Influential 20th and 21st Century Protestant Theologians: Thurman, Jensen, Oden, Dunn, Fuller, Sproul, and Frame
In this series of articles, I’m looking to introduce some key 20th and 21st centuries Protestant Theologians. This era has witnessed the rise of significant Protestant theologians whose contributions have shaped the landscape of Evangelical and broader Christian thought. These theologians, while diverse in their theological approaches, share a deep commitment to the authority of Scripture, the role of Christ in salvation, and the mission of the Church. In this post, I will briefly explore the lives and theological contributions of seven key figures: Howard Thurman, Robert Jenson, Thomas Oden, James Dunn, Charles Fuller, R.C. Sproul, and John Frame.
1. Howard Thurman: The Mystical Voice of Social Justice
Background:
Howard Thurman (1899–1981) was an African American theologian, educator, and civil rights leader. Raised in a segregated Florida, Thurman pursued a path that would merge spiritual depth with activism. He became one of the most influential figures in Christian mysticism and social justice, helping to inspire the Civil Rights Movement and deeply influencing leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.
Key Contributions:
Thurman's seminal work, Jesus and the Disinherited, reinterpreted the teachings of Jesus through the lens of the oppressed. He emphasized that Jesus’ message was primarily one of liberation for the marginalized, challenging traditional interpretations that separated faith from social responsibility. Thurman was also a proponent of nonviolent resistance, which became a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement. As a mystic, his theology stressed a personal relationship with God, focusing on inner transformation as the starting point for societal change.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Though not directly aligned with the Evangelical movement, Thurman’s emphasis on social justice and the lived experience of faith resonated with Evangelical circles, particularly among African American Christians. His approach to integrating spiritual formation with activism has been revisited by contemporary Evangelicals who are increasingly engaged with issues of racial reconciliation and justice.
2. Robert Jenson: The Theologian of God's Story
Background:
Robert W. Jenson (1930–2017) was a Lutheran theologian whose work in systematic theology placed him among the most influential American theologians of the 20th century. Jenson was known for his innovative Trinitarian theology and his work on eschatology.
Key Contributions:
Jenson’s theology is deeply rooted in the narrative of Scripture. He argued that God’s self-revelation is shaped by the unfolding story of salvation history, particularly in the events of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of his central insights was that God is not only the Creator of time but also actively involved in the time-bound narrative of human history. His two-volume Systematic Theology remains one of the most rigorous theological works of the modern era.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Jenson’s focus on narrative theology has been influential in Evangelical scholarship, particularly in how biblical scholars and theologians engage with Scripture as a cohesive story of God’s redemptive work. His Trinitarian theology has also found a place in Evangelical discussions on the nature of God and the Church’s role in reflecting the unity of the Trinity.
3. Thomas Oden: The Champion of Classical Christianity
Background:
Thomas C. Oden (1931–2016) was a Methodist theologian best known for his work in patristics and his call for a return to classical Christianity. Initially trained in liberal theology, Oden underwent a conversion of sorts in mid-life, becoming a leading advocate for what he called “paleo-orthodoxy,” a theology rooted in the early Church Fathers.
Key Contributions:
Oden’s greatest contribution is perhaps his systematic theology rooted in the wisdom of the ancient Church. His Systematic Theology series revived interest in the teachings of the early Church Fathers, encouraging Christians to draw from the rich tradition of historic Christianity rather than relying solely on modern theological trends. Oden also founded the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, a series that compiled patristic commentary on the Bible, offering Protestants a deeper connection to the historic Church.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Oden’s emphasis on returning to the roots of Christian orthodoxy has had a profound impact on Evangelical thought, particularly among those in the Reformed and Wesleyan traditions. His work has contributed to a resurgence of interest in patristic writings and has helped to bridge the gap between modern Protestantism and the historic Christian faith.
On a personal note, Tom Oden was one of the kindest men among the theologians I’ve met. He was humble, gracious, curious, and possessed a sparkling wit.
4. James Dunn: The New Testament Scholar
Background:
James D.G. Dunn (1939–2020) was a British New Testament scholar and theologian whose work has significantly shaped contemporary biblical studies, particularly in the areas of Pauline theology and the study of early Christianity.
