R.C. Sproul

Robert Charles Sproul (13 Februarie 1939 - 14 Desember 2017) was 'n Amerikaanse Gereformeerde Teoloog en 'n predikant van die Presbeteriaanse Kerk in Amerika (PCA). Hy was die stigter en voorsitter van Ligonier Ministries (vernoem na die Ligoniervallei buite Pittsburgh, waar die bediening as 'n studiesentrum vir universiteit- en kweekskoolstudente begin het) en kon daagliks internasionaal op die radio-uitsending "Renewing Your Mind" gehoor word. Onder Sproul se leiding het Ligonier Ministries die Ligonier-Verklaring oor die Bybel se Onfeilbaarheid uitgevervaardig, wat uiteindelik sou groei tot die Chicago-Verklaring van 1978 oor die Bybel se onfeilbaarheid, waarvan Sproul, saam met Norman Geisler, een van die hoofargitekte was.^[1][2] Sproul is as "die mees invloedryke voorstander van Gereformeerde teologie in die laaste eeu" beskryf.^[3][4][5]

PhD R.C. Sproul
Gebore	Robert Charles Sproul (1939-02-13)13 Februarie 1939 Pittsburgh, Pennsilvanië, VSA
Sterf	14 Desember 2017 (op 78) Altamonte Springs, Florida, VSA
Alma mater	Westminster College Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Whitefield Theological Seminary
Beroep	Teoloog, Professor, Pastoor
Bekend vir	Klassieke Apologetiek Sistematiese Teologie Bybelse onfeilbaarheid
Eggenoot	Vesta Ann Voorhis (trou 1960)
Kinders	2
Geloof	Gereformeerde Christen, Calvinisme

Agtergrond

R.C. Sproul is in Pittsburgh, Pennsilvanië, gebore as die tweede kind van Robert Cecil Sproul, 'n rekenmeester en Tweede Wêreldoorlog-veteraan, en sy vrou, Mayre Anna Yardis.^[6][7] As kind was Sproul 'n groot ondersteuner van die Amerikaanse voetbalspan, die Pittsburgh Steelers, en die Amerikaanse bofbalspan, die Pittsburgh Pirates. Hy het op skool aan atletiek deelgeneem, maar moes op 15-jarige ouderdom ophou om sy familie te kan ondersteun.^[7] Sproul het sy BA-graad by Westminster College in 1961 behaal, sy MDiv-graad by Pittsburgh Teologiese Kweekskool in 1964, sy Doctorandus-graad by die Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 1969 en sy PhD-graad by Whitefield Teologiese Kweekskool in 2001. Hy het aan verskeie universiteite en kweekskole onderrig gegee, insluitend die Gerformeerde Teologiese Kweekskool in Orlando en Jackson, Mississippi, en die Knox Teologiese Kweekskool in Fort Lauderdale.^[2]

Een van Sproul se mentors was John Gerstner, sy professor by die Pittsburgh Teologiese Kweekskool. Die twee van hulle, saam met Arthur Lindsley, nog 'n student van Gerstner, was in 1984 medeouteurs van die boek "Classical Apologetics". Ligonier Ministries, Sproul se bediening, het opnames gemaak van Gerstner wat verskeie kursusse oor teologie en die Bybel aanbied.

Sproul is in 1960 met Vesta Voorhis getroud. Hulle het twee kinders, Sherrie Dorotiak en Robert Craig Sproul.^[6]

Sproul was 'n passasier op die Amtrak-trein wat in 1993 in die Big Bayou Canot-treinramp ontspoor het, en het soms eerstehandse weergawes van die storie gedeel.^[8]

Loopbaan

Ligonier Ministries bied elk jaar verskeie teologiese konferensies aan, insluitend die hoofkonferensie in Orlando, FL, waar Sproul een van die hoofspreekers was.^[9] Sproul het as medepastoor gedien by Saint Andrew's Chapel, 'n gemeente in Sanford, Florida.^[10][11] In 1965 is hy as ouderling in die Verenigde Presbiteriaanse Kerk in die VSA (UPCUSA) georden, maar het die denominasie omstreeks 1975 verlaat en by die Presbiteriaanse Kerk in Amerika (PCA) aangesluit. Hy was ook 'n raadslid van die Alliansie van Belydende Evangeliedienaars.

