Francis Schaeffer

Date of Birth: January 30, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 15, 1984

Biography

Francis August Schaeffer was a renowned American Evangelical theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor who profoundly influenced modern Christian thought. Born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, Schaeffer grew up in a non-religious household but converted to Christianity during his high school years. He attended Hampden-Sydney College and later Westminster Theological Seminary, where he studied under the prominent theologian, Cornelius Van Til. Schaeffer married Edith Seville in 1935, and the couple went on to have four children. Together, they founded L’Abri Fellowship in 1955, a Christian community in Switzerland that served as a center for intellectual and spiritual inquiry. Schaeffer was known for his critique of secular humanism and his emphasis on the necessity of a Christian worldview. He authored numerous books, including “The God Who Is There,” “Escape from Reason,” and “How Should We Then Live?” His writings and teachings have left a lasting impact on Evangelical thought, particularly in the areas of apologetics and cultural critique. Schaeffer’s work was distinguished by his ability to engage deeply with both secular and religious audiences, making complex philosophical ideas accessible to a broad readership.

5 Interesting Facts about Francis Schaeffer

1. Schaeffer and his wife Edith founded L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland, which became a haven for students and seekers from around the world.

2. His book “How Should We Then Live?” was adapted into a 10-episode film series, which he narrated.

3. Schaeffer was an early critic of modern secular humanism and warned against its societal implications.

4. He was instrumental in the rise of the Christian Right in the United States during the late 20th century.

5. Schaeffer’s influence extended beyond theology; he engaged with various forms of art, music, and culture to communicate his ideas.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francis Schaeffer

1. “The Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars.”

2. “Christianity provides a unified answer for the whole of life.”

3. “The Bible is God’s propositional revelation in verbalized form.”

4. “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.”

5. “If there is no absolute moral standard, then one cannot say in a final sense that anything is right or wrong.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Francis Schaeffer’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, as his contributions were more intellectual and spiritual than financial.

Children

Francis and Edith Schaeffer had four children: Priscilla, Susan, Deborah, and Frank Schaeffer. Frank, their son, is a notable author and filmmaker who has written about his upbringing and his father’s legacy.