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Dr. Gordon Lewis is Senior Professor of Christian Philosophy and Theology, at Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado.
 Dr. Gordon Lewis has been a bedrock in Christian Apologetics for more than five decades. Raised in the wake of the Great Depression in Johnson City, New York, Dr. Lewis was brought up in a loving Christian home during an unstable financial and spiritual time. His father, Fred, delivered milk and sold appliances and was a devout believer who instilled a strong work ethic and separation from the world into his children. Lewis’ mother, Florence, took in laundry to help supplement the family income. It was she who led 8-year-old Gordon to the Lord following an evening church service. His family, including an older brother and sister, ate together, played board games, vacationed in the Adirondack Mountains, and worshiped at their community church. During high school, he was a conscientious student who participated in the school band. Unable to compete in sports due to severe asthma, Lewis put his energy into his youth group where he became a leader. Following high school he studied for two years at a Bible School that met in his home church. Lewis then transferred to Gordon College in Massachusetts where he majored in theology and served as Student Council president. At Gordon, Lewis' skills were honed as he led a youth group, played in a trumpet quartet, and courted his future wife Doris. Following his undergraduate studies, Lewis chose Faith Seminary to continue his education. By this time, Lewis had become passionate about Christian Apologetics. He was hired to teach Apologetics at Baptist Bible Seminary, where he spent 7 years training future leaders while working on an M.A. and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Syracuse. However, it was his next position at Denver Seminary where Dr. Lewis would leave his greatest mark. He joined Denver’s newly formed faculty as a Professor of Christian Philosophy and Theology, a post he would hold for over 50 years.
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5 Books that Made Greatest Impact on Spiritual Walk |
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#1 Mere Christianity |
#2 Introduction to Christian Apologetics |
#3 Confessions |
#4 The God Who is There |
#5 How Now Shall We Live |
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C.S. Lewis |
Edward John Carnell |
Augustine |
Francis Schaeffer |
Charles Colson | | |
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Latest Book Release
Dr. Lewis’ latest book release (1996), co-authored with Bruce Demarest, is his magnum opus entitled Integrative Theology.
by Zondervan.
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Outside of Denver Seminary, Dr. Lewis has made a tremendous impact as well. He taught theology and apologetics for a quarter in India and in other countries during summer trips. He is also an accomplished author having penned several journal articles and seven books. These include Testing Christianity’s Truth Claims, What Everyone Should Know About Transcendental Meditation, and his well known work, Confronting the Cults. His latest book printed in 1996 was his magnum opus entitled Integrative Theology. Professionally, he has long been viewed by his colleagues as a man of immense intellect and utmost integrity. This was demonstrated by his election as President of the Evangelical Philosophical Society in 1985; and in turn, his election as President of the Evangelical Theological Society in 1992. While he retired from the full-time faculty in 1993, Dr. Lewis has continued as Senior Professor, teaching on an adjunct basis, while remaining active as a consultant to the elders at Foothills Fellowship Baptist Church, a church plant he helped start back in 1975. Today, he and his second wife, Willa, enjoy spending time in Littleton, Colorado with their children and grandchildren, three of whom Lewis has officiated their weddings. Dr. Lewis remains an active outdoorsman in the summer in addition to working on a future book he hopes to complete soon. |
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Getting at the Heart of a Christian Apologist
Which church apologist(s) do you most admire today?
“Charles Colson, leader of Prison Fellowship, and co-author Nancy Pearcey in, How Now Shall We Live? See also, Nancy Pearcey’s Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from its Cultural Captivity. Others may be better in classroom theory, but Colson and Pearcey are interacting with the culture wars in constructive ways.”
Why did you choose Syracuse, for your Ph.D. work?
“I had a full time teaching load in Johnson City, NY, and so earned the doctorate at Syracuse, NY, (80 miles away) because it did not have the strict residential requirement that Cornell had (50 miles away). That was beneficial also because the faculty of Syracuse’s philosophy department each held different philosophies.”
In your opinion, who is the greatest Church Apologist ever?
“Augustine (354-430 AD) bishop of Hippo, North Africa. With discernment, he interacted with the non-Christian philosophies of his day, incorporating the true and the good, and refuting the untrue and the evil in them.”
What advice would you give current Christian Apologetics Students?
“Remember that you are called to defend the faith once-for-all given to the saints, not yourself! Do not pit one apologist against all the others, but integrate the values of several effective apologists in a coherent whole, following the example of Edward John Carnell and my Testing Christianity’s Truth Claims as in my ITS Apologetics Course.”
What project are you currently working on?
“In the midst of mentoring and answering endless email questions, I have begun to update my Decide for Yourself: A Theological Workbook. Published in 1970, it is still being used in Bible Colleges, extension seminaries, Sunday Schools, small group Bible studies by persons “tired of being told what to believe.”
How would you describe yourself?
“A sinner blessed beyond what I deserve. Christ’s once-for-all atonement provided for my justification from moral guilt, my redemption from temptation’s power and reconciliation to an awesome heavenly Father. By the Spirit of grace, I came to believe the truth of the gospel’s assertions, repent for my sinful condition and commit myself to Jesus as my moral and spiritual Lord. I am the recipient of an abundant life including the above, a supportive wife and family, colleagues, alumni and friends in a caring Church and neighborhood. |
 “Today, because you are committed to a Judeo-Christian world and life view, you may suffer persecution as did first century Christians (1 Peter 3:14; 4:14-16, 5:8-9). Do not be frightened, but set apart your heart to Christ’s Lordship. Master an apologetic with sound reasons for believing and obeying all that he taught. Overcome pessimism; base your hope in him! (1 Peter 3:15).”
