Six More Champions of Evangelical Thought
This is the second to last in a series of posts on prominent Protestant theologians from the 20th and 21st centuries who continue to shape the evangelical community through their works, words, and example. From theology and civil rights to evangelism and artistic expression, the contributions of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Billy Graham, Michael Horton, Thomas Schreiner, and Luci Shaw echo through Evangelical circles. Each has addressed deep questions of faith, justice, and identity, helping Evangelicals navigate our world while staying grounded in their faith, and they’ve done this at great personal cost to themselves.
1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Call to Costly Discipleship
Background
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor, theologian, and fierce critic of the Nazi regime. Born in 1906, Bonhoeffer’s life and ministry were marked by a commitment to resistance against oppression, culminating in his involvement in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler—a decision that eventually led to his imprisonment and execution in 1945. Bonhoeffer’s writings, especially "The Cost of Discipleship" and "Letters and Papers from Prison," became foundational texts for understanding sacrificial faith in times of crisis.
Key Contributions
Bonhoeffer is best known for his concept of "costly grace," which he contrasts with "cheap grace." For him, costly grace required sacrifice and genuine commitment to Jesus’ teachings, while cheap grace sought the benefits of faith without any genuine transformation or sacrifice. His emphasis on living as a community of disciples and following Christ’s example in acts of resistance has resonated deeply.
Primary Influence on Evangelicals
Bonhoeffer’s teachings on costly grace have inspired many Evangelicals to approach their faith with a sense of seriousness and ethical responsibility. His life’s work underscores the need for courage, especially in confronting social and political injustice. Bonhoeffer’s emphasis on discipleship and the communal aspects of faith continue to shape Evangelical approaches to community-building and ethical engagement.
2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Bridging Justice and Faith
Background
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister and leader of the American civil rights movement, profoundly influenced society with his commitment to racial equality and social justice. Born in 1929, King’s nonviolent approach, inspired by his Christian faith and Gandhi’s teachings, led him to become a moral leader advocating for the rights and dignity of all people until his assassination in 1968.
Key Contributions
King’s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (which should be required reading for all Pastors) and sermons such as those collected in "Strength to Love" conveyed his belief that the Christian Gospel required believers to challenge systems of injustice. His ministry used Christian love as the foundation for social action, inspiring countless others to view social justice as integral to their faith. His monumental “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial electrified the nation and galvanized the civil rights movement with a prophetic declaration that is as powerful now as it was when he first delivered it.
Primary Influence on Evangelicals
Dr. King’s integration of faith with social justice compelled Evangelicals to engage more deeply with racial justice and reconciliation issues. His teachings led many Evangelicals to understand that the pursuit of justice was not an addition to their faith but a direct outgrowth of it. Today, his legacy influences Evangelical conversations on race and community and highlights the ongoing need for faith-based activism. It would be difficult to overestimate the powerful influence Dr. King’s example and message continues to hold on the conscience of all Christians, and even on those not in the Faith here and around the world.
3. Billy Graham: The Evangelist to the World
Background
As hard as it is to believe, many 1970s families that may never have attended church or did so very infrequently gathered around their television sets to hear Billy Graham preach at one of his many crusades. When Billy was on, much of the nation stopped what they were doing and listened in. He preached Christ to more people than anyone else who’s ever lived. It’s hard to imagine a more respected or able Gospel communicator than Billy Graham.
Born in 1918, Graham is one of the most widely recognized Evangelical figures in modern history. Known for his large-scale evangelistic "crusades" worldwide, Graham reached millions with his message of salvation and led an evangelistic ministry spanning radio, television, and print. His ministry was dedicated to preaching the Gospel clearly and passionately without overcomplicating the central message.
Key Contributions
Through his evangelistic crusades, Graham emphasized a simple message of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ, reaching people across racial, political, and denominational divides. His work championed the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, the significance of conversion, and the power of Scripture.
Primary Influence on Evangelicals
Graham set the standard for Evangelical outreach, demonstrating how to present the Gospel in an accessible, unifying manner. He reinforced moral integrity in ministry and showcased the power of using media for evangelism. For Evangelicals, Graham’s example affirmed the urgency of evangelistic outreach, encouraging generations to share their faith boldly.