Key Contributions:
Dunn is perhaps best known for his work on the "New Perspective on Paul," a framework that reexamines Paul's writings in light of first-century Judaism. This perspective argues that Paul’s message was not an outright rejection of the Jewish law but rather an emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s covenant people. Dunn’s work also highlighted the importance of understanding early Christian worship and the centrality of Jesus in the formation of early Christian identity.
Influence on Evangelicals:
The "New Perspective on Paul" has been both controversial and influential among Evangelicals. While some have resisted Dunn’s conclusions, others have embraced his approach as a way to recontextualize Paul’s writings within their historical framework. Dunn’s emphasis on the Jewishness of Jesus and Paul has also fostered a deeper appreciation for the continuity between the Old and New Testaments among Evangelicals.
5. Charles Fuller: The Pioneer of Evangelical Media Ministry
Background:
Charles E. Fuller (1887–1968) was a prominent American preacher, evangelist, and radio personality. He is perhaps best known for founding Fuller Theological Seminary, one of the leading Evangelical seminaries in the world, and for his influential radio show, The Old Fashioned Revival Hour.
Key Contributions:
Fuller’s Old Fashioned Revival Hour reached millions of listeners across the United States, spreading a message of personal salvation and Christian living. Fuller’s focus on gospel-centered preaching and evangelism helped shape mid-20th century Evangelicalism. His founding of Fuller Theological Seminary in 1947 further solidified his legacy, as the institution has become a leading center for Evangelical thought, training generations of pastors, theologians, and missionaries.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Fuller’s work in media ministry helped pave the way for the modern Evangelical movement’s use of technology in spreading the gospel. His legacy lives on in the work of Fuller Seminary, which continues to influence Evangelical theology and education. Fuller’s commitment to combining intellectual rigor with Evangelical piety has had a lasting impact on how Evangelicals engage both culture and theology.
6. R.C. Sproul: Defender of Reformed Theology
Background:
R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was a Reformed theologian, pastor, and founder of Ligonier Ministries. Sproul was one of the most prominent Reformed theologians of his time, known for his commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture and the doctrines of grace.
Key Contributions:
Sproul’s ability to distill complex theological concepts for lay audiences made him one of the most influential Evangelical theologians of the 20th century. His numerous books, including The Holiness of God, have become classics of Reformed theology. Through Ligonier Ministries, Sproul produced countless resources, including teaching series, books, and conferences, all designed to make theology accessible to a broader audience. Sproul was also a staunch defender of the authority of Scripture, playing a key role in the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Sproul’s influence on Evangelicalism, particularly within Reformed circles, is immense. His defense of Reformed theology and his commitment to clear biblical teaching have made him a cornerstone figure in modern Evangelical thought. Many Evangelicals today continue to turn to Sproul’s writings and teachings for guidance on issues of theology, Scripture, and Christian living.
7. John Frame: The Philosopher-Theologian of Reformed Thought
Background:
John M. Frame (b. 1939) is a Reformed theologian, philosopher, and apologist. He has taught at institutions such as Westminster Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary and is known for his work on theology, apologetics, and philosophy.
Key Contributions:
Frame’s most significant contribution is his triperspectivalism, a framework that seeks to understand theological and philosophical concepts from three perspectives: the normative, situational, and existential. His works, including The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God and Systematic Theology, have been influential in shaping modern Reformed thought. Frame’s approach to apologetics, which emphasizes the authority of Scripture and the coherence of the Christian worldview, has been a valuable resource for Evangelicals engaging with secular philosophy and culture.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Frame’s noted “triperspectivalism” has gained a strong following in Reformed circles and has influenced how many Evangelicals approach theology and ethics. His emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the integration of theology and philosophy has made his work a vital resource for those seeking to defend and articulate the Christian faith in an increasingly secular world.
The contributions of these seven theologians—Howard Thurman, Robert Jenson, Thomas Oden, James Dunn, Charles Fuller, R.C. Sproul, and John Frame—have had a profound impact on Protestant thought and the broader Evangelical movement. While their approaches to theology vary, each has played a vital role in shaping contemporary Christian discourse, from social justice and biblical interpretation to Reformed theology and media ministry. Their legacies continue to influence Evangelicals today, offering rich insights for both scholars and everyday believers seeking to navigate faith in our late-modern context.