Schaeffer on the Christian Life: Countercultural Spirituality

Theologians on the Christian Life

by William Edgar, Stephen J. Nichols

Francis Schaeffer was one of the most influential apologists of the twentieth century. Through his speaking, writing, and filmmaking, Schaeffer successfully transformed the way people thought of the Christian faith, from a rather private kind of piety to a worldview that addresses every sphere of life. This volume―written by a man converted from agnosticism within days of meeting Schaeffer―is the first book devoted to exploring the heart and soul of Schaeffer’s approach to the Christian life, and will help readers strive after the same kind of marriage of thought and life, of orthodoxy and love. Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series.

Genres: Biography, Theology, Christian Living, Spirituality, Cultural, Biography Memoir, Faith

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

William Edgar (DTheol, University of Geneva) is professor of apologetics and coordinator of the apologetics department at Westminster Theological Seminary. His books include Reasons of the Heart, The Face of Truth, and Truth in All Its Glory.

Reviews

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the life and spirituality of the countercultural giant that was Francis Schaeffer. Much insight into Fran's philosophy and the proper role of Christianity within society, though still left wanting in terms of the finer details of his theology in some parts.

"Perhaps the sermon “No Little People, No Little Places” ironically applied particularly to himself. Small in stature, Francis Schaeffer became a spiritual giant.Truly, Francis Schaeffer’s life was authentic, and his legacy will long endure. He was no little person."

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dig this series. Last year I reviewed Warfield on the Christian Life: Living in Light of the Gospel so check that out. I was overjoyed to receive word on three more in this series (Schaeffer, Bonhoeffer, & Wesley) being released this year. The Schaeffer volume being the first of the bunch. These books are theological biographies focusing on the major contributions of our spiritual forefathers.

William Edgar has a unique perspective into the impact of Francis Schaeffer’s ministry because he was converted at L’abri and spent considerable time with the Schaeffer’s. Because of this close proximity, Edgar is able to not only explore the Schaeffer’s counterculture spirituality but also speak frankly about how the Schaeffer’s lived out this spirituality daily. He highlights the successes and he doesn’t shy away from the shadows. I appreciated the inclusion of Edith Schaeffer’s theology as well. This wasn’t just Francis’s ministry; Edith played a vital role at L’abri (and had her own views on theological points).

What struck me most was the Schaeffers’s daily expression of dependence on God through a robust prayer life. Every thing they needed at L’abri they prayed for and trusted God for. It challenged me to daily express my dependence on God by approaching him with my every day needs. There is something counterculture about that even among Christians. Maybe it shouldn’t be. In the West we live an abundant life and we don’t know how to wage war on our self-dependence through prayer. We don’t know how to bring our burdens to the throne of grace. We have our daily needs met by default. If we waged war on our self-dependence I wonder if we would think more deeply about what we truly need, what we could truly give, and what God would receive the glory for providing.

I could spend a lot of time discussing Schaeffer’s apologetic approach but I’ll keep it short. We could all learn a lesson from the way he engaged people in a way which put them off balance while expressing care and love. Schaeffer learned that truth always required love and we could learn that lesson in our current culture.

