Essential Evangelicalism [eBook]

The Enduring Influence of Carl F. H. Henry

In an age that is increasingly conflicted about evangelical identity and theological truth, Christians need a foundation for navigating the shifting culture. Although forgotten by some, twentieth-century theologian Carl F. H. Henry stands as one of the most influential leaders of modern evangelicalism. In this collection of essays written by leading theologians, readers will discover the extraordinary legacy that Henry left behind—a legacy desperately needed in our world today. Highlighting Henry’s unshakable confidence in the truth of God’s Word, these essays demonstrate how a renewed commitment to theology will lead to a greater love for God and others.

Matthew J. Hall (PhD, University of Kentucky) serves as vice president of academic services and assistant professor of church history at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Owen Strachan (PhD candidate, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is assistant professor of Christian theology and church history at Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky, and serves as president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

“Henry’s commitment to both social justice and evangelism called a generation of Christians to engage the world. This book will deepen your understanding of how Carl Henry sought to place all aspects of life under the banner of the gospel.”
—Richard Stearns, President, World Vision US; author, Unfinished and The Hole in Our Gospel

“It has been a marked blessing of God in my life to have known Carl and Helga Henry personally. I do what I do and live where I have lived now for over twenty years in no small because of Carl Henry. Carefully reading each of these essays has left me feeling like I’ve just spent time with him again. Careful research, clear writing, and shared concerns mark the chapters in this book. The authors are to be commended.”
—Mark Dever, Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington DC; President, 9Marks

“It would be hard to overstate the importance and ongoing relevance of the writings of Carl Henry, one of the fathers of modern evangelicalism. Henry was a close friend of my organization’s founder, Chuck Colson. His impact continues to be felt on our board of directors, in the Christian worldview ministry he helped to inspire, and in the hundreds of thousands of men and women behind bars who have also been impacted through his teaching. This book belongs on the must-buy list of today’s evangelical readers.”
—Jim Liske, President and CEO, Prison Fellowship Ministries

“Too many evangelical churches today are enamored with a therapeutic gospel and pander after yet another spiritual experience. What we need is a good dose of the theological depth and intellectual rigor of the likes of Carl Henry. You don’t have to agree with everything he wrote, but you will be wise for having wrestled with his great mind.”
—Mark Galli, Editor, Christianity Today

“Carl F. H. Henry is a writing mentor to me. Like Francis Schaeffer, I fear losing him to a generation that desperately needs to hear both their voices. This book will help contemporary evangelicals understand why they need to know this man and delve into his writings. It will stretch them intellectually. It will guide them spiritually. And it will greatly aid them in not repeating mistakes from the past—mistakes already uncovered and handled by this princely theologian.”
—Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“The brilliant essays found in Essential Evangelicalism provide readers with a masterful and comprehensive look at the life and work of Carl F. H. Henry. So much more than a historical reflection, this timely and extraordinary volume not only presents Henry’s massive thought to a new generation of readers, but carefully explores the identity and theology of the evangelical movement with remarkable insight. With great enthusiasm, it is a privilege to recommend this outstanding publication.”
—David S. Dockery, President, Trinity International University

“Carl Henry was a giant on whose shoulders all contemporary evangelicals stand—whether or not they know that. This volume represents another significant contribution to celebrating, assessing, and reclaiming Henry’s massive influence. One need not agree with every aspect of Henry’s thought (or this volume’s claims about Henry) to rejoice in this multivoiced wrestling with Henry’s huge role in shaping contemporary evangelicalism.”
—Ronald J. Sider, Senior Distinguished Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry, and Public Policy, Palmer Theological Seminary