Ministry Spotlight: Online Apologist Jeremiah Short
Digital spaces have become battlegrounds for truth and meaning. I recently wrote about one new Gen Z voice that has emerged as a compelling force for orthodox Anglican Christianity, Joe Colletti of Young Anglican. Today, I’d like to report on another unique young voice in that online chorus: Jeremiah Short, often known on YouTube and social media as “The Black Doctor,” and now operating under the new banner “Liturgy & Truth.” His young but impactful ministry has had a particular focus on reaching those unfamiliar with the Gospel, including individuals coming from Islam and other faith traditions.
My exploration into Short’s ministry begins with a Zoom call where I found out more about him. Immediately, I spied and complimented him on the Canterbury Cross he was wearing on a chain. The cross was a symbol of Short’s recent reception into the Anglican Church in North America, along with his wife, just about a year prior to our conversation. “It was a wonderful gift that I bought for myself,” he shared with a grin. Short has been attending his Anglican church for a few years, but you would never guess the recency of this formal reception by talking to him. It was a deep, theological exploration that had brought him into Anglicanism, an “arduous journey from Presbyterianism,” he says, but the seed of faith was planted earlier in yet another tradition.
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From Baptist Roots to Anglican Convictions
Short’s spiritual and theological formation began with his parents, who navigated away from their Methodist and Holiness backgrounds to raise him and his brothers as Baptists. Jeremiah described his beginnings as “scattered,” marked by an early conversion experience at the age of seven in the Primitive Baptist Church. He vividly recalled to me the profound realization of his sinfulness and his need for Jesus, leading to a baptism marked by an overwhelming sense of peace and divine light. Interestingly, the validity of his young confession sparked debate within his Baptist congregation, an early foreshadowing perhaps of Short’s later theological explorations, particularly concerning baptism. His personal experience of baptism as effectual stood in contrast to standard Baptist theology, becoming a significant factor in Short’s eventual move to Presbyterianism, where he became a staunch defender of infant baptism.
As Short matured in his faith, his congregation recognized his gifts for preaching and teaching, noting his ability to articulate the Gospel clearly and read Scripture with particular insight. His pastor became an early mentor, providing opportunities for him to develop these talents. This early call to ministry and recognition of his spiritual gifts would stay with Jeremiah as he grew, even as those same gifts would lead him out of the Baptist tradition as his theological convictions were taking form.
Early Online Engagement and Theological Growth
Short’s active engagement in online ministry began during his college years at Faulkner University. Initially, he focused on debunking Bible contradictions and engaging in dialogues with atheists and agnostics on various online platforms, even utilizing a meme app for theological essay posting and discussions. This early exposure, while sometimes dealing with rudimentary arguments, provided a crucial platform for Short to articulate his faith, grapple with theological topics, and participate in debates. He was basically laying the groundwork for his future apologetic work. He recalled writing on broad topics such as homosexuality and Christianity, predestination, and infant baptism, even debating a theistic universalist. Importantly, the enduring friendships forged during this period highlight the social and relational dimension of online theological engagement.
Short’s apologetic focus later shifted towards Islam, influenced by the work of James White, who emphasized the importance of accurately understanding the Muslim position. Through White’s material, Short encountered Calvinism. Initially taken aback by the negative reactions to Calvinism within his apologetic circles, he embarked on a deeper study of Scripture, focusing on passages related to God’s sovereignty and salvation. Over three months, he became convinced of the Reformed perspective and the doctrines of grace, eventually finding his way into the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), where Short served as a pastoral intern. His evolving understanding of baptism played a crucial role in this theological shift.
The Pull of Historical Theology and the Path to Anglicanism
As Short immersed himself in Reformed theology, a desire to understand its historical roots emerged. This led him to explore ancient sources and Reformation-era writings, including the works of John Calvin, John Knox, and Reformed Baptists like Charles Spurgeon. His exploration extended to the English Reformation, where he engaged with the writings of Thomas Cranmer, John Jewel, and Richard Hooker, and familiarized himself with the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. This exposure to historical theology, facilitated by online resources, resonated deeply with Jeremiah. The online environment, with its diverse theological perspectives, further spurred his inquiry.
Short’s exposure to the Book of Common Prayer and the broader historical context of Anglicanism proved significant. He was eventually drawn to the Anglican tradition, experiencing it firsthand through Christ Church Anglican in Montgomery, a high-church evangelical congregation within the Gulf Atlantic Diocese, where he is now a fellow.
During his seminary studies at Beeson Divinity School, Short examined the relationship between the 1662 and the 2019 Book of Common Prayer, concluding that they are the same in substance, with the critical factor for modern Anglicans being adherence to the prayer book. Short’s online ministry, including live-streaming services from the 1662 prayer book, reflects his commitment to a more traditional Anglican expression. He observed a growing desire, particularly among younger generations online, for the authenticity and rootedness they perceive in more high-church expressions of worship. However, while Jeremiah believes that aesthetics and liturgy are attractive, sound doctrine remains paramount. His online approach involves offering a glimpse into traditional worship while encouraging connection with local parishes, seeing the digital space as a vital tool for reaching younger generations and guiding them towards in-person community.
Enter Jeremiah Short: An Online Apologist
Emerging from those early theological discussions in college, Jeremiah Short established a significant online presence as “The Black Doctor.” His initial efforts involved addressing common objections to Christianity and engaging in online debates. His apologetic focus has evolved over time, eventually focusing on Islam as Short grew weary of repetitive arguments against the existence of God.
