In a recent Dividing Line episode, Dr. James White promoted the apologetic work of Gavin Ortlund. Both White and Ortlund have been deeply involved in Protestant apologetics, especially against the claims of Roman Catholicism. For convenience’s sake, you can find an edited version of White’s endorsement on this 𝕏 post.
The genesis for this was Gavin Ortlund’s recent work on the canon and deuterocanon, two topics that James White has also covered in writing and in debate. It’s very clear that this common focus endears Ortlund to White, even though the feeling isn’t mutual. Nevertheless, this is a shocking development, primarily because Gavin Ortlund is a theological liberal and clearly a false teacher. Evangelical Dark Web has covered his history extensively: Noah’s flood being local, climate change and homosexuality, and third-wayism. James White is even aware of some of these heterodox beliefs, but he says that believers need to “eat the meat, spit out the bones” as he did at Fuller Seminary. But this analogy is inappropriate, as we are not paying to be formally educated by Gavin Ortlund, and there are much better men out there to learn from, who haven’t compromised the gospel at multiple points.
Furthermore, it is completely unbiblical to accept the good things from a false teacher while rejecting the bad. The Bible clearly teaches that we are to “mark and avoid” false teachers and not just their teachings. They will always mix truth with error so as to deceive true believers. So it doesn’t matter how accurate Gavin is regarding the development of the canon when he casts doubt on the truth of Genesis and the evil of homosexuality.
Finally, White’s endorsement of Ortlund stands in stark contrast to his vile treatment of reformed brothers with whom he has disagreements over practical theology, political theory, and/or historical perspectives. I’m thinking of Stephen Wolfe, Joel Webbon, the Ogden guys, and even Ray Fava of the Evangelical Dark Web whom he wanted to spank. James has anathematized many, if not all, of these men over tertiary issues. He should have at least as much charity towards them as he does a charlatan like Gavin Ortlund.
One Response
Catholics worship Mary. For non-Calvinists that’s all the apologetics you need. Because non-Calvinists reject the council of Ephesus. Anglicans and Lutherans count as Xalvinists for this analysis.