive a wedge between us.
On a related note, it does seem that where there is growing division between churches and Christians is more political than religious, unfortunately.
Thanks Matt for your openness to sharing faith in general and with a catholic specifically! I hope you keep these conversations going. Both you and Dr. Holmes are a great example of kindness and charity! At the end of your video you mentioned your thoughts of "church" and described your group as being a tribe. You also mentioned that we are all working on different sets of assumptions and there was much dialogue of how there have been some bad catholic leaders and many "fires." Ironically, the fact that there has been struggle, sin, and difficulty and yet the Catholic Church has persisted for over 2,000 years is pretty amazing. Any secular organization that wasn't divinely inspired and guided would have certainly ceased to exist by now. I can't think of any other Christian denomination that has such a detailed spelled out, publicly-declared belief system, and scripture interpretation than the Catholic Church. If you want to keep advancing your knowledge about the Catholic faith (of course Dr. Holmes is doing a great job), please read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This is the official teaching of the Catholic Church, no assumptions. I think you will be wonderfully surprised! Thanks again! God bless!
I really want to see him have a dialogue with Dr. David Anders from @EWTN.
Also JESSY ROMERO
He would never have a conversation with Dr. Anders. Because it would put an end to this pretending to get to the truth thing.
I love this so much. This is the type of conversation I'd love to have with Protestants. I've had many that are so bitter and vitriolic that its turned me off from engaging in discussion entirely. Thanks for the reminder that inter Christian dialogue can (and should) be chartiable!
Michael Roy amen!
Without being bitter or vitriolic I am so saddened by these sort of ‘conversations’. Christians today are so childish and immature in it. God expects us to grow into his stature. Watching this and reading comments is like watching the blind lead the blind to quite Jesus or like a blind man groping in the noonday sun to quote Isaiah
@@jonnyvincent2236 Can I ask why this conversation was childish and immature? How is it like the blind leading the blind?
Michael Roy sure yes. And thank you for asking. This is what Paul was talking about to the Corinthians in the 1st letter ch.3. Envy strife and divisions are a focus of babes in Christ. While we focus on ‘doctrines’ we have not realised that we are Gods building. We have not conceived to even ask the question what are you Lord? Let alone hear the answer or learn the difference. Nor the question who am I in you, Lord? Effectively we are using our own mind to pick out our own way to God. Our own minds are at enmity with him, unless we subject them to our born again spirit through the knowledge of God like Peter instructs in his 2nd book the 2nd verse. While focusing on our own doctrines we haven’t even grasped the holiness of our redeemer or the righteousness required to know him which is the first step to growing in Christ. Only after that comes the knowledge we think we have when we discuss divisions like this in our own understanding. And this is the beginning of knowing who he is and what are his ways. It’s not a gnostic or esoteric pursuit. It is a pathway that god will open as we follow his lead. His word is a lamp unto our feet! But the path only becomes clear when we worship him in spirit and in truth. It’s a false spirituality or light the thinks it has the answer without actually knowing the answer in person. This is thinking you see when you are actually blind. And Jesus said (if I remember right) take care that the light you think you have is not darkness, because if it’s not light then it is very dark indeed... there is a deep darkness which parades as the entrance to heaven. now that’s not somewhere I want to be, and I trust neither do you.
@@jonnyvincent2236 Thanks for explaining! I see your point and agree to some degree. We should definitely strive first before anything to have a personal relationship with God. To try and understand doctrine without that personal relationship is meaningless. However, the differences in our doctrine are still important. God is One in Truth, he didn't create multiple different churches with multiple truths. Thus, it's crucial we strive together as Christians to discern what is the One Truth he established. Otherwise, we could be leading people astray and into sin, all the while thinking we are obeying His will. So yes, relationship with Christ first, but doctrine matters too.
I’m a Catholic, thank you for doing this! This is exactly what we need, civil discourse.
Matt, my Brother! I love your videos. I discovered your channel last night. You kept me up way past my bed time. Loved to see your conversation with Jeremy. It made me think of what a theological conversation between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis might have looked like in our time. Two of my favorite authors, whom of course you may know, one of them being a Catholic and the other a Protestant, but none the less best of friends who loved and respected each other greatly, who also shared a deep love for Our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm sure many a time they shared a pipe and a pint and had very similar dialog. I'm a Roman Catholic and am very sorry to hear of all the negative feedback you've received from my fellow Catholic "Comm Box Offenders" as it was put in the video. I too have also been told by Protestant Christians that I somehow am simply not a Christian at all because I hold the Catholic faith, so I feel your pain. I feel a lot of even the differences that you mentioned, but didn't touch on much in your conversation can be satisfactorily explained to someone who has an open mind, such as the question of the Catholic understanding and exaltation of Mary the Mother of God. I can tell you have an authentic love for Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You have a big beautiful family which is a wonderful thing to see in this time of all out attack on the family. May God bless you on your faith journey and you are in my prayers my friend!