If you want to counter our current age’s blindspots I would recommend reading this series on Christian living. It will provide a helpful introduction to church history and biography within the framework of the theological contribution of these men.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting introduction to the life and thought of Francis Schaeffer. I am encouraged by his emphasis on not just orthodoxy but on the powerful and present reality God should make in our lives today. God is not just an aloof idea. He is real and "is not silent" as Schaeffer would say. These are convicting ideas and Schaeffer provides a great example in how to live out this reality. Dr. William Edgar does a great job of illuminating Shaeffer's life through his first hand experience as one of his many pupils. His affection can be seen throughout the book. I am excited to read some of Schaeffer's works in the future.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years there have been various books written on Francis Schaeffer, ranging from books reflecting on his life, discussion of his legacy to the critical evaluation of his apologetics. So why read another book on Francis Schaeffer, and particularly this book? What makes this work stand out among other books? What is unique about this book, is the author’s focus on the spiritual life of Francis Schaeffer, something the author argues was Schaeffer’s “most significant raison d’ete” that could be more thoroughly examined (Page 13). This work is not just a simple chronological presentation of historical facts from Schaeffer’s life; though Part one discusses the necessary biographical information of “the man and his times.” Rather the meat of the book is divided into two parts: (1) True Spirituality and (2) Trusting God for all of life. I enjoyed how the book captures Schaeffer’s spiritual life of embracing Biblical doctrines and a Spirit filled life. Schaeffer was a man who didn’t compromise with the fundamentals of the faith while at the same time he was able to truly love those who were lost and desiring their salvation. I’m particularly grateful for the author’s anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book of his personal knowledge of Francis Schaeffer and his family. Francis Schaeffer was used by the Lord to bring the author, William Edgar, to salvation when he was a young Harvard college student. Edgar is currently a professor of apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary, a testimony of the spiritual impact that Francis Schaeffer has made upon the author. Schaeffer did not always have everything accurate when it came to the details of philosophy and Edgar acknowledges this in his book. What I appreciated about this work is that Edgar was able to admit to Schaeffer’s imperfection without tarnishing the man or being nit-picky. In fact, I thought this further advanced the author’s thesis that Schaeffer’s spiritual life played a greater influence in his ministry than just philosophy or apologetics in of itself. As the author recounts: while not everyone necessarily came to faith after visiting Schaeffer’s L’Abri, no one doubts that Francis Schaeffer is a loving worldview evangelist with a pastoral heart. And in an age where doubt is encouraged as a virtue, that’s very telling. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Readers who are familiar with Cornelius Van Til and Hans Rookmaaker will also get a treat from Edgar’s perspective in his comparison and contrast of these men, and Schaeffer’s relationship to these men.
Thank you Angie Cheatham at Crossway for proving me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[John Yelverton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author attests that he knew Schaeffer and is therefore qualified to write this biography on the theologian. Unfortunately, there are often times you find yourself wondering if certain things mentioned are what Schaeffer thought, or what the author thinks Schaeffer thought.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 2 out of 5]

Schaeffer was all algebra and no geometry. Edgar didn't make him any more concrete for me. I'm sure I owe Schaeffer much gratitude for his influences on others, but he's just not my cup of tea. The narrator was painful.

[Jon Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my third book read in the Theologians on the Christian Life series and definitely the one I enjoyed the least of the three. Schaeffer was an interesting man to read about and as usual I really enjoyed the chapters talking about his personal story and his significance. Also very enjoyable for me was discussion of the prayer life of Schaeffer and his ministry at L'Abri. I found the content in this area to be very encouraging and convicting.

This book probably lost me past that because Schaeffer was an intellectual who dealt with cultural and philosophical issues at a level that I don't really understand. Lots of references I didn't understand to thought leaders and philosophical views that I'm not familiar with. It's not that what Schaeffer dealt with wasn't important but I had a lot easier time comprehending what John Wesley focused on or Martin Luther. For people with more interest in philosophy or culture this book would probably be more appealing to you.

Overall a good read to get a feel for who he was and what his ministry was focused on. The book made me interested in reading some of Francis Schaeffer or his wife Edith's writing, so I think that's mission accomplished for an author in this series.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disappointing book, not because of the subject, but because it was poorly written. The writing was disjointed, and the author threw in big words that I had to look up the meanings of, which I don't mind occasionally, but this was a bit excessive and felt like a deliberate attempt by the author to sound intellectual. I got bored reading this and only continued on because of my admiration of Francis Schaeffer; I thought there had to be some nuggets of gold to mine even from a very lackluster book, given the magnitude of Schaeffer's influence and the wealth of writings he left behind. To be sure, there were some nuggets of wisdom and inspiration; however, I would not recommend this book, as one would be better off reading Schaeffer's writings directly. If there's another biography of him out there, surely it would be better!

[Seth Cusson]

I’ve learned to love and appreciate Francis Schaeffer more through this book! One thing in particular that I noticed was the similarities between Schaeffer and Sproul. Both of them were involved in ministries dedicated towards the study of theology and philosophy in a secluded setting of nature. It’s insightful to think about how great of an impact this has on people.

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a Francis Schaeffer fan, so it’s hard not to be biased toward a positive review. I appreciated the author’s personal anecdotes as he was a student of Schaeffer’s but it never felt like hagiography. Schaeffer’s ministry and perspective continues to matter in the 21st century and I’m grateful for his life and ministry.

[Paul Herriott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well done introduction to the person and his work. I wish I had read more of his work before this, so that I could identify how it was presented here. The biographical connection was also very helpful, the environment and influences that made Francis.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t really read much of Schaffer’s stuff. I don’t really know much about him or his philosophy or ministry. But after reading this book I’m not all that interested. I felt like much of the book was “Schaffer didn’t say much about this but...”.

