Lewis B. Smedes

Date of Birth: August 20, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: December 19, 2002

Biography

Lewis B. Smedes was a renowned American author, professor, and theologian known for his profound contributions to Christian ethics and the concept of forgiveness. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Smedes grew up in a devout Christian Reformed family, an upbringing that heavily influenced his later work. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and went on to receive his Bachelor of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary. Smedes furthered his education with a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Free University of Amsterdam. Smedes served as a pastor for several years before transitioning to academia, where he became a beloved professor at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Over his career, he published more than a dozen books, including the widely acclaimed “Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve,” which has been translated into multiple languages and used in various counseling and self-help contexts.

5 Interesting Facts about Lewis B. Smedes

1. Lewis B. Smedes was a key figure in the Christian Reformed Church and later in the broader evangelical movement.

2. His book “Forgive and Forget” sold millions of copies worldwide and became a seminal text on the subject of forgiveness.

3. Smedes was a recipient of the prestigious Gold Medallion Book Award, recognizing his significant contributions to Christian literature.

4. He wrote regularly for various Christian magazines and journals, including “Christianity Today.”

5. Smedes was known for his engaging teaching style and was a favorite among students at Fuller Theological Seminary.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lewis B. Smedes

1. “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

2. “You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.”

3. “Forgiveness is God’s invention for coming to terms with a world in which, despite their best intentions, people are unfair to each other and hurt each other deeply.”

4. “The first and often the only person to be healed by forgiveness is the person who does the forgiving.”

5. “A wise person knows that there is something to be learned from everyone.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Lewis B. Smedes’ highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from his book sales, academic positions, and speaking engagements.