Seven More Protestant Theologians You Should Know
Let’s continue this brief introduction to some significant 20th and 21st Century Protestant Theologians. Today - Alister McGrath, D.A. Carson, Gordon Fee, Bruce Waltke, Peter Leithart, Marva Dawn, and Stanley Hauerwas and their unique perspectives on the role of Scripture, the Church, and Christian living, influencing how modern Evangelicals engage with theology and society. Once again, I’ll look at background, contributions, and lasting impact on Evangelical thought and practice.
1. Alister McGrath: Bridging Theology, Science, and Apologetics
Background:
Alister McGrath (b. 1953) stands out among theologians for his interdisciplinary expertise, combining backgrounds in molecular biophysics and Christian theology. Raised in a secular household in Northern Ireland, McGrath converted to Christianity in his youth, leading him to study theology. His academic journey reflects his commitment to examining faith from multiple angles, resulting in a body of work that engages deeply with science, apologetics, and historical theology.
Key Contributions:
McGrath is a prolific author known for works like Christian Theology: An Introduction, The Twilight of Atheism, and The Dawkins Delusion?, where he challenges New Atheist arguments and critiques figures like Richard Dawkins. McGrath advocates for “scientific theology,” a perspective that views scientific inquiry as compatible with theological principles. His Christian Theology: An Introduction remains a widely used textbook, appreciated for its clarity and accessibility. Another central theme in McGrath’s work is his defense of Christian doctrine, particularly around core tenets of the Trinity, Christology, and the Resurrection, which he presents as rational and intellectually credible.
Influence on Evangelicals:
McGrath’s work has strengthened Evangelical apologetics, equipping believers to articulate their faith in an increasingly secular society. His approach resonates with Evangelicals seeking ways to engage with scientific and secular challenges without compromising faith. As a public theologian, McGrath continues influencing Christian students, scholars, and laypeople, providing a rational and accessible foundation for defending Christian belief in secular and academic settings.
McGrath has been one of the few Christian voices in the as-yet-early conversations on transhumanism, and I hope he will continue to help us integrate the wise application of the faith with the work of scientific research.
2. D.A. Carson: Defender of Biblical Inerrancy and New Testament Scholarship
Background:
Donald Arthur (D.A.) Carson (b. 1946) is a New Testament scholar and theologian whose scholarship is grounded in his commitment to rigorous exegesis and biblical inerrancy. Carson’s upbringing in Canada and his academic training set him on a path of deep engagement with the New Testament. As co-founder of The Gospel Coalition, Carson has become a prominent figure within Reformed Evangelical circles.
Key Contributions:
Carson has authored numerous influential works, such as The Gagging of God, The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God, and Exegetical Fallacies, a practical guide for interpreting the New Testament. His scholarship emphasizes the centrality of biblical truth and aims to uphold the authority of Scripture against the challenges posed by relativism, liberal theology, and secularism. Carson’s contributions to biblical scholarship include his advocacy for the careful, context-sensitive interpretation of Scripture, focusing on the historical and cultural settings of biblical texts. In The God Who Is There, Carson presents the overarching narrative of Scripture, helping Evangelicals see the Bible as a unified story of redemption.
DA Carson is a pioneer of The Gospel Coalition, a collaborative effort that grew out of the work of numerous Evangelical leaders, including Tim Keller and John Piper. In that work, Carson became even more widely known not only as a careful and prolific scholar but also as a profoundly influential and effective preacher. His preaching is truth on fire, and I am so grateful for his example.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Carson’s work, particularly through The Gospel Coalition, has fostered a deeper commitment to theological education within Evangelicalism. His dedication to expository preaching and sound biblical doctrine has shaped pastoral training, encouraging pastors and teachers to approach Scripture with careful analysis and respect for its authority. Carson’s influence extends to Evangelical seminaries, where his works are widely used in teaching the New Testament and Christian doctrine, promoting a high standard for biblical scholarship and theological depth. And remember, while the books are great, don’t miss his preaching.
3. Gordon Fee: Charismatic Scholar of the New Testament
Background:
Gordon D. Fee (1934–2022) was a renowned New Testament scholar and Pentecostal theologian whose work bridged the gap between charismatic experience and academic rigor. Raised in an Assemblies of God home, Fee pursued an academic career that brought a Pentecostal perspective into mainstream New Testament studies, an approach that was both distinctive and groundbreaking for his time.
Key Contributions:
Fee’s works, such as God’s Empowering Presence and Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God, emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and in Christian living. His focus on Pauline theology has provided Evangelicals with a robust understanding of the Spirit’s transformative work in the believer’s life, making his work particularly valuable within charismatic and Pentecostal circles. His New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors remains a go-to resource for students learning the skills of textual analysis and interpretation. Fee’s emphasis on the Spirit is complemented by his advocacy for a balanced approach to biblical criticism, rejecting extreme positions in favor of a thoughtful, nuanced hermeneutic.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Fee’s work has enriched Evangelical understanding of the Holy Spirit and the practical implications of faith. His integration of charismatic spirituality with rigorous scholarship has broadened the theological landscape, inviting Evangelicals to a deeper appreciation for the Spirit’s role in their faith. Fee’s teachings on hermeneutics and exegesis are widely used in Evangelical seminaries, inspiring a generation of pastors and scholars to interpret the New Testament with both intellectual honesty and spiritual sensitivity.
4. Bruce Waltke: Master of Old Testament Scholarship
Background:
Bruce Waltke (b. 1930) is a leading figure in Old Testament scholarship and Hebrew studies. His extensive academic background, including work at Dallas Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary, has positioned him as one of the foremost authorities on Old Testament theology within Evangelical circles.
