The Biggest Myth About Protestantism

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING: This video discusses the historical and ecclesiological definition of Protestantism, not the validity or sincerity of other Christian churches. When I distinguish between historic Protestant churches and modern non-denominational churches, I am not arguing that non-denominational Christians are not Christians, are not saved, or are somehow outside the broader body of Christ. My argument is simply that "Protestant" is most coherently understood to refer to the churches and communions that emerged from, and identify with, the Protestant Reformation and its confessional traditions. Likewise, my references to branch theory reflect my own Anglican and magisterial Protestant perspective. By branch theory, I mean the belief that the one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church exists across multiple communions that retain the essentials of the Christian faith, even while remaining institutionally separated. Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and others may disagree strongly with that framework, and I recognize that not all Christians accept it. My goal is not to caricature those positions, but to explain how many historic Protestants understand the question of denominational identity and Christian unity. If I have misrepresented your tradition, please feel free to charitably correct me in the comments.