Sproul was 'n groot voorstander van Calvinisme in sy verskeie menigte, druk-, oudio-, en videopublikasies, en het die Thomistiese (klassieke) benadering tot Christelike apologetiek voorgestaan. 'n Dominante tema in sy "Renewing Your Mind" lesse was die heiligheid en soewereiniteit van God. Sproul was 'n voorstander van hoofbedekkings in die kerk omdat die ordinansie "gewortel en gegrond is in die skepping".^[12][13]

Sproul was 'n kritikus van die Rooms-Katolieke Kerk. Hy het die 1994 ekumeniese dokument "Evangelicals and Catholics Together" aan die kaak gestel.^[14]

In 2003 is 'n Festschrift ter ere van hom gepubliseer. After Darkness, Light: Essays in Honor of R.C. Sproul (ISBN 0875527043) het bydraes van Robert Godfrey, Sinclair Ferguson, O. Palmer Robertson, Michael Horton, Douglas Wilson, John F. MacArthur en Jay E. Adams ingesluit.

Gesondheid en dood

Sproul het op 18 April 2015 'n beroerte gehad en is in die hospitaal opgeneem.^[15] Vyf dae later, op 23 April, is hy ontslaan sonder nadelige gevolge. Hy is egter gediagnoseer met 'n diabetiese toestand wat "aangespreek sou word deur dieet en gereelde mediese aandag."^[15] Hy is op 2 Desember 2017 weer weens moeilike asemhaling as gevolg van 'n oënskynlike infeksie en 'n "verergering van sy emfiseem as gevolg van die griep" (nie longontsteking nie) in die hospitaal opgeneem.^[16]

Na 'n tydperk van 12 dae met onderbroke koors, verdowing, en ventilator-ondersteunde asemhaling in 'n poging om sy asemhalingsfunksie te herstel, is hy op 14 Desember 2017 op die ouderdom van 78 oorlede.^[16][17][18]

Publikasies

Sproul is bekend vir boeke soos "The Holiness of God", "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith", en "What Is Reformed Theology?" Hy is ook bekend vir "Chosen by God", 'n boek oor voorbestemming en die soewereiniteit van God.^[19]

Sproul het deur Ligonier Ministries se konferensies en die "Renewing Your Mind" radio-uitsending verskillende oudio- en videolesings oor die geskiedenis van filosofie, teologie, bybelstudie, apologetiek, intelligente ontwerp en die christelike lewe gelewer. Boonop het Sproul meer as 100 boeke en 'n menigte artikels vir evangeliese publikasies geskryf.^[20]

Hy het die 1978 Chicago-verklaring oor bybelse onfeilbaarheid geteken, wat die onfeilbaarheid van die Bybel bevestig, en hy het 'n kommentaar op daardie dokument geskryf, naamlik "Explaining Inerrancy". Hy het ook as die algemene redakteur van die "Reformation Study Bible" (ISBN 0-87552-643-8) opgetree, wat in verskeie uitgawes en vertalings verskyn en ook bekend staan as die "New Geneva Study Bible". Hy was ook die uitvoerende redakteur van die tydskrif "Tabletalk".

