Here's a fun little discussion for us. Who is the greatest theologian since the apostle Paul? Sounds too subjective, but here are some criteria to evaluate by:
1) Personal life - Did this person's personal character reflect his convictions effectively?
2) Breadth of Influence - How wide and long has this person's influence effected the church and the world?
3) Depth of thought - How careful, biblical, and articulate were this persons's works?
My vote to come...
1) Personal life - Did this person's personal character reflect his convictions effectively?
2) Breadth of Influence - How wide and long has this person's influence effected the church and the world?
3) Depth of thought - How careful, biblical, and articulate were this persons's works?
My vote to come...
Comments
Neo
On a different note, when I say 'greatness', I don't mean worldly greatness (fame, fortune, etc.) I mean true greatness. Greateness in Kingdom values. The greatness Jesus talked about when he said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant..." (Mt 20:26) There is such a thing as 'Greatness', it's just not defined the same as the world's parody of greatness.
1. Personal life - Calvin ministered under great suffering and resistance in Geneva for years. His life was truly in line with what he taught. Not perfect, but certainly deserves an A in this category.
2. Breadth of Influence - Calvin's influence is virtually universal today within Christianity. Not that it is agreed with universally by any stretch of the imagination, but his influence cannot be denied. non-controversial absolutely not, influential without a doubt.
3. Depth of thought - profound. Reading Calvin is like reading a genius who has devoted his studies to the text of Scripture. Again, you may agree with him or not, nevertheless you will find a well thought out argument for whatever he is postulating.
The next runners up in my opinion
2. Augustine (better than Calvin in influence, slightly less in depth of thought as he was not a thorough exegete)
3. Aquinas
4. Athanasius
5. Wesley
Thus ends the geeky game!
Augustine would be my first pick.
For his Glory Alone!!
Bill