Is THIS Guy the Greatest Theologian ALIVE Today?

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[@russellhenckel2887]

Joel beeke is up there. His Reformed Systematic Theology is phenomenal

[@chrisjohnson9542]

I have his puritan systematic theology. It's wonderful. He's one of my favorite theologians for sure.

[@sictoruno2345]

I really enjoy Joel Beeke n James Montgomery Boice teachings/books.

[@PresbyterianPaladin]

I really hope to go to puritan reformed theological seminary for my Mdiv and it's largely due to wanting to learn from Beeke. I heard him speak at ETS/EPS in Denver, it was great. 😁

[@sictoruno2345]

@@PresbyterianPaladin my prayers🙏🏻👊🏼 That would be the coolest!

[@chrissonofpear1384]

Also, which has best explained, why Satan is owed, to keep so many powers? And the full point, of 1 Kings 20:36 - be it literal, or otherwise? I also suggest there is room, for reappraisal of Romans 1:18, also - in particular, how it relates to suddenly disloyal angels? In a realm with no 'glass darkly' nor spiritual death, beforehand, in particular.

[@SibleySteve]

I live in Grand Rapids and regularly visit Beeke's bookstore Reformation Heritage Books. It has been fantastic to see so much Puritan Reformed stuff in one location. I absolutely love reading Frame because so much of theology is opaque and I am so tired at night, my eyes are so weary, that whenever I read anything too deep I nod off. Frame has never put me to sleep. High praise.

[@sictoruno2345]

Happy 4 you. If there was such a store in my town I'd be there weekly lol.

[@robertmalecki5979]

I would love to visit Reformation Heritage bookstore! I buy books from them online but nothing compares to browsing in person. Enjoy your time there!

[@michaelart4878]

Our LORD, GOD and SAVIOUR did create the simplest fabric (H²O) to sustain all of life here on earth. Just as the Jordan and the Euphrates are made of this fabric, so to also are the Bow and the ELbow. 🌱LIFE IS BUT A VAPOUR (H²O)🌹 HOLY BIBLE Habakkuk 3:9 Thy bow was made quite naked (bare), according to the oaths of the tribes (oaths were sworn over your arrows), even thy word, Selah. Thou didst cleave (divided) the earth with rivers. 🙌ALLELUIA🙌 A-men' 🌿

[@GirolamoZanchi_is_cool]

And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:16 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. - Acts 3:19

[@GirolamoZanchi_is_cool]

Heretical prayer: O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou art the dispenser of all the gifts which God grants to us miserable sinners; and for this end He has made thee so powerful, so rich, and so bountiful, in order that thou mayest help us in our misery. Thou art the advocate of the most wretched and abandoned sinners who have recourse to thee: come to my aid, for I recommend myself to thee. In thy hands I place my eternal salvation, and to thee I entrust my soul. Count me among thy most devoted servants; take me under thy protection, and it is enough for me. For, if thou protect me, I fear nothing; not from my sins, because thou wilt obtain for me the pardon of them; nor from the devils, because thou art more powerful than all hell together; nor even from Jesus, my judge, because by one prayer from thee He will be appeased. But one thing I fear: that in the hour of temptation I may through negligence fail to have recourse to thee and thus perish miserably. Obtain for me, therefore, the pardon of my sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace ever to have recourse to thee, O Mother of Perpetual Help. This is a legit Roman Catholic prayer, look up "O Mother of Perpetual Help" if you want to know if it’s legit. This is super heretical. This doctrine of invoking departed saints doesn’t seem just like "hey it’s like praying to a friend.". .

[@GrantSwanepoel]

I have no clue who is the greatest but Carson has been a tremendous help to me personally.

[@BillWalkerWarren]

Something else to add you mentioned how easy it is to understand Frame . You are correct. Reading his books is like you’re sitting down across from him at a table enjoying a conversation with a cup of coffee. Blessings

[@frankhartmann3824]

I agree with you wholeheartedly Matt. After reading his 4 volume magnum opus on Lordship, his Systematic Theology, a History of Western Philosophy and Theology, and most revealing, his "autobiographical theology," (his words), "Theology of My Life," I am convinced that Dr. Frame is the greatest theologian alive.

[@CaptainMayo]

Being an Anglican Priest I appreciate the forward being written by J. I. Packer my theologian of choice who passed away last year. "Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief by John M. Frame (Author), J.I. Packer (Foreword)"

[@nonameguy4441]

Frame’s systematic theology was life changing for me. Glad to have gotten through it

[@jonasaras]

I don’t know if he’s technically a theologian, but Steve Gregg is the best Bible teacher alive. He’s taught the entire Bible, verse-by-verse, 16 times; some books over 40 times. He’s an autodidact that only has a high school diploma, though he did receive an honorary PhD.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

JA,....You are completely lost and deceived. SG has nothing to do with the Christianity of the Bible. He is a deceiver and just another false teacher with no Biblical understanding.