Gepubliseerde boeke

• Moses and the Burning Bush (2018) ISBN 978-1567698633
• The Legacy of Luther (2016) met Stephen J. Nichols en ander ISBN 978-1567697100
• The Knight's Map (2016) ISBN 978-1642890587
• Everyone's a Theologian: An Introduction to Systematic Theology (2014) ISBN 978-1567693652
• The Promises of God (2013) ISBN 978-1434704238
• God's Love: How the Infinite God Cares for His Children (2012) ISBN 978-1434704221
• Are We Together: A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism (2012) ISBN 978-1567692822
• The Work of Christ: What the Events of Jesus Life Mean for You (2012) ISBN 978-0781407267
• The Donkey Who Carried a King (2012) ISBN 978-1567692693
• The Barber Who Wanted to Pray (2011) ISBN 978-1433527036
• Unseen Realities: Heaven, Hell, Angels, and Demons (2011) ISBN 978-1845506827
• The Prayer of the Lord (2009) ISBN 9781567691184
• The Prince's Poison Cup (2008) ISBN 9781567691047
• The Truth of the Cross (2007) ISBN 9781567690873
• Truths We Confess: A Layman's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith Volume 3: The State, The Family, The Church, and Last Things (2007) ISBN 978-1596380417
• Truths We Confess: A Layman's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith Volume 2: Salvation and the Christian Life (2007) ISBN 9781596380400
• Truths We Confess: A Layman's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith Volume 1: The Triune God (2006) ISBN 9781596380394
• The Lightlings (2006) ISBN 9781567690781
• How Then Shall We Worship? (2006 as A Taste of Heaven; gehersien 2006) ISBN 978-1434704245
• Running the Race: A Graduate's Guide to Life (2003) ISBN 978-0801012563
• Defending Your Faith (2003) ISBN 9781433563782
• The Dark Side of Islam (2003) met Abdul Saleeb ISBN 978-1581344417
• Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow (2002) ISBN 9781567691030
• Saved from What? (2002) ISBN 978-1433513428
• When Worlds Collide: Where is God? (2002) ISBN 978-1581344424
• What's in the Bible? (2001) ISBN 9781418545987
• Loved By God (2001) ISBN 978-0849916489
• The Consequence of Ideas (2000) ISBN 9781433563775
• In the Presence of God (1999) ISBN 9780849916243
• Getting the Gospel Right: The Tie That Binds Evangelicals Together (1999) ISBN 9780801011887
• A Walk with God: Luke (1999) ISBN 9781845507312
• The Last Days According to Jesus (1998) ISBN 9780801018589
• What is Reformed Theology (1997 as Grace Unknown; gehersien 2005) ISBN 9780801018466
• Willing to Believe: Understanding the Role of Human Will in Salvation (1997) ISBN 9780801075834
• The Priest with Dirty Clothes (1997; gehersien 2011) ISBN 9781567692105
• Now, That's a Good Question! (1996) ISBN 9780842347112
• The Invisible Hand (1996, gehersien 2003) ISBN 9780875527093
• Choosing My Religion (1996) ISBN 9780875526096
• Ultimate Issues (1996) ISBN 9780875526256
• Before the Face of God Volume 4: A Daily Guide for Living from Ephesians, Hebrews, and James (1996) ISBN 978-0801011023
• Reformation Study Bible (1995 as New Geneva Study Bible; gehersien 1998, 2005, 2015) as algemene redakteur gedien ISBN 978-1567695014
• The Unexpected Jesus (1995 as The Mighty Christ; gehersien 2005) ISBN 9781845500375
• Faith Alone (1995; gehersien 2016) ISBN 9780801019494
• The Purpose of God: An Exposition of Ephesians (1994; gehersien2006) ISBN 9781845506384
• Not a Chance: God, Science, and the Revolt against Reason (1994; gehersien 2014) met Keith Mathison ISBN 9780801016219
• Before the Face of God Volume 3: A Daily Guide for Living from the Old Testament (1994) ISBN 978-0801083785
• The Gospel of God: An Exposition of Romans (1994 gehersien 1999) ISBN 978-1845506377
• Before the Face of God Volume 2: A Daily Guide for Living from the Gospel of Luke (1993) ISBN 978-0801083587
• Doubt and Assurance (1993) ISBN 978-0801083525
• The Soul's Quest for God: Satisfying the Hunger for Spiritual Communion With God (1993; gehersien 2003) ISBN 978-0875527062
• Before the Face of God Volume 1: A Daily Guide for Living from the Book of Romans (1992) ISBN 978-0801083402
• Essential Truths of Christian Faith (1992) ISBN 978-0842320016
• Following Christ (1991) ISBN 978-0842359375 kombinasie van voorheen gepubliseerde boekies getiteld: Who Is Jesus? (1983), Ethics and the Christian (1983), God's Will and the Christian (1984), and Effective Prayer (1984).
• The Mystery of the Holy Spirit (1990; gehersien 2009) ISBN 978-1845504816
• Abortion--A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue (1990; gehersien 2010) ISBN 978-1567692099
• The Glory of Christ (1990; gehersien 2003) ISBN 978-1857924749
• Surprised by Suffering (1989; gehersien 2009) ISBN 9781567691849
• Pleasing God (1988; gehersien 2012) ISBN 978-0781407281
• Discovering God Who Is (1987 as One Holy Passion; gehersien 1995 en 2003 as The Character of God en 2008 as Discovering God Who Is) ISBN 978-0801018299
• Lifeviews: Make a Christian Impact on Culture and Society (1986) ISBN 978-0800753573
• Chosen by God (1986) ISBN 978-0842313353
• The Holiness of God (1985; gehersien 1998) ISBN 978-0842339650
• Classical Apologetics (1984) met John Gerstner en Arthur Lindsley ISBN 9780310449515
• Johnny Come Home (1984) ISBN 978-0830709373
• The Hunger for Significance (1983 as In Search of Dignity; gehersien 1991 en 2001) ISBN 978-0875527017
• Stronger Than Steel: The Wayne Alderson Story (1980) ISBN 978-0060675028
• Reason to Believe (1978 en 1982 as Objections Answered; gehersien 2016) ISBN 978-0310449119
• Knowing Scripture (1978; gehersien 2016) ISBN 978-0830844685
• Soli Deo Gloria (1976) Algemene Redakteur
• God's Inerrant Word: An International Symposium on the Trustworthiness of Scripture (1974) Bydraer
• The Intimate Marriage (1975 as Discovering the Intimate Marriage; gehersien 1986 en 2003) ISBN 978-0875527086
• If There's a God, Why Are There Atheists? (1974 as The Psychology of Atheism; gehersien 1988, 1997, en 2018) ISBN 978-1527101050
• What We Believe: Understanding and Confessing the Apostle's Creed (1973 as The Symbol: An Exposition of the Apostle's Creed; gehersien 1982 as Basic Training, 1998 as Renewing Your Mind, en 2015 as What We Believe) ISBN 978-0801018473

