Francis Schaeffer
Biography of Francis Schaeffer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Francis August Schaeffer
Common Aliases: Francis Schaeffer, Frank Schaeffer
Birth and Death Dates
Born: January 30, 1912
Died: May 15, 1984
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Theologian, Philosopher, Presbyterian Pastor, Author
Early Life and Background
Francis August Schaeffer was born on January 30, 1912, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Raised in a working-class family, Schaeffer's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and religious values. His parents, who were devout Christians, instilled in him a deep respect for the Bible and a commitment to faith. Schaeffer's intellectual journey began in earnest when he attended Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he initially studied engineering before switching to philosophy. It was during this time that he experienced a profound spiritual awakening, leading him to pursue theological studies at Westminster Theological Seminary and later at Faith Theological Seminary.
Major Accomplishments
Francis Schaeffer is best known for his role in shaping modern evangelical thought and for his efforts to bridge the gap between faith and culture. In 1955, he and his wife, Edith, founded L'Abri Fellowship in the Swiss Alps, a community that served as a haven for individuals seeking answers to life's most challenging questions. L'Abri became a hub for intellectual and spiritual discourse, attracting students, artists, and seekers from around the world. Schaeffer's ability to engage with contemporary culture and address the philosophical underpinnings of modern society made him a pivotal figure in the evangelical movement.
Notable Works or Actions
Schaeffer authored more than twenty books, many of which have become classics in Christian literature. His most influential works include "The God Who Is There," "Escape from Reason," and "How Should We Then Live?" These books explore the intersection of faith and reason, challenging readers to consider the implications of a Christian worldview in a secular society. Schaeffer's writings are characterized by their clarity, depth, and ability to address complex philosophical issues in an accessible manner. His work not only provided a robust defense of Christian orthodoxy but also offered a critique of modern secularism and its impact on culture and morality.
Impact and Legacy
Francis Schaeffer's impact on evangelical Christianity and the broader cultural landscape is profound. He is credited with inspiring a generation of Christian thinkers, apologists, and cultural critics who continue to engage with the world from a biblical perspective. Schaeffer's emphasis on the importance of worldview thinking has influenced countless individuals and institutions, encouraging Christians to thoughtfully engage with art, politics, and philosophy. His legacy is evident in the ongoing work of L'Abri Fellowship, which continues to serve as a place of refuge and learning for those seeking to understand the relationship between faith and culture.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Francis Schaeffer is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive analysis of modern culture and his passionate defense of the Christian faith. His ability to articulate the challenges posed by secularism and relativism has made his work enduringly relevant. Schaeffer's quotes often reflect his deep concern for truth, his commitment to intellectual rigor, and his belief in the transformative power of the gospel. His insights into the nature of reality, the human condition, and the role of Christianity in society continue to resonate with readers and thinkers across the globe. Schaeffer's legacy as a bridge between faith and reason ensures that his voice remains influential in contemporary discussions about religion, philosophy, and culture.
Quotes by Francis Schaeffer
Francis Schaeffer's insights on:
All men bear the image of God. They have value not because they are redeemed, but because they are God’s creation in God’s image.
We should not view men with a cynical eye, seeing them only as meaningless products of chance, but, on the other hand, we should not go to the opposite extreme of seeing them romantically. To do either is to fail to understand who men really are – creatures made in the image of God but fallen.
It is only as we consciously bring each victory to His feet, and keep it there as we think of it – and especially as we speak of it – that we can avoid the pride of that victory, which can be worse than the sin over which we claim to have had the victory.
The Christian should be the person who is alive, whose imagination absolutely boils, which moves, which produces something a bit different from God’s world because God made us to be creative.
If the church is what it should be, young people will be there. But they will not just ‘be there’ – they will be there with the blowing of horns and the clashing of high-sounding cymbals, and they will come dancing with flowers in their hair.
Doctrinal rightness and rightness of ecclesiastical position are important, but only as a starting point to go on into a living relationship – and not as ends in themselves.
If Christianity is really true, then it involves the whole man, including his intellect and creativeness. Christianity is not just ‘dogmatically’ true or ‘doctrinally’ true. Rather, it is true to what is there, true in the whole area of the whole man in all of life.
Tell me what the world is saying today, and I’ll tell you what the church will be saying in seven years.
In my reading of philosophy, I saw that there were innumerable problems that nobody was giving answers for. the Bible, it struck me, dealt with man’s problems in a sweeping, all-encompassing thrust.
If I’m going to be in the right relationship with God, I should treat the things he has made in the same way he treats them.