[@wessbess]

Thank you Pastor Matt for turning me onto John Frame. So far I have purchased it on Kindle and Audible and I will be getting a hardcopy. Someday I find his discussions helpful. I tend to refer to him when I am interested in a specific area and read that section instead of straight through.

[@imabeliever85]

He’s definitely way up there! I loved his history of theology and western philosophy. I’m reading his doctrine of God. I’m amazed at how deep he is, and how profound he is, and yet how clear and simple he is. He might be the best theologian alive today. Wayne Grudem, D.A Carson, Vern Poythress, Ben Witherington, NT Wright, WLC and Darrell Bock are in the conversation. I’m not 100% sure I would call one or two of these “theologians.” But Frame may be the best.

[@gatekeeper3232]

I really appreciate you doing this video. I’ve been recently dealing with the Frame topic within our session and it has led to some infighting. Mainly regarding Frame’s views on the Regulative Principle. In the future could you maybe do a video on Augustine of Hippo in regards to his soteriology vs his ecclesiology? Specifically relating to how Warfield said the reformation was Augustine’s soteriology winning over his ecclesiology.

[@patgruzenski4024]

Don’t know about where he ranks as a theologian, but the hospitality and humbleness exhibited by him and his wife on the one occasion when I happened to be in their home and his approachability at an event at St Andrews captured my heart and i loved him. I have his Systematic Theology, passed on to me by a friend of his, but until now, have thought it would be beyond me…..now can’t wait to start in on it!!! Thanks for this video ❤

[@davidtompkins5000]

Don Carson is my vote!

[@blackukulele]

Interestingly, that Matthew 18 passage indicates a disturbing possibility. When the disciples asked which of them was the greatest, Jesus' response included this sentence: Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. The strong implication is that, at this point in time, the disciples were not converted and they were yet to enter the kingdom. It is the 'Nicodemus' moment for the disciples. You will notice that their question came just after Jesus spoke of his impending death and resurrection, which did not interest the disciples. Most often in the gospels, whenever Jesus made direct reference to his death and resurrection, the disciples changed the subject. It was only after the resurrection that things began to change with them.

[@MycoKing]

I am Catholic and I would say Joseph Ratzinger but he just died. I read his Introduction to Christianity in the 70's and he was the clearest Catholic theologian I had ever read. I still return to his works.

[@IamGreatsword]

Sorry to hear about that. You are in grave hell bound error, if you believe the RCC's Blasphemous Heretical teachings and practices.

[@CaptainMayo]

Michael Horton should be considered. Frame wrote the book The Escondido Theology: A Reformed Response to Two Kingdom Theology. Many say a hit piece. "The name is chosen because this movement developed mainly among faculty members of Westminster Seminary California which is located in the city of Escondido, California. Some members of this school of thought, such as Michael Horton, Meredith Kline, and Darryl Hart, are well-known to students of Reformed theology. But these figures have never before been discussed as composing a distinctive school of thought. More often they have been discussed as individual theologians, or simply as representatives of the orthodox Reformed theological tradition. But they are not simply Reformed; they hold views that are quite distinctive, unusual and controversial. (Amazon)"

[@cullenkenneth5980]

Frames book contra Escondido was excellent. Finishing it up now.

[@blmwright3565]

I think for today's reformed world, Frame is the most influential in Churches but I tend to think Poythress is more significant amongst (Reformed) academics. I also think there is another side which is Biblical Studies where you might find a D.A. Carson or a Beale.

[@SaneNoMore]

Someone alive today “who supports your Reformed theology” you mean :)

[@ernieabrams5916]

Frame or Beeke areincredible theologians. I do enjoy how Dr Frame Ask the questions and his systematics

[@DF-mj7og]

I have been blessed by the writing, teachings and preaching of Dr William Dennison. Solid teacher from the OPC.

[@aaronsk-5s]

Which are his must read writings?

[@DF-mj7og]

@@aaronsk-5s In defense of the eschaton and Paul’s two-aged construction of apologetics.

[@toiletbowlearth]

The greatest theologian is Theotokos. Have a great day ❤☦️

[@brianrich7828]

Yes, we know that you love your idols and deifying characters in the Bible that we know little about within canon. We know you love non canonical books that were written later by unknown authors lying about being another author. Your traditions are based off of people who lie in their identity. It’s extremely debased, and as far apart from Gods Word as the Catholics. But thank you anyways.