Crucial Questions reeks

• How Can I Be Right with God? (2017) ISBN 978-1642890617
• What Can We Know About God? (2017) ISBN 978-1642890624
• What Do Jesus' Parables Mean? (2017) ISBN 978-1642890631
• Are People Basically Good? (2016) ISBN 978-1642890600
• How Can I Be Blessed? (2016) ISBN 978-1642890594
• How Should I Think About Money? (2016) ISBN 978-1642890587
• Can I Lose My Salvation? (2015) ISBN 978-1642890570
• What is the Great Commission (2015) ISBN 978-1642890563
• Are These the Last Days? (2014) ISBN 978-1642890556
• What Is Repentance? (2014) ISBN 978-1642890532
• What Is the Relationship Between Church and State (2014) ISBN 978-1642890549
• How Can I Develop a Christian Conscience? (2013) ISBN 978-1642890501
• What Is the Lord's Supper? (2013) ISBN 978-1642890518
• What Is the Church? (2013) ISBN 978-1642890525
• Does God Control Everything? (2012) ISBN 978-1642890495
• Who is the Holy Spirit? (2012) ISBN 978-1642890488
• Can I Have Joy in My Life? (2012) ISBN 978-1642890471
• What Can I Do with My Guilt? (2011) ISBN 978-1642890440
• What Is the Trinity? (2011) ISBN 978-1642890457
• What Is Baptism? (2011) ISBN 978-1642890464
• What Is Faith? (2010) ISBN 978-1642890433
• What Does it Mean to Be Born Again? (2010) ISBN 978-1642890419
• Can I Be Sure I'm Saved? (2010) ISBN 978-1642890426
• Does Prayer Change Things? (1984 as Effective Prayer; gehersien 2009) ISBN 978-1642890389
• Can I Know God's Will? (1984 as God's Will and the Christian; gehersien 2009) ISBN 978-1642890396
• How Should I Live in This World? (1983 as Ethics and the Christian; gehersien 2009) ISBN 978-1642890402
• Can I Trust the Bible? (1980 en 1996 as Explaining Inerrancy: A Commentary; gehersien 2009) ISBN 978-1642890372
• Who Is Jesus? (1983; gehersien 2009) ISBN 978-1642890365

