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In your opinion, who is the greatest mind in the history of Western Christendom? And why?
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I don't know that there is one who is the greatest, but I would have to throw R. L. Dabney in the ring as one of the greatest theological minds to have known the grace of our Lord.Sorry gentlemen, I meant theological thinkers.
Really? Tell me more please.Geerhardus Vos, for my money, is the greatest theologian in Christian history.
Good point. What about purely their intellect, not their unique contributions or influence?If you mean "greatest" in the sense of unique contributions and influence, the consensus seems to be Augustine from what I have gathered.
Those are some good points. But removed from that historical context, how does he compare to other great minds? If it could be judged in a vacuum.I think one would have to seriously consider Athanasius, the tireless opponent of the dangerous and rampant Arian threat in the early church. As part of that effort he is believed to be the chief author of the Nicene Creed, a simple, theological bulwark that has withstood the ages as the basis of Christic belief for all orthodox Christians. He was also the first to discern the full canon of the New Testament as it came to be accepted by the church. A most impressive resume indeed.
Can you expand?I don't know that there is one who is the greatest, but I would have to throw R. L. Dabney in the ring as one of the greatest theological minds to have known the grace of our Lord.
What about purely their intellect, not their unique contributions or influence?
Here's some snippets from M. H. Smith's doctoral dissertation "Studies in Southern Presbyterian Theology":Can you expand?
I’ll rephrase and say a Western Christian. Those in the line of Western Christianity. Calvin, yes, someone from China, no.What do you mean by "Christendom"?
I hate calculus.Leibniz. Invented the notation for calculus.
Augustine is the greatest. Deep logic plus poetic writing. Nobody writes like him. Moves not only the mind but also the soul.
I would agree with this and add Calvin. He may not be the most influential, but he certainly was one of the most intelligent theologians.I would have to say Augustine and Aquinas. They have shaped Western Christianity more than any other.
Calvin and Spurgeon - they shaped reformed Christianity.I would agree with this and add Calvin. He may not be the most influential, but he certainly was one of the most intelligent theologians.
I'll do you one better; John Wayne.Jerry Clower