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Trevin Wax has an interesting series of posts on the Five Most Important Theologians in Christian History. He lists Athanasius, Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, & Barth.
It's almost impossible to arrive at a consensus because different theologians were important for different reasons, and it depends in large part on what you consider key turning points. I'd pretty much agree with TWax's list, though I would list Jonathan Edwards in place of Barth. Edward's "The End for which God Created the World," "Freedom of the Will," "Charity & Its Fruits", "Religious Affections," & "Original Sin" are all seminal works, not to mention many of his sermons such as "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and the Publication of David Brainard's Life & Diary which has perhaps been more influential in igniting the Protestant missionary movement in the 19th& 20th centuries than anything else.
What do you think? Trevin Wax (and I) want to know who has been left out?
3 comments:
IMHO I agree with you: Edwards was left out. I would swap him for Aquinas and take Barth off that list.
But I think Edwards would care little he didn't make it into that list! After all who can surpass the worth and glory of our Lord and Savior!
Phileo,
Francisco
I would put Charles Finney on the list, or in a very close honorable mention.
He's not my favorite, nor the most positively important theologian (although I think he gets way too bad of a rep from Reformed folk). Still, I think one could make a strong case for the non-Reformed revivalism and pentacostalism of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries - worldwide - all going back to Finney.
How about the Great Cappodocians?
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