The Reformanda Initiative 85. Is Rome a True Church? Wrestling with History, Reformers, and Rome Today
Apr 28, 2025
Matthew Johnston, a pastor and Fellow at the Reformanda Initiative in Italy, dives deep into the contentious question of whether Rome can be deemed a true church. He unpacks the Reformed criteria for a true church, highlighting the tension between Roman doctrine and Scripture. While acknowledging the presence of Christian elements in Rome, he asserts they fall short of true church status. They also discuss the implications of calling Rome a true church and reflect on historical developments like Vatican I and II, shaping the contemporary debate.
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Doctrine Against Scripture Disqualifies
- If a church's core doctrines oppose Scripture, that alone disqualifies it as a true church.
- Turretin argues Rome's opposing doctrine suffices to deny it the status of a true church.
Shared Elements Aren't Proof
- Rome contains genuine Christian elements like creeds, baptismal formula, and Scripture reading, but those do not equal a true church.
- Reformers treated these overlaps as vestiges, not proof of ecclesial legitimacy.
Qualified Christian Status
- Turretin allowed qualified language: Rome can be called Christian in some relative senses but not the true church.
- He cites believers within Rome, Scripture remnants, and baptism as limited reasons for that qualification.