4. Michael Horton: A Voice for Reformed Theology in Evangelicalism
Background
Michael Horton is a contemporary American theologian, author, and radio show host known for his critiques of consumer-driven Christianity. A professor of theology at Westminster Seminary California, Horton has been an influential voice in promoting Reformed theology, emphasizing core principles such as sola scriptura (Scripture alone) and Christ-centered preaching.
Key Contributions
Horton’s books, including "Christless Christianity" and "The Gospel-Driven Life," challenge trends he views as diverging from the Gospel’s true essence. He argues that modern Christianity often drifts toward self-help and consumerism rather than staying grounded in Biblical truth. His work calls Evangelicals back to theological depth, urging a focus on doctrine over culture-driven practices.
Primary Influence on Evangelicals
Horton’s advocacy for a return to theological roots has resonated with Evangelicals interested in intellectual rigor. By stressing the importance of doctrinal integrity, he has encouraged a thoughtful approach to faith, reminding Evangelicals of the need for clear theological frameworks amid cultural shifts. Horton’s teachings have significantly renewed interest in the Reformed tradition and deepened discipleship within Evangelical communities. In particular, his White Horse Inn podcast has offered Reformed theology to many in a clear, conversational style that has proven effective over many years.
5. Thomas Schreiner: Champion of New Testament Theology
Background
Thomas Schreiner is a New Testament scholar and professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, widely regarded for his work on Pauline theology and New Testament exegesis. Schreiner’s academic rigor and commitment to the authority of Scripture have made him a respected figure in Evangelical scholarship, especially among those exploring complex theological issues.
Key Contributions
Schreiner’s works, including "The Law and Its Fulfillment" and his commentaries on Pauline letters, have helped clarify foundational theological concepts like justification, sanctification, and the role of the law. His emphasis on interpreting Scripture within its theological context underscores the need for thoughtful Biblical exegesis and a commitment to understanding the Bible’s original intent.
Primary Influence on Evangelicals
Schreiner’s scholarship has influenced how Evangelicals approach the New Testament, clarifying essential doctrines that define Evangelical beliefs. His contributions have reinforced the importance of academic rigor in Biblical interpretation, equipping Evangelicals with tools to engage Scripture deeply and thoughtfully. Schreiner’s work is widely respected among pastors, theologians, and laypeople who seek a balanced, doctrinally sound approach to faith.
6. Luci Shaw: Embracing Faith and Creativity
Background
Luci Shaw, a poet, essayist, and prominent voice in Christian spirituality, has explored the relationship between faith and creativity for decades. Born in 1928, Shaw has contributed extensively to Christian thought through her poetry, essays, and collaborations with fellow poet Madeleine L’Engle, author of "A Wrinkle in Time." Shaw’s work is known for its sensitivity to the spiritual dimensions of everyday life.
Key Contributions
Shaw’s collections, such as "Polishing the Petoskey Stone," and essays invite readers to find God in nature and creativity. She advocates for integrating art into faith, arguing that the Christian life should reflect beauty, wonder, and imagination as expressions of worship.
Primary Influence on Evangelicals
Luci Shaw has inspired Evangelicals to embrace creativity and the arts as central to a holistic Christian life. Her work encourages Evangelicals to see creativity as a means of exploring God’s character and His creation. Shaw’s influence has fostered a movement toward integrating faith with art, helping Evangelicals appreciate the arts as an important vehicle for expressing and experiencing faith.
Conclusion
Each of these six figures has made distinct contributions that have shaped the theological, ethical, and spiritual landscape of modern Evangelicalism. Dietrich Bonhoeffer taught Evangelicals the meaning of costly grace and moral courage. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated how faith can drive social justice, challenging Evangelicals to confront issues of injustice. Billy Graham modeled passionate evangelism, exemplifying a life devoted to sharing the Gospel. Michael Horton reminded Evangelicals of the importance of doctrinal depth over cultural trends. Thomas Schreiner’s scholarship reinforced the value of rigorous Biblical interpretation, while Luci Shaw has opened Evangelicals to the beauty of creativity as a spiritual act.
Their legacies invite Evangelicals to engage with faith at every level—academics, public faith and action, and artistic creativity. I thank God for them all.