[@JesusPeopleSF]

“Greatest Theologian” I think Charles Spurgeon’s response to the question who is the greatest preacher alive is telling. He said it was probably someone in a jungle somewhere that no one knew. To answer the question of who the greatest theologian alive today is, I think one would probably need to have God’s mind and understand not only the people who think the greatest about God or write the best about him, but those who obey those things that they know fully.

[@presbygoose]

"But the historical process does change, and as an agent in history, God himself changes. On Monday, he wants something to happen, and on Tuesday, something else. He is grieved one day, pleased the next. In my view, anthropomorphic is too weak a description of these narratives. In these accounts, God is not merely like an agent in time. He really is in time, changing as others change. And we should not say that his atemporal, changeless existence is more real than his changing existence in time, as the term anthropomorphic suggests. Both are real." - John Frame, Systematic Theology, 377 I’ll pass, respectfully.

[@CleanWithConfidence]

Great video!

[@Blakefan2520]

I am glad you pointed out that Frame is more readable than other theologians. I love to read Reformed Theological works, but as a layman, I find a majority of it difficult to read. To me, this is a great concern, because it seems that Reformed theologians write for other theologians, and they do not intend to be accessible to the lay person. I did find a great commentary set, that is accessible: "A Biblical Theological Introduction to the Old Testament" Miles Van Pelt (Vol 1) and "A Biblical Theological Introduction to the New Testament" Michael Kruger (Vol 2). The difficulty for me is, I can't tell if the book will be approachable until I order it and get it home, only to find it too difficult.

[@chaplainpaul5326]

> "Reformed theologians write for other theologians". - Adam, I agree with you. Have you seen Frame's book, Salvation Belongs to the Lord? It's Frame's accessible, lay-level theology book and it's Awesome.

[@Blakefan2520]

@@chaplainpaul5326 Thanks, I will have to look for it.

[@TheologyMukbang]

I think in terms of the “best” single theologian would be, imo, tough to determine, but a group of confessional theologians (those who hold to the Nicene Creed, the Chalcedonian Definition, and to their Reformed confession) who are still alive and doing some outstanding work (that should be consulted to benefit the church) in terms of scholarship as reflected in their books I think can be recognized by the following loci or departments (Ephesians 4:11): On the Trinity - Matthew Barrett, Scott Swain On the Doctrine of God and Christology - Steven J. Duby Historical Theology - Richard A. Muller, Carl Trueman Systematic-historical theology - J. V. Fesko, Joel R. Beeke Polemics - Lee Irons contra the New Perspective on Paul see his work The Righteousness of God: A Lexical Examination of the Covenant-faithfulness Interpretation, and Michael Horton in Covenant and Salvation contra the NPP and against the federal vision.

[@BobSnyderSnyderssoapbox]

I think Frame is right in considering provisos in one's personal confession of creeds. I hold to the 1689LBCF with a few minor provisos. In as much as you are able, keep producing videos. Good content is hard to find. I enjoyed James White's debates over the years. I think getting people interested in reading the old dead guys is a good endeavor. I've not written anything better than what the giants, whose shoulders we stand upon, produced in much more difficult times. Sometimes, stating what they wrote in our modern time, to our modern audience, in a way they can understand, is valuable work. Ray Comfort uses many of Stephen Charnock's arguments for the existence of God during his evangelism.

[@sbriggs3200]

Ok, "here it is..." I am not Reformed, cessationist, or Post..however This has motivated me to purchase this volume. Blessings in your calling

[@charlesratcliff2016]

Yes, I agree John Frame is one of the greatest theologians. I have his systematic theology book and have it on audio.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

CR,....JF is not a Christian. He is a Godless man of the Godless world and its counterfeit (antichrist) christianity.

[@Preacherwin]

While I am more "Clarkian" and so, obviously Frame and I have some points of disagreement. That said, I did enjoy reading his Systematic Theology and especially appreciated his critique of the "University" model of theological seminary training. I noticed that a number of people in the comments who were lifting up Joel Beeke as an option. One of his more valuable contributions is that of bringing the puritan writings into more of a prominent role in theological thought. The other name that I would put into the mix would be that of Douglas Kelly. His writings have crossed that of Systematic Theology, Biblical Commentary, and Philosophy (think about "Creation and Change." He is certainly one to consider that often goes overlooked.

[@landonmiller338]

Peter Leithart is definitely in the running!

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@royal priest So, of these and this guy, in the video, who has best explained, 1 Kings 20:36?

[@innovationhq8230]

Federal Vision heretic. Horrible theology.

[@innovationhq8230]

@royal priest James Jordan is a horrible theologian. He's very heretical. His rejection of personal regeneration is so off the walls heretical that it's ridiculous anybody recommends him.

[@landonmiller338]

@@innovationhq8230 I have yet to hear any NAPARC pastor or theologian accurately represent FV.

