One of the most well-known Christian leaders of the twentieth century was Francis Schaeffer (1912-84). He communicated the truth of historic Biblical Christianity in a way that combined intellectual integrity, artistic sensitivity and a practical loving care.
He was often thought of as a Christian guru with his goatee beard and Swiss clothes. Some would think that he was a deep thinker and a theologian, but he was none of these, despite the number of articles and books he wrote. He had studied philosophy and had a good grasp of a wide spectrum of subjects, while his seminary studies provided him with a sufficient handle on the Scriptures. He had the good fortune of marrying a refined and excellent Christian wife who was also well-educated and from a good missionary family.
Dr. Schaeffer must be best known for demonstrating the art of "truthing the truth in love". He had known what it was to be biblically educated and yet lacking in Christian practical love to be able to adorn the truth. He had seen the worst of the Presbyterian church splits and quarrels in USA, from which he learned that the knowledge of biblical truth alone and the preaching of it were not enough. Truth had to be dressed and given in doses of practical agape love, and this was what he and his wife tried their best to do in L'Abri community living.
His refuge in L'Abri attracted a generation of young student seekers who were confused by the philosophies imbibed in colleges, and he welcome them to live with his family. He was the instrument of healing of their minds and hearts.
Several of the great leaders of Christian ministries today are the fruit of his L'Abri coaching. People like Dr. Os Guinness, Jerram Barr and even politicians like Jerry Falwell and Jesus Revolution's Larry Norman and Dr. Everett Coop, the Surgeon-General of USA.
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