An Introduction to Seven More Protestant Theologians
In this series, I’m letting readers say “hello” to some prominent and influential Protestant theological thinkers of the 20th and 21st centuries. They’ve profoundly shaped the Evangelical landscape we call home, but many of them are unknown even by name to a new generation of Evangelicals. Seven are considered in this article: Herman Bavinck, Abraham Kuyper, Reinhold Niebuhr, J. Gresham Machen, Cornelius Van Til, Elisabeth Elliot, and Gardner Taylor, all of whom have each contributed distinct perspectives on faith, culture, apologetics, and biblical fidelity. This post explores their backgrounds, key contributions, and influence, highlighting their ongoing impact on how believers engage with Scripture, culture, and society.
1. Herman Bavinck: Systematic Theologian of Reformed Thought
Background:
Herman Bavinck (1854–1921) was a Dutch Reformed theologian and professor whose work has become a cornerstone of modern Reformed theology. Bavinck taught at Kampen Theological Seminary and later at the Free University of Amsterdam. His theology reflects a blend of intellectual rigor and pastoral sensitivity grounded in the Reformed tradition.
Key Contributions:
Bavinck’s most significant contribution is his Reformed Dogmatics, a comprehensive four-volume work that explores the depth and breadth of Christian doctrine from a Reformed perspective. This work covers key areas of systematic theology, including the doctrines of God, creation, sin, and redemption. Bavinck emphasized the importance of a balanced, biblically grounded theology relevant to the Church and society. He was also deeply concerned with the relationship between faith and reason, defending the compatibility of Christian belief with intellectual inquiry. I’m grateful Bavinck’s Dogmatics has been translated into English and, together with his Ethics, it occupies the central place on my shelves of Systematic Theology, a constant companion and aid.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Bavinck’s influence on Evangelicalism has grown, especially within Reformed circles, where his work has inspired a revival in robust theological education. His emphasis on a coherent worldview has encouraged Evangelicals to integrate their faith with every aspect of life. Bavinck’s theology also provides a framework for engaging with modern challenges without compromising theological depth, making his work an invaluable resource for pastors, scholars, and lay believers alike.
2. Abraham Kuyper: Advocate of Christian Cultural Engagement
Background:
Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920) was a Dutch theologian, journalist, and statesman who served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Kuyper pioneered Neo-Calvinism, a movement that aimed to reform and reimagine Reformed theology’s relationship with culture. He founded the Free University of Amsterdam and the Anti-Revolutionary Party, advocating for Christian engagement in all spheres of life.
Key Contributions:
Kuyper’s concept of sphere sovereignty—the idea that each area of life (such as church, family, education, and politics) operates independently under God’s authority—has had a lasting influence on Christian thought. Kuyper argued that Christ’s lordship extends over all of life, famously stating, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’” His writings, such as Lectures on Calvinism, present a vision for how Christians can shape culture, politics, and education in ways that honor God.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Kuyper’s work has profoundly impacted Evangelicals engaged in cultural and political life, particularly within the Reformed tradition. His teachings on cultural engagement have inspired Evangelicals to pursue vocations in politics, media, and education as forms of faithful discipleship. Kuyper’s Neo-Calvinism resonates with Evangelicals seeking to impact society while maintaining a solid commitment to biblical principles.
3. Reinhold Niebuhr: Theologian of Christian Realism
Background:
Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971) was an American theologian, ethicist, and public intellectual whose work on Christian ethics and social justice has made him one of the most influential Protestant thinkers of the 20th century. He served as a pastor before transitioning to academia, where he taught at Union Theological Seminary.
Key Contributions:
Niebuhr is best known for his theology of Christian realism, which emphasizes the need to confront sin and evil in the world while recognizing human limitations. His works, such as The Nature and Destiny of Man and Moral Man and Immoral Society, explore the tension between personal morality and the complexities of social justice. Niebuhr was a staunch advocate for responsible Christian action in the face of injustice, arguing that the Church must actively address social ills. His famous Serenity Prayer embodies his approach to Christian ethics, balancing acceptance and transformative action.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Niebuhr’s emphasis on confronting societal sin has inspired Evangelicals to engage in social justice and public policy. His realism about the persistence of sin has also been influential in shaping Evangelical political and ethical thought. While some Evangelicals critique Niebuhr’s theological liberalism, many find value in his call for Christian responsibility and his challenge to simplistic moral perspectives in a complex world.
4. J. Gresham Machen: Defender of Biblical Orthodoxy
Background:
John Gresham Machen (1881–1937) was an American theologian and professor and a key figure in the fundamentalist-modernist controversy of the early 20th century. Machen founded Westminster Theological Seminary and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, both seeking to uphold traditional Reformed theology against the rise of theological liberalism.
