Francis Schaeffer: The Last Great Modern Theologian

Next Wave ^ | December, 1999 | David Hopkins

[Gamecock]

Ping to a thread long forgotten....

[Gamecock]

**And which is more important, the work of a theologian or the work of an evangelist?**

I suggest that they should coexist in a closely choreographed dance.

[alpha-8-25-02]

Thank you Kitty and Gamecock,

I am still awaiting a reply from the VA as to his status.

Will keep you posted.

Your sister in Christ, Laurel

[unspun]

Thanks for the reminder.

Schaeffer helped to prepare many of us for this very time, in this corrupt generation.

[kalee]

ping

[kalee]

Add some Russell Kirk to your reading list.

[alpha-8-25-02]

Sorry, I posted on the wrong title.

[P-Marlowe]

I don't think I would categorize Francis Schaeffer as a "Theologian". Schaeffer should more correctly be categorized as a Christian philosopher. I have read some Schaeffer books in the past and found them to be interesting and provocative, but I would not place his works in the category of Theology, at least not in the classical sense. His works were more centered on his own view of man and mankind as analyzed through the lens of scripture than man's view of God as revealed in the scripture.

The fact that his namesake has abandoned the protestant reformation theology in favor of returning to the social gospel of the Roman Catholic Church has made me curious as to exactly what Francis Schaeffer really believed and taught. I haven't read anything by Francis Schaeffer probably in the last 20 years. To be honest, I don't recall that anything I read was particularly profound. All I recall is that 20 or 30 years ago he was as hot as Tim LaHaye and everyone was buying up his books and acting like what he was saying was new and profound, but I don't recall anyone really being changed in any dramatic way by reading his books.

Personally I have been much more impressed by some books I have recently purchased from James McDonald. McDonald is not a Christian Philosopher. He just preaches the gospel in a way which makes me feel guilty as hell. I don't get all warm and fuzzy inside thinking that I am going to be able to change the world. I realize instead how utterly worthless we are without God, and how far I am from the place that he wants me to be.

[unspun]

I’d guess that searching: covenant theology

This might bring something up.

That he may not be noted for momentous breakthroughs in Christian theology speaks well of him. We don’t need any theologians. We need disciples.

[Gamecock]

***We don’t need any theologians. We need disciples.***

Considering that Paul was a theologian.....

[P-Marlowe]

We don’t need any theologians. We need disciples.

Theology is a discipline.

[P-Marlowe]

Schaeffer helped to prepare many of us for this very time, in this corrupt generation.

What are you "prepared" to do?

[unspun]

You seem to be getting cranky. I don't anticipate responding to you again about this. Please don't sow discord among the brethren.

[unspun]

Considering that Paul was a theologian.....

Sorry, don't see that term in his writings. I recall "bondservant" and "apostle."

Blessings.

[Gamecock]

Romans is a systematic theology.

But to carry your thought to it’s logical conclusion, there is no such thing as the Trinity because we don’t see that term either.

[P-Marlowe]

You seem to be getting cranky.

LOL!

Please don't sow discord among the brethren.

When you point your finger at someone else, there are three fingers pointing back at you.

[unspun]

...there are three fingers pointing back at you...

Thanks for the reminder! I had an itch.

[unspun]

Romans is a systematic theology. But to carry your thought to it’s logical conclusion, there is no such thing as the Trinity because we don’t see that term either.

It is the systematic thought of a student of God, as opposed to a studier of God.

[xzins]

What are you prepared to do

I think it's a line from the movie, "The Untouchables." Sean Connery, as he's dying, speaks it to Kevin Costner who plays Elliott Ness. Connery's just been killed by a hitman sent from Capone.

But, the meaning is still there.

Most Christians aren't prepared to do anything at all. That's why it's probably a good time for a depression. When push comes to shove, we are really willing to trust ourselves, our abilities, and our government. God is a game we play on Sundays.

[unspun]

Most Christians aren't prepared to do anything at all. That's why it's probably a good time for a depression. When push comes to shove, we are really willing to trust ourselves, our abilities, and our government. God is a game we play on Sundays.

Then what have you prepared to do now? ;-`