What Short is All About
Now, as an Anglican, Short’s online ministry aims to be a visible Anglican presence for both those within and outside the church. His focus is on educating and comforting those seeking truth, especially individuals coming from Islam. He seeks to demonstrate Christianity as a historically grounded and reliable standard of truth, contrasting it with what he perceives as the presuppositional approach of Islam. Jeremiah engages with other theological movements as well, ultimately, seeking to offer words of comfort rooted in the Gospel, reaching those weary of Christian clichés and others trapped in false religions.
The Showcase
On his popular YouTube channel, Short has engaged in numerous online debates, with recent ones focusing on Islam, including discussions on the crucifixion of Jesus and the Islamic dilemma. Note how he takes pride in presenting Christianity as a historically grounded faith.
[Debate] Was Jesus Crucified?
In this formal, debate style, Short faces off with a Muslim apologist, passionately arguing for the historical reality of Jesus’ crucifixion. Short grounded his affirmative position not primarily on biblical interpretation, but on the weight of historical evidence, asserting that “I propose that there is no ancient historically reliable source that denies that Jesus Christ died on the cross….” He presents a range of non-Christian and Christian sources, including the Roman historian Tacitus, the Jewish historian Josephus, and even early satirical writings and archaeological evidence like the Alexamenos graffito (look it, you’ll be glad you did), all pointing to the widespread recognition of Jesus’ crucifixion in antiquity. Short’s demeanor is consistently generous and polite, but his presentation here is so thorough that he inspired this hilarious comment from one viewer:
Dear brother … thou shall not kill , this was a slaughter!!!!
TMCP #85 / Reformed & Catholic / With Jeremiah Short
In this episode of the Mere Catholicity podcast, Jeremiah Short engages in a rich theological discussion with the host Jonah M. Saller, exploring the harmonious relationship between Reformed theology and Catholic tradition, particularly as understood within Anglicanism. Short articulates how the Reformation was not an invention of a new faith, but a purifying movement aimed at returning the Church to its ancient, apostolic roots. He underscores the significance of historical continuity and the appeal to the early Church Fathers and the Vincentian Canon as essential for defining true catholicity. Short’s central argument posits that Anglicanism stands as a tradition deeply invested in the theological insights of the Reformation while simultaneously embracing the universal faith and practices of the historic Church.
Ephesians 1:15-23 “That You May Know”- Sermon
If you really want to get a sense of where Short is headed, you should try a sample of his preaching. In his exposition of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian church, Jeremiah Short emphasizes the immense spiritual blessings that believers have in Christ and the importance of truly knowing God. Short reflects on the often-overlooked blessings in daily life and applies this to the Christian experience, where believers are “the richest spiritually” yet often fail to live in light of this reality. Short concludes his sermon with the theme of God’s loving power, exemplified in the resurrection of Christ, urging listeners to turn their eyes upon Jesus and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Anglican History and Doctrine- Part 2
One of the cornerstones of Jeremiah Short’s online ministry these days is a commitment to grounding contemporary Anglicanism in its historical roots. In this video, Short, along with his guests, delves into the crucial period of the Reformation in England. The discussion traces the origins of the English Church up to the Renaissance and then focuses on the catalyst of King Henry VIII, the influence of figures like Thomas Cranmer, and the theological underpinnings of the English Reformation, including the concept of grace and the importance of scripture. Throughout the discussion, Short emphasizes both the continuity and distinctiveness of the Anglican tradition. As he states in the video,
this is an ancient way, an ancient faith, and it is expressed here… where we get some of the most formulaic doctrines of the Anglican Church in the Protestant Reformation.
Young Muslim Denounces Islam and Accepts Jesus
I confess that in spite of the title broadcasting the climax of this video, I wasn’t fully prepared for the reality of hearing a young Muslim man reject his false religion and confess faith in Jesus Christ. Short and his co-host don’t let him off easy either. Short facilitates a discussion with this young Muslim man named Daniel, who is expressing his doubts about Islam and a growing conviction about the truth of Christianity. Short and his co-host engage Daniel directly, exploring historical evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The video culminates in Daniel’s renunciation of Islam and his heartfelt acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior, all the more underscoring Short’s commitment to evangelism and his ability to articulate Christian beliefs in a clear and compelling manner. Reflecting on the significance of such moments, Short exclaims, “through the words that are not ours but are God’s, God breaks through the gates of hell and he snatches up another one of his elect.” Thanks be to God!
A Future in Ordained Ministry?
Jeremiah Short graduated from Beeson Divinity School with a Master of Divinity and a certificate in Anglican studies. He is currently an aspirant in the Gulf Atlantic Diocese and anticipates becoming a postulant soon. God willing, he will be ordained as a transitional deacon and then a priest in the future. He views his online ministry as a vital complement to his ministry within a parish, noting that his online presence has already drawn individuals to his physical church. His goal is to continue using his online platform to bring those outside the church into a community where they can encounter Christ and be transformed.
Conclusion
Jeremiah Short is bringing his own gifts and personal history to his approach to ministry in the digital age. Under the new banner “Liturgy & Truth” he continues to present the Gospel in a manner that is both deeply rooted in the traditions of the Church, particularly as manifested in Anglicanism, and accessible to contemporary audiences. He’s busily bridging the divide between historical faith and modern understanding, offering a path where ancient truths and practices provide the rootedness so many young folks are seeking, without compromising the Gospel. Through his impactful online presence and his journey toward ordained ministry, I pray Jeremiah Short will continue to be a guiding light, offering confidence in a historically and Biblically faith, rooted in Jesus Christ.
Graphics from Jeremiah Short. Additional image from Pixelmaniac.photography from Pexels, courtesy of Canva. Digitally modified by Jacob Davis.
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