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Tribute to Dr. Ray S. Anderson, 1925-2009
In the course of our Christian lives, God often sends us special people
who have an important positive impact on us. It is only fitting that we
acknowledge and give thanks for such people, remembering their unique
contributions to our spiritual journey.
For Grace Communion International, one such person was Professor Ray S.
Anderson.
Dr Anderson, a renowned and much beloved senior professor of theology and
ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary, died at the age of 83 on June 21.
He authored more than 20 books, including
- An Emergent Theology of Emerging Churches;
- Theology, Death and Dying;
- Dancing with Wolves While Feeding the Sheep: The Musings of a
Maverick Theologian; and
- Judas and Jesus: Amazing Grace for the Wounded Soul.
Professor Anderson was a dear friend of Grace Communion International.
His last e-mail to us shared his joy about our new denominational name –
Grace Communion International. He said simply, “Like the new name—grace is
at the heart of it all.” Over the past decade, he provided numerous training
sessions for our international leaders and offered much encouragement,
theological insight and fatherly wisdom to our denomination. Our two
interviews with Ray on our You're Included video series are, as far
as we know, the last theologically oriented interviews that he granted.
Always open to a phone call and always ready to give his time, Ray was
one of those pillars of support that God so often brings into our lives when
we need it most.
A champion of Trinitarian theology, and a man who lived out his faith in
a deep commitment of patient love, Ray relentlessly pursued the integration
of sound theology with practical ministry and daily life.
In his heartfelt tribute to Professor Anderson on the blog, Faith and
Theology, Dr. Chris Kettler of Friends University, author of a
forthcoming book on Ray Anderson, made these observations:
Anderson’s lectures were for many years a refuge of grace for weary
students who were bounced back and forth in seminary classes, from
studying academic, critical disciplines in one, to learning pastoral and
ministry skills in another, with little integration of the two. Most of
all, in the midst of personal crises, the students found in Anderson’s
lectures (and pastoral counsel) grace to help in time of need.
Ray S. Anderson was an internationally recognized leader and mentor in
Trinitarian theology. His grace-gripping theological insight and practical
synthesis of Christian ministry with the biblical revelation of God in Jesus
Christ though the witness of the Holy Spirit was a gift of God’s love that
will continue to lift burdens of legalism, fear and doubt.
Theologian, pastor, friend, husband, father, and beloved child of God in
Jesus Christ, Ray S. Anderson leaves behind a rich legacy of life and
scholarship rooted in the devotion and love of the Lord.
We thank God for him, and we will miss him.
I’m Joseph Tkach, speaking of LIFE.
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