Key Contributions:
Waltke’s major works, such as An Old Testament Theology and his commentaries on Genesis and Proverbs, are celebrated for their depth and scholarship. Waltke has helped Evangelicals approach the Old Testament not merely as a historical precursor to the New Testament but as foundational for understanding the character of God and His redemptive plan. He advocates for a covenantal framework that sees God’s interactions with Israel as part of a larger narrative that culminates in Christ. Waltke’s work on wisdom literature, particularly his commentary on Psalms and Proverbs, highlights the practical relevance of Old Testament teachings for Christian living, emphasizing wisdom as an integral part of discipleship.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Waltke’s scholarship has reshaped Evangelical perspectives on the Old Testament, promoting a view of the Hebrew Scriptures as both historically and theologically rich. His works are widely used in Evangelical seminaries, equipping pastors and teachers with a robust understanding of Old Testament theology. By bridging scholarship and faith, Waltke has helped Evangelicals appreciate the Old Testament as essential to their spiritual heritage and central to Christian doctrine.
5. Peter Leithart: Theological Integration of Church and Culture
Background:
Peter Leithart (b. 1959) is a Reformed theologian, author, and founder of the Theopolis Institute, which seeks to equip Christians for cultural engagement and deep theological reflection. Leithart’s background in literature and theology enables him to approach theological issues creatively, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cultural context of faith.
Key Contributions:
Leithart’s works, including Defending Constantine, Delivered from the Elements of the World, and The End of Protestantism, address themes of church unity, cultural transformation, and Christian discipleship. He has argued for a robust vision of the Church as the kingdom of God on earth, engaged in transforming culture through faithful witness. In Defending Constantine, Leithart challenges prevailing views on the Church’s historical relationship with state power, advocating for a nuanced understanding of Christianity’s role in shaping civilization. His book The End of Protestantism presents a call for unity among Christians, urging Evangelicals to see themselves as part of a global, historic Church.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Leithart’s vision for cultural engagement resonates with Evangelicals who seek to integrate their faith with every aspect of life. His call for unity has influenced younger Evangelicals increasingly focused on ecumenical partnerships and collaboration. Leithart’s emphasis on the Church’s active role in society encourages Evangelicals to see their faith as transformative, challenging them to pursue social and cultural renewal to express their commitment to Christ.
6. Marva Dawn: Advocate of Worship and Spiritual Formation
Background:
Marva J. Dawn (1948–2021) was a Lutheran theologian, educator, and worship leader who emphasized the importance of liturgical worship, community, and spiritual formation. Dawn’s background as a teacher and musician informed her understanding of worship, which she saw as both formative and transformative for the individuals and the Church.
Key Contributions:
Dawn’s influential works, such as Reaching Out without Dumbing Down, A Royal Waste of Time, and Unfettered Hope, focus on worship as a central act of Christian identity and resistance to secular culture. Dawn critiqued contemporary worship trends prioritizing entertainment, arguing that authentic worship should draw believers into deeper communion with God. Her emphasis on spiritual disciplines and her focus on communal worship challenges the individualism often present in modern church culture. Dawn’s work underscores worship as an act of devotion, calling Evangelicals to engage in practices that resist the pressures of consumerism and secularism.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Dawn’s insights have inspired Evangelicals to reconsider worship practices and focus on spiritual formation as integral to Christian life. Her critique of entertainment-driven worship has influenced the liturgical renewal movements within Evangelicalism, leading churches to prioritize meaningful, theologically rich worship. By advocating for community-centered discipleship, Dawn’s work encourages Evangelicals to see worship as an act of resistance to secular values and as a path to genuine Christian growth.
7. Stanley Hauerwas: Theologian of Ethics and Community
Background:
Stanley Hauerwas (b. 1940) is an American ethicist and theologian whose work on Christian ethics emphasizes the distinctiveness of the Church as a community shaped by Jesus's life and teachings. Known for his bold, sometimes provocative style, Hauerwas has spent much of his career challenging the Church to live as a countercultural community.
Key Contributions:
Hauerwas’s major works include Resident Aliens, The Peaceable Kingdom, and A Community of Character. In Resident Aliens, co-authored with William Willimon, Hauerwas argues that the Church should not seek to blend into secular society but rather embody an ethic that reflects Christ’s teachings. His work emphasizes peace, justice, and the importance of the Christian community as an alternative to the dominant cultural narratives. Hauerwas calls for a return to Christian virtues that shape character and uphold community, promoting a vision of the Church as a moral and ethical witness to the world.
Influence on Evangelicals:
Hauerwas’s work has influenced Evangelicals who are concerned with social justice and ethical integrity. His call to live as “resident aliens” resonates with those who see the Church as a distinct community in a secular society. By emphasizing peace, ethics, and communal life, Hauerwas has inspired many Evangelicals to embrace a countercultural stance, living out their faith in ways that challenge societal norms and reflect Christ’s Kingdom with a particular emphasis on non-violence, peace-making, and an egalitarian view of life and service.
Conclusion
Alister McGrath, D.A. Carson, Gordon Fee, Bruce Waltke, Peter Leithart, Marva Dawn, and Stanley Hauerwas each bring unique contributions that continue to shape Protestant and Evangelical thought. These theologians encourage Evangelicals to engage deeply with Scripture, culture, and worship, providing intellectual and spiritual resources for a rooted and vibrant faith. Their legacies challenge Evangelicals to think critically, worship authentically, and live faithfully, embodying a way of life and worship that seeks to reflect Christ's love, justice, and truth.