St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary reeks

• Matthew (2013) ISBN 978-1433531750
• 1-2 Peter (2011) ISBN 978-1433522895
• Mark (2011) ISBN 978-1567692655
• Acts (2010) ISBN 978-1433522734
• Romans (2009) ISBN 978-1433506857
• John (2009) ISBN 978-1567691856

Verwysings

1. "Stations - Renewing Your Mind". Renewing Your Mind. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
2. Shellnutt, " reeksKate (Desember 14, 2017), "Died: R. C. Sproul, Reformed Theologian Who Founded Ligonier Ministries", Christianity Today
3. Comas, Martin E. "Prominent theologian R.C. Sproul of Sanford dies at 78". Orlando Sentinel. Op 13 Mei, 2023 herwin.
4. "A Bright and Burning Light: Robert Charles Sproul, February 13, 1939 - December 14, 2017". albertmohler.com. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
5. "Obituary: Rev. R.C. Sproul, Presbyterian theologian, founded Ligonier Ministries". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
6. "Robert "R.C." Sproul". Legecy.com. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
7. Taylor, Justin (Desember 14, 2017). "R.C. Sproul (1939–2017)". The Gospel Coalition.
8. "Train Wreck". Ligonier Ministries. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
9. "Conferences". Ligonier Ministries. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
10. "Dr. R.C. Sproul". Saint Andrew's Chapel. Argief van oorspronklike op Junie 25, 2008. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
11. "Dr. R.C. Sproul – The Founder and President of Ligonier Ministries". Ligonier Ministries. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
12. Sproul, R.C. "Do Paul's instructions about head coverings apply today, since he appeals to creation, not culture?". Ligonier Ministries. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
13. Barth, Paul J. (Julie 15, 2019). "Head Coverings in Worship?". Purely Presbyterian. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin. R.C. Sproul writes, "The wearing of fabric head coverings in worship was universally the practice of Christian women until the twentieth century." Incidentally, I remember talking with my mother some years back, and she told me that when she went to church as a little girl, she and her sister wore hats to church. And she was not Presbyterian – that was the case across all American Christianity. "What happened?" Sproul asks, "Did we suddenly find some biblical truth to which the saints for thousands of years were blind? Or were our biblical views of women gradually eroded by the modern feminist movement that has infiltrated the Church of Jesus Christ which is 'the pillar and ground of the truth' (1 Tim. 3:15)?""
14. "Books: Betraying the Reformation?", Christianity today, Oktober 7, 1996
15. "Postponed: A Google Hangout with John MacArthur and R.C. Sproul" (Press release). Ligonier Ministries. April 21, 2015. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
16. "An Update on Dr. Sproul's Health" (Press release). Ligonier Ministries. Desember 12, 2017. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
17. "Dr. R.C. Sproul, Called Home to the Lord". Ligonier Ministries. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
18. "RC Sproul Dies at 78". The Christian Post. Desember 14, 2017. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
19. "A Letter to the Church from R.C. Sproul (1939-2017), His Theology, and His Work in the Gospel". The Exchange | A Blog by Ed Stetzer. Op 13 Mei 2023 herwin.
20. "R.C. Sproul's Book Release Schedule". Ligonier Ministries. Op 13 Mei herwin.