Francis A. Schaeffer
Francis A. Schaeffer
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Francis August Schaeffer was a renowned Christian philosopher, theologian, author, and film maker who is commonly known as "Francis Schaeffer" or simply "Dr. Schaeffer."
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 30, 1912, in Cheltenham, England, Francis A. Schaeffer passed away on May 15, 1984.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Schaeffer was a British-American Christian philosopher and theologian who served as the director of L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland for over 30 years.
Early Life and Background
Francis Schaeffer's early life was marked by spiritual searching. Born into an agnostic home, he initially rejected Christianity but later converted to faith while studying philosophy at Balliol College, Oxford University. During his time as a young scholar, he read widely in the fields of philosophy and theology, laying the groundwork for his future intellectual pursuits.
Schaeffer's first marriage ended in divorce, after which he moved to Switzerland with his second wife, Edith Seville Schaeffer. The couple co-founded L'Abri Fellowship in 1955 as a ministry for young people seeking spiritual answers. This endeavor would become the hub of Dr. Schaeffer's life and work.
Major Accomplishments
Francis A. Schaeffer's influence on modern Christian thought is immeasurable. His significant contributions include:
Developing the concept of "the whole gospel" that emphasizes the connection between theology, philosophy, and culture
Founding L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland, which became a hub for apologetics and evangelism
Producing influential films on Christian ethics and morality, such as How Should We Then Live? (1976)
Writing numerous books that have shaped the landscape of modern evangelical thought
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Francis Schaeffer include:
"The God Who Is There" (1968): a book examining the cultural and philosophical implications of Christianity
"How Should We Then Live?" (1976): a film series on Christian ethics and morality, later adapted into books
"A Christian Manifesto" (1981): a book critiquing modern society and advocating for a renewed commitment to biblical valuesImpact and Legacy
Francis A. Schaeffer's impact on Christian thought and culture extends far beyond his own lifetime. His emphasis on the importance of integrating faith, philosophy, and culture has inspired generations of theologians, philosophers, and evangelists.
Schaeffer's legacy can be seen in:
The proliferation of L'Abri Fellowships around the world
The development of contemporary Christian apologetics and evangelism
The influence on modern Christian thought leaders such as Chuck Colson and Tim Keller
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Francis Schaeffer's enduring popularity stems from his:
Intellectual rigor: His commitment to integrating faith, philosophy, and culture has provided a framework for thinking through complex issues
Passion for evangelism: His work at L'Abri Fellowship and in film continues to inspire new generations of Christian leaders
* Prophetic voice: His critiques of modern society and his call to renewed commitment to biblical values continue to resonate with audiences today
As a testament to his lasting impact, Dr. Schaeffer's quotes are widely referenced by scholars, pastors, and laypeople alike.
Quotes by Francis A. Schaeffer
Francis A. Schaeffer's insights on:
People have presuppositions... By 'presuppositions' we mean the basic way that an individual looks at life- his worldview. The grid through which he sees the world. Presuppositions rest upon that which a person considers to be the truth of what exists. A person's presuppositions provide the basis for their values- and therefore the basis for their decisions.
There is no place in God’s world where there are no people who will come and share a home as long as it is a real home.
A compassionate open home is part of Christian responsibility, and should be practiced up to the level of capacity.
The Cross of Christ is to be a reality to me not only once for all at my conversion, but all through my life as a Christian. True spirituality does not stop at the negative (death), but without the negative - in comprehension and in practice - we are not ready to go on.
In passing we should note this curious mark of our age: The only absolute allowed is the absolute insistence that there is no absolute
If there is no final place for civil disobedience, then the government has been made autonomous, and as such, it has been put in the place of the living God.
As my son Frankie put it, Humanism has changed the Twenty-third Psalm: They began - I am my shepherd. Then - Sheep are my shepherd. Then - Everything is my shepherd. Finally - Nothing is my shepherd.
No totalitarian authority nor authoritarian state can tolerate those who have an absolute by which to judge that state and its actions.
We cannot deal with people like human beings, we cannot deal with them on the high level of true humanity, unless we really know their origin-who they are. God tells man who he is. God tells us that He created man in His image. So man is something wonderful.
I have observed one thing among true Christians in their differences in many countries: What divides and severs true Christian groups and Christians - what leaves a bitterness that can last for 20, 30, 40 years (or for 50 or 60 years in a son's or daughter's memory) - is not the issue of doctrine or belief that caused the differences in the first place. Invariably, it is a lack of love - and the bitter things that are said by true Christians in the midst of differences.