Considering Some Important 20th-21st Century Protestant Theologians
Having listed some prominent Roman Catholic thinkers, it only seemed fitting to note some key Protestant figures of the same period. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen numerous influential evangelical theologians whose work has shaped evangelical thought, practice, and engagement in mission and society. I’ll try to provide a thumbnail sketch of some notable figures, and perhaps that will lead readers to explore the work of these remarkable people more deeply.
Below are six prominent Protestant-Evangelical figures, and I’ll list several more in subsequent posts. These are NOT listed in order of implied significance or importance.
Coming Up: FF Bruce, Dietrich Bonhoeffer , Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Reinhold Niebuhr, Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, Lesslie Newbigin, Fleming Rutledge, Elizabeth Eliot, Robert Jensen, Luci Shaw, Carl and Karen Ellis, Howard Thurman, John Frame, Gardner Taylor, Charles Fuller, Harold Okenga, NT Wright, Thomas Schreiner, Michael Horton, James Dunn, Alister McGrath, DA Carson, Gordan Fee, Bruce Waltke, Peter Leithart, Marva Dawn, Stanley Hauerwas, Colin Gunton, Thomas Oden, RC Sproul, Thomas Torrance, Jurgen Moltmann, Billy Graham, Cornelius Van Til, and J Gresham Machen.
1. Karl Barth (1886–1968)
Background: Swiss Reformed theologian, often considered the most important Protestant theologian of the 20th century.
Key Contributions: Barth is often associated with neo-orthodoxy, a reaction against liberal theology. His massive work, the Church Dogmatics, sought to re-center Christian theology around the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. While not typically classified as "evangelical" in the American sense, his influence on evangelical theology, particularly in his emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the transcendence of God, is profound.
Influence on Evangelicals: Barth’s Christ-centered theology, rejection of liberalism, and approach to biblical authority deeply influenced later evangelical thinkers, particularly in their engagement with modernity.
2. Carl F. H. Henry (1913–2003)
Background: American theologian and journalist, regarded as one of the architects of modern evangelical theology.
Key Contributions: Henry helped to shape the intellectual foundation of evangelicalism, particularly through his role in founding Christianity Today magazine and his influential book God, Revelation, and Authority. He advocated for an intellectually robust evangelicalism that was biblically grounded but engaged thoughtfully with contemporary culture.
Influence on Evangelicals: Henry is known for articulating a rational defense of biblical inerrancy and promoting the idea that evangelicals should be culturally engaged and intellectually serious. His work is foundational for the modern evangelical intellectual movement.
3. John Stott (1921–2011)
Background: Anglican priest, theologian, and author from the United Kingdom.
Key Contributions: Stott’s writings, particularly Basic Christianity and The Cross of Christ, have become evangelical classics. He was a key figure in shaping evangelical theology, especially in terms of a global Christian mission and a balanced view of social justice alongside personal conversion. Stott also played a significant role in the Lausanne Movement for world evangelism.
Influence on Evangelicals: Stott was deeply committed to expository preaching and faithful biblical teaching. His balanced approach to theology, emphasizing both doctrinal purity and social action, has left a lasting legacy on global evangelicalism.
4. J. I. Packer (1926–2020)
Background: British-Canadian theologian, author, and professor.
Key Contributions: Packer is best known for his book Knowing God, which has been pivotal in shaping evangelical spirituality. He was a strong defender of Reformed theology and the authority of Scripture, especially in the context of the inerrancy debate within evangelicalism. Packer also played a crucial role in fostering ecumenical dialogue, particularly between evangelicals and Anglicans.
Influence on Evangelicals: Packer is widely respected for his clear, accessible writing and theological depth. His focus on the importance of knowing God through Scripture, alongside a pastoral approach, has made him a central figure in modern evangelical theology.
5. Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984)
Background: American apologist, mission leader, author, professor, and Reformed thinker who could work beyond the boundaries of the Reformed churches in a more ecumenical approach to mission.
Key Contributions: With his wife Edith, founded the L’Abri movement and was a central figure in organizing the first Lausanne Congress. He was a pioneer in Evangelicals beginning to enter into the conversation on high culture, especially in art. His background in philosophy afforded him numerous opportunities to interact with post-modern thinkers in an effort to demonstrate the desirability of the Christian faith against the destructiveness and despair of materialist secularism. Combining Van Til’s presupposition approach with the classical evidential approach, and using culture as a lens, he was able to challenge disbelief and offer an innovative way to defend the Faith.
Influence on Evagelicals: His book “How Should We Then Live” (and the subsequent film-series based on it) was foundational for what would become the “culture war” in which Evangelicals looked to apply a “Biblical worldview” to the culture and push back against the pressure of secularism on them and their beliefs.
6. Tim Keller (1950–2023)
Background: American pastor, apologist, and author, founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.
Key Contributions: Keller is known for his ability to communicate evangelical beliefs to a secular, urban audience. His books, such as The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, address Christian apologetics, grace, and cultural engagement. Keller emphasizes the need for Christianity to interact with urban culture and modern skepticism in a compelling way.
Influence on Evangelicals: Keller has become a significant voice in shaping how evangelicals engage with postmodern culture, particularly in urban environments. His emphasis on thoughtful apologetics, cultural sensitivity, and the centrality of the gospel has resonated widely, especially with younger evangelicals.
Six key figures - and many more to go! I hope you find this helpful and will discover more about the life and witness of these servants of Christ.