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There are a handful of podcasts / YouTube channels that I listen to or watch by individuals who advocate for some aspect of the Christian life. I tend to stay away from those channels that are overly polemical, and especially do not appreciate the impugning of the character of other Christians of good faith.
So, I really don’t like seeing what has happened and is happening between Gavin Ortlund and Jonathan Pageau on the topic of who can be saved. I have long valued the work of each of these men – obviously different in doctrinal and theological beliefs and practices, yet both men dedicated to spreading a Christian message as they each see it. Both also dedicated to advocating for their respective traditions.
Pageau recently put out what was at the same time one of his best and one of his worst videos. Best, because he spoke clearly about what he sees as theologically beautiful in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and worst because he openly impugned Ortlund’s character and motives regarding Ortulnd’s understanding of the Eastern Orthodox answer to this question of who can be saved.
Pageau’s video did bring the two together to discuss the aforementioned topic: who can be saved (available on each of their channels). I wanted to see if they could have a good conversation on their agreements and disagreements, so I began to watch it.
I was only able to watch about half of it. Frankly, Pageau made it more difficult to watch – at least for me (and this having nothing to do with theological matters).
I really have no conclusion, other than I find it unfortunate – even a little sad.
You should have watched all of it before passing judgment on it. While at times the discussion got a little heated, at all times both remained respectful of each other. I did not find that Pageau said anything against Ortlund’s character or was disparaging of him. The discussion ended well and civil with true Christian regard.
ReplyDeleteRead my post more carefully as toi which video I was referring to regarding Pageau speaking against Ortlund's character. It was the solo Pageau video which prompted this conversation of the two of them, and I stand by what I said.
DeleteAs for this video between the two of them, through the part I watched Pageau was regularly interrupting, not allowing Ortlund to finish a thought. It made it difficult to watch.
Please give a link or the title of the video where you say Pageau criticizes Ortlund’s character. It is hard for me to believe that Pageau is mean-spirited in that way.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxLYs1VcTkc
Delete"Is There Confusion About Who The Orthodox Believe Can be Saved?"
Pageau specifically says Ortlund is misrepresenting what Orthodox people have said on this topic. As Ortlund is the only critic mentioned, it seems appropriate all other comments of a similar nature are addressing Ortlund.
Between this, and the constant interruptions in their dialogue, Pageau came out as uncharitable, at best.
Alternatively, in his conversation with Ortlund, Stephan de Young came out much more respectfully.