Understanding Christian Traditions: A Conversation with Austin Suggs

In a recent episode of "Get to the Heart," hosts Michael and Bailey spoke with Austin Suggs of Gospel Simplicity about Christian traditions and denominational differences.

Suggs shared how his journey began after high school: "I was asked to teach a series in their High School Ministry about different religions and also different denominations... and I was wildly underqualified to do that." This led him to request permission to meet with representatives from different faiths, saying "will you allow me while I'm on the clock to go meet with people from these religions and from these denominations so I don't like just completely straw man them."

His exploration deepened at Moody Bible Institute when a video about attending a Catholic Bible study sparked unexpected discussion. "I got a lot of comments back and people kind of just saying a lot of things that I didn't realize and kind of asking me all these questions I didn't know," Suggs recalled.

Regarding the papacy, Suggs explained: "It's the distinctive doctrine of the Catholic Church meaning that none of the other Traditions teach that the pope is infallible and has Universal jurisdiction over the church."

When discussing what Protestants could learn from Catholics, Suggs noted: "They're really good at organizing large structures... the Catholic Church has done a really interesting job also of like localizing itself in different contexts." He praised Catholic charitable work, specifically mentioning that "Catholic Charities of Baltimore they're doing great stuff if you go in the city on whatever day there will be Catholics feeding the homeless there."

On Orthodox Christianity, Suggs emphasized: "I grew up in a church where it's like we don't want to do anything the same way twice... the Orthodox are the exact opposite... let's keep doing what works and what has worked for over a thousand years."

Despite his extensive study, Suggs remains Protestant, explaining: "I just haven't found the argument convincing... I find that they make claims about themselves that I don't think hold up to history." However, he emphasized that pursuing understanding shouldn't be feared: "When Jesus says he is the truth... and that the truth will set you free that he really means that and so we should always feel free to pursue truth because when we pursue truth we're pursuing Christ."

Those interested in learning more can find Suggs on YouTube under "Gospel Simplicity," which he described as "complex videos that are associated with the gospel in some way."