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Impact of the Professor
“Having known Dr. Lewis, first as a student and then as a colleague at Denver Seminary, I have seen his passion and commitment to the gospel first-hand. He has sought to model and defend the life changing truth of the Bible. He has long been an extraordinary apologist for the Christian Faith.”
-Evan Morgan, Former Lewis Student
RBC VP of Strategic Development.
"Dr. Gordon Lewis has made a very significant impact on my life, both as a scholar and as a follower of Jesus. I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Lewis at Denver Seminary in the 1980's, when it was one of only two evangelical seminaries where one could study philosophy from a Christian, theological perspective. Today, evangelical Christian philosophy is a significant movement, and this is due in great measure to pioneers like Dr. Lewis. He is a master of clarifying issues, of making important distinctions, of putting complex, difficult issues into their proper context - and not just their scholarly or academic context, but their spiritual and life context as well. He is a godly man, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, who is still cranking out important scholarship and actively encouraging younger scholars through emails and prayer. I
count it a great privilege to be one of them."
-Dr. David Horner, Former Lewis Student
Associate Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies
Biola University, La Mirada, California
"Since meeting Gordon Lewis at our Littleton, Colorado church 10 years ago, I have marveled at how evident the fruits of the Spirit are in this humble and gracious servant of God. For some 60 years, Dr. Lewis has personified Christ's love by teaching and mentoring hundreds of students and many friends. With myriad widely-acclaimed writings, he has dramatically changed the landscape of Christian education. We at Foothills Fellowship Baptist Church are exceptionally blessed by Gordon's friendship. His life truly exudes how God desires us to live while we await His return."
Tom Dudley, Past Elder Board Chairman
Foothills Fellowship Baptist Church,
Littleton, Colorado
"In 1979, 30 years ago, I met Dr. Lewis for the first time as a new student at Denver Seminary. My major, philosophy of religion, provided me with an opportunity to get to know Dr. Lewis as a professor, scholar and friend. Dr. Lewis had a tremendous impact on my life at that time, one that remains to this day. First, his approach to philosophy and theology continues to influence my own thinking in these disciplines. Indeed, I describe my methodology as "integrative," a clear allusion to Lewis' Integrative Theology. Second, I had the privilege to study under a man who combined impressive scholarship with a deep commitment to the Lord - very rare in this day and age. And finally, my current position as a professor at Toccoa Falls College is the result, not only of God's providence, but of something that occurred in January of 1999. I was just finishing my dissertation and, to be honest, I had little hope that I would find a teaching position in a college. Dr. Lewis contacted me to encourage me to enter my name on a list of applicants looking for teaching positions. He even wrote me a check to pay for a subscription to the Evangelical Theological Society to make that listing possible. A couple of months later, the chair of the Bible and Theology Department at Toccoa Falls College saw my name on that list and invited me to come to Toccoa for an interview. The rest is history. As I look back, I can see how one small event turned out to be crucial in getting me placed in my current position. God is faithful and He uses individuals, sometimes in what seems to be insignificant ways, to accomplish His purposes."
Dr. Gary Elkins, Former Lewis Student
Professor of Philosophy
Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa Falls, Georgia
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Dr. Lewis has made on You | | | | |
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Dr. Gordon Lewis
(1926-)
Position:
Senior Professor of Christian Philosophy and Theology at Denver Seminary
Ordination:
Ordained in 1952 at First Baptist Church, NY
Church Affiliation:
Senior Elder in Foothills Fellowship Baptist Church, southwest of Denver, Colorado.
Family:
1st Wife: Doris (Married 51 years)
2nd Wife: Willa (Married 8 years)
Children: 2 Daughters, 1 Son
Grandchildren: Five grandsons
Three great-grandchildren
Education:
B.A. Gordon College (Theology) – 1948
M.Th. Faith Theological Sem. (Theology) – 1951
M.A. Syracuse University (Philosophy) – 1953
Ph.D. Syracuse University (Philosophy) – 1959
Professional Experience:
1950-1951 Student Pastor of People’s Baptist Church, Hamilton Park, Delaware
1951-1958 Professor of Apologetics, Baptist Bible Sem.
1952 Ordained at First Baptist Church
1950’s-1980’s Interim and Associate Pastors at 6 Churches in Denver Area
1958-1993 Professor of Theology and Philosophy,
Denver Seminary
1975 Founder of EMNR Ministries
1975-Current Elder in Foothills Fellowship Baptist Church
1984 Associate to Lausanne Committee for World Evangelism specializing in Reaching Cultists
1985 President of Evangelical Philosophical Society
1992 President of Evangelical Theological Society
1993-Current Senior Professor, Denver Seminary
1996 Member World Evangelical Fellowship Theological Commission, London, England
1999-Current Advisory Board Where is God Ministries
International Outreach:
Dr. Lewis’ work has impacted believers across the globe including trips he made to Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan. The highlights of his work were trips he made to Calcutta and Yeotmal, India, where he taught apologetics & theology at Union Biblical Seminary.
Hobbies:
Bird Watching
Working-out at Health Club
Enjoying lake and cabin in Rocky Mountains
Boating and Fishing
Corresponding with friends through e-mail
Life Verses:
“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
-2 Timothy 2:22-26
ITS Courses by this professor
PT 502 Exploring Approaches to Apologetics
Professor Websites/Blogs
Dr. Lewis's Bio Page |
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Dr. Lewis' Perfect Day
“A perfect day is future in heaven. Until then, the closest to perfect would be 24 hours of: unbroken fellowship with our awesome Creator; harmony with his beautiful creation under his wise providence; deep breaths of clean air, pure water and enough fresh daily health food; walking in the Spirit and winning the battle against the old fleshly tendencies; quality time with my wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; opportunities to witness to the truth and power of the gospel.”
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