[Hannah Fernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable. 3.5 stars. Author mentions lots of writings and sermons without giving an overview of what they actually are. If this is your introduction to Shaeffer you might have a difficult time understanding what the author is saying.

[Anderson Paz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente obra sobre a vida cristã do evangelista Francis Schaeffer e sua esposa Edith. Um legado memorável para os cristãos contemporâneos.

[Ryan Michaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wished he talked more about Schaeffers apologetics method more

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schaeffer is a bit tough to use for this series since he did not write systematically, as others I have (Edwards) or will (Bavinck; the Godfather) read in this series. It's also tough because Schaeffer's biggest fans are those who met and knew the man personally, as Edgar did. I wonder what Schaeffer's legacy will be in 50 years, when those folks are long gone.

After a brief biographical account (Schaeffer was actually the first man ordained by the Bible Presbyterian Church, the dispensationalist breakoffs from the OPC in 1937), Edgar spends a good bit of time discussing Schaeffer's best work, True Spirituality (which I used for my Easter sermon this year). I would refer you to my review of that work.

Edgar then discusses Schaeffer's thoughts on such topics as prayer, affliction, the church, and engaging the world. On that last topic, it's a bit sad that Schaeffer was appropriated by the religious Right/Moral Majority types. While he held much in common with them, I don't think they were always worthy to use his name. Schaeffer was certainly a conservative, but he hated legalism.

I have found Schaeffer most useful in his insistence that the reality of God's existence, and the truths of Christ and his gospel, must radically and profoundly change your life. He is "the God who is there," and that has to make a difference

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion this book is more for those who have read and are already familiar with Francis Schaeffer & his writings. Over the past 10 years or so there have been a few issues concerning Francis Schaeffer that have made the rounds so to speak within Christian circles; some have explored his theology, his apologetic methodology, his view of the church and so on. Most seem to be critical of Francis on some level and the writer of this book wants to explore Schaeffer’s approach to the Christian life. Yes this is a defense and an explanation of Francis as a man, Bible teacher, apologist and an evangelist.

The author admits up front his relationship with Francis; you see Francis was used by God to bring this one time agnostic to faith in Christ. So you can easily guess the book will see Francis in a favorable light, and it does but this is not hero worship.

I found the book well written, fair and the author doesn’t try to explain things he cannot explain and doesn’t gloss over weaknesses in Schaeffer’s life. I liked it, and I am a fan of Francis Schaeffer. So this is not for everyone but if you are a fan of Schaeffer you will find this enjoyable.

[Chris Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good book on Francis Schaeffer. It gives a quick overview of his life and chooses to focus on how he related Christian truth to everyday life. His apologetical approach was to always compare our philosophies and beliefs to everyday life. If you held to something that contradicted with how you lived, Shaeffer was there to reveal the contradiction of your belief and life. He was equally their to guide you to the "true truth"; truth that can rightly be lived out. This book has a personal touch to it because William Edgar actually was a friend to Francis Shaeffer before Shaeffer died. This is a very easy going read!

[Seph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pros:
Cliff's notes type overview of the Complete Works of Francis Schaeffer
Helpful discussion on True Spirituality
Helpful humanization of Schaeffer
Scholarly work with heavy foot notes (that is good!)

Cons:
More of a running commentary on the CW than a biography
In attempt to summarize Schaeffer's life, Edgar skips over some of the very best details
Most people that have not interacted with Schaeffer's Complete Works will not understand this volume

[Benjamin Glaser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intellectual biography of Francis Schaeffer is very well-written from just a prose standpoint, let alone from introducing one of the most important Christian thinkers of the 20th Century to an audience who may not know much, if anything, about him (other than his disturbed son).

Highly Recommend.

[Jared Mcnabb · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times this book is very much simply listening in on Dr. Edgar's reflections on Schaeffer. However, that served the aim of this book, since much of Schaeffer's "Spirituality" came through practice, not necessarily being laid out in written, systematized form.

[Geoff Gobbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that I am reading at the moment. It a great read and powerful insight into the life and ministry of Francis Schaeffer.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction and overview to the life and thoughts of Schaeffer, but if you have read any of Schaeffer's actual writing this book will probably seem rudimentary.