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@royal priest So, did he tackle, 2 Samuel 24, and 1 Kings 20, then?

[@daveperryman291]

Thanks, brother

[@carlmoore6674]

Distinguished in our generation? Yes. Greatest? History will tell.

[@danhyde4491]

I think the word "influential" would be better than "greatest." Frame has defintely influenced a lot of pastors and theologians and professors and authors of theology. Almost any theology book I read quotes or deals with Frame.

[@ChristianResearchDesk]

I found his History of Western Theology and Philosophy to be the best book ever written on the topic.

[@DearWokeChristian]

Thanks for this fun video.

[@jamessheffield4173]

“The genius of Alister E. McGrath is his remarkable ability to write in a clear, concise, and lucid manner that draws both teachers and students to participate with the great thinkers of the Christian tradition, past and present. Education and illumination are the abundant fruits of this massive, well-organized text, which is sure to appeal to a wide range of Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox audiences. For this we are indebted to the author.” Bing search

[@alanhowe1455]

Joel Beeke, Michael Horton, Robert Letham, Douglas Kelly, John Frame would be among the best Reformed systematic theologians. I personally would choose Mike Horton as one of the major bringers of Reformation thinking to the wider church over the past 30 years. Beeke's set is the longest - 3856 pages across three volumes!

[@epistleofdude]

I agree Horton is “one of the major bringers of Reformation thinking to the wider church over the past 30 years”. In fact, if I remember right, even Frame has called Horton one of the most famous students he ever had, because apparently Horton was already famous even before Horton went to seminary at Westminster California and studied under Frame (see, for example, how popular Horton’s White Horse Inn was back then). However, I think that means Horton is a popularizer of Reformed theology, a solid theologian, especially on historical theology and adhering fast and hard to Reformed confessionalism, but I would not necessarily say Horton is a great theologian like a couple of the other guys you mention might be. Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a good theologian who popularizes Reformed theology, and in fact it is a very necessary good for the church to do so, but being a theological popularizer isn’t the same as being a great theologian, I don’t think. One can be both, but Horton seems to me to be more a good theologian who brings theology to the masses like many other Reformed theologians, not a great theologian who advances theology within biblical limits of course and whose writings like Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Turretin, Owen, Edwards, Warfield, Bavinck, etc. will likely still be read and studied by subsequent generations. Will Horton likely be remembered a 100 years from now, if the Lord should tarry? Who knows, but I doubt it. I don’t know of a work that he has written that can be considered a classic or that will likely be studied in the future by others. But I could see someone like Frame being remembered 100 years from now, some of his works studied by others, etc. I think that’s one (of several) litmus tests for who might make a great theologian.

[@alanhowe1455]

@@epistleofdude That's a pretty fair assessment - thank you. However, I have most of Horton's major writings and I'd say, for example, that 'Beyond Culture Wars' is a key text that should be studied by both those on the left and those on the right in order to get the church's mission in the world back on track. For me, Frame is a bit of an outlier - his presuppositionalism, for example, seems to me to separate him from the mainstream of apologetics and his postmillennial tendencies don't have solid biblical support. Overall, I have my doubts whether we have anyone today as great as, say, Bavinck, but overall Horton has made the made the biggest impression on me over the last 30 years. Thanks for the conversation.

[@qballbuster100]

It will be even more pages after the 4th volume which, apparently, comes out in October!

[@distaff2935]

Thank you.

[@laiquende9971]

Let’s not forget Robert Letham!

[@mdb831]

Abner Chou?

[@Ryan-fo5lx]

Watch for more from Daniel J. Treier. Also, William Lang Craig is working on a Systematic Theology book which may become more influential in broader Christianity than Frame's Systematic Theology book.

[@ArtVandelay-ImporterExporter]

Beeke is up there, but he really needs an abridged systematic the size and scope of say Grudem's one volume ST for it to gain more traction. MOst pastors dont have $200 plus to attain one ST. I hope Beeke puts out a one volume for more adoption.

[@warrenroby6907]

In terms of scope I do not think anyone can match John Millbank. He has incorporated the best of Catholic and Orthodox theology and relates theology to the political order. Of note is that he taught Peter Leithart who got a couple of votes in the discussion.

[@Yesica1993]

Okay, okay! I'll get back to reading that ginormous tome of his that I have! I was enjoying it as I started out. But as always, I got sidetracked by the other 394728343 books I have lying around here that I need to get through. I also always feel so guilty when I read anything, but especially huge books like this. I did not grow up in a reading family. Even now, at 50+ years old, I still hear my parents' voice in my mind, "Get your head out of the clouds!" I'm not even sure if they actually said the words to me. But that certainly was the attitude I absorbed