The Presbyterian Philosopher: The Authorized Biography of Gordon H. Clark

by Douglas J. Douma, Lois Zeller (Foreword by), Betsy Clark George (Foreword by)

Overview

This is the story of Gordon Clark (1902-85), respected philosopher and prolific writer, who held that Christianity, as a logically coherent system, is superior to all other philosophies. Clark fought no wars and conquered no kingdoms. Yet he was a leading figure in many theological wars fought for the Kingdom of God. These battles for the minds and souls of men were every bit as crucial as physical wars between nations. In an age of increasing secularization, he put up an intellectual defense of the Christian faith. This faith, he believed, was a system. All of its parts link together, a luxury of no other philosophy. His stance shows a Christianity that is in fact intellectual, not relying on appeals to emotion or experience. In propounding this view, he encountered frequent opposition, not from the secular world, but from within his own denomination. This biography helps explain why his thought was so profound, why resistance mounted against him, and how his struggles impacted American Presbyterianism. Additionally, this book calls for a reappraisal of Clark's views, which have been maligned by controversy. Understanding and applying his views could significantly fortify Christians combating irrational and non-systematic ideas prevalent in today's churches.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781532607257
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	01/24/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	318
File size:	9 MB

About the Author

Douglas J. Douma received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan, an MBA from Wake Forest University, and a master of divinity from Sangre de Cristo Seminary. He and his wife currently reside in western North Carolina.
Douglas J. Douma received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan, an MBA from Wake Forest University, and a master of divinity from Sangre de Cristo Seminary. He and his wife currently reside in western North Carolina.

Betsy Clark George has taught at Covenant College, Southern Illinois University, and Trinity Christian School where she also served as principal, and has authored two books of poetry, Bright Raindrops and Farewell.

Table of Contents

Foreword Lois Zeller Betsy Clark George xiii

Acknowledgments xv

Abbreviations xvi

Introduction xix

Chapter 1 The Presbyterian Heritage of Gordon Clark 1

Chapter 2 Gordon Clark's Intellectual Influences 15

Chapter 3 Gordon Clark and the Formation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church 24

Chapter 4 Gordon Clark at Wheaton College 38

Chapter 5 The Origins of Presuppositionalism 58

Chapter 6 Origins of the Ordination Controversy 75

Chapter 7 The Arguments of the Ordination Controversy 107

Chapter 8 The Continued Controversy and Its Results 135

Chapter 9 The Butler University Years (1945-1973) 165

Chapter 10 Four Theological Contributions of Gordon H. Clark 184

Chapter 11 "Clark's Boys" 199

Chapter 12 Persons, the Trinity, and the Incarnation 215

Chapter 13 Gordon Clark's Later Years 224

Appendix A Life Timeline of Gordon H. Clark 247

Appendix B Notes 248

Appendix C Studies of the Doctrine of The Complaint 251

Bibliography 267

Name Index 279

Subject Index 285

Scripture Index 291