Key Contributions:
Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism is his most famous work. It argues that Christianity and liberalism are fundamentally different religions. Machen believed that liberal theology, which sought to reinterpret Christian doctrines to fit modern sensibilities, undermined the essential truths of Christianity. Machen defended the inerrancy of Scripture and the necessity of orthodox Christian doctrines, such as the deity of Christ and the resurrection. His commitment to theological integrity led him to separate from Princeton Theological Seminary and establish Westminster Theological Seminary, where biblical inerrancy and Reformed theology could be preserved.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Machen’s work has had a lasting impact on Evangelicalism, particularly within Reformed and conservative circles. Indeed, the work of Westminster Seminary is far-reaching, and the faculty that first formed its teaching community under Machen’s inspiring leadership was formative in its continuing fruitfulness. His defense of orthodoxy during the fundamentalist-modernist controversy continues to influence Evangelicals committed to maintaining doctrinal fidelity. His legacy is evident in the Evangelical commitment to scriptural inerrancy and the centrality of core Christian doctrines, providing a foundation for Evangelical institutions, seminaries, and churches.
Machen is a titanic figure in conservative Reformed circles, especially among leaders in the OPC and PCA. We are all grateful for his legacy of faith and example of sacrificial obedience.
5. Cornelius Van Til: Pioneer of Presuppositional Apologetics
Background:
Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) was a Dutch-American Reformed theologian and philosopher known for developing presuppositional apologetics. Van Til taught at Westminster Theological Seminary, where his innovative approach to apologetics reshaped Reformed thinking on defending the Christian faith.
Key Contributions:
Van Til’s presuppositional apologetics asserts that all worldviews are based on presuppositions or foundational beliefs and that only the Christian worldview provides a coherent basis for truth, logic, and morality. His works, such as The Defense of the Faith, argue that Christian apologetics should begin with presupposing God’s existence rather than trying to “prove” God through neutral evidence. Van Til also emphasized the antithesis between Christian and non-Christian thinking, arguing that a believer’s worldview differs from secular or atheistic worldviews.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Van Til’s presuppositional approach has become a cornerstone of Reformed apologetics and has influenced many Evangelical apologists, such as Greg Bahnsen and John Frame. His methodology is widely used among Evangelicals who debate the existence of God, morality, and truth. Van Til’s insistence on the authority of Scripture as the ultimate standard has reinforced a high view of Scripture within Evangelicalism, particularly in circles where rigorous faith defense is emphasized.
6. Elisabeth Elliot: Advocate of Faithful Discipleship and Missions
Background:
Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015) was an American author, missionary, and speaker whose life and writings have inspired generations of Evangelicals. After her first husband, Jim Elliot, was killed by the Huaorani people of Ecuador while on a missionary journey, Elisabeth continued to serve among the very people who had killed her husband, later becoming a widely respected Christian author and speaker.
Key Contributions:
Elliot’s books, including Through Gates of Splendor and Shadow of the Almighty, recount her husband’s life and death and her journey of forgiveness and faith among the Huaorani people. Her book Passion and Purity guides relationships, chastity, and discipleship, challenging readers to pursue holiness in every aspect of life. Elliot’s emphasis on obedience, sacrifice, and trust in God’s sovereignty has resonated with readers worldwide. Her teachings on suffering and mission work present a powerful testimony of faith in the face of hardship.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Elliot’s legacy is especially strong among Evangelical women and mission-focused believers. Her writings on sacrifice and obedience inspire those pursuing missions and discipleship. By embodying a life of forgiveness and resilience, Elliot has modeled what it means to live out one’s faith with courage and commitment. Her influence endures in Evangelical circles as a call to wholehearted devotion and an encouragement to embrace God’s purposes even amid suffering.
7. Gardner Taylor: Voice of Preaching and Social Justice
Background:
Gardner C. Taylor (1918–2015) was an African American pastor and preacher who served as senior pastor of Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, for over 40 years. Known as the “Dean of American Preaching,” Taylor was a powerful voice for social justice and is considered one of the greatest preachers of the 20th century.
Key Contributions:
Taylor’s preaching was characterized by its rich language, biblical depth, and moral clarity. He was a leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement, using his platform to advocate for racial justice and equality. Taylor’s messages focused on hope, justice, and the power of God’s word to transform lives. He also emphasized the role of the preacher as a prophetic voice, speaking truth to power and offering comfort to the afflicted. His sermons and public speeches have been compiled in works like The Words of Gardner Taylor, which showcase his gift for communicating the Gospel with clarity and passion.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Taylor’s legacy continues to impact Evangelical preachers, particularly those committed to addressing social justice from a biblical perspective. His example challenges Evangelicals to consider the social implications of the Gospel, advocating for justice while remaining faithful to biblical teaching. Taylor’s emphasis on the power of preaching has inspired countless Evangelical pastors to prioritize their role as messengers of truth and hope in a world that often needs both courage and compassion.
Conclusion
Herman Bavinck, Abraham Kuyper, Reinhold Niebuhr, J. Gresham Machen, Cornelius Van Til, Elisabeth Elliot, and Gardner Taylor have each left an indelible mark on Protestant theology and the Evangelical world. Their diverse backgrounds and unique contributions have shaped how Evangelicals engage with Scripture, culture, and the mission of the Church. From Bavinck’s systematic theology and Kuyper’s cultural engagement to Van Til’s presuppositional apologetics and Taylor’s call for justice, these theologians provide insights that continue to guide and challenge Evangelicals today.
Their legacies invite Evangelicals to deepen their theological understanding, to engage faithfully with society, and to live lives of devotion, justice, and courage. Whether through systematic theology, social ethics, or the witness of personal sacrifice, these theologians remind us that the Christian faith encompasses both belief and action, calling us to a life that bears witness to God’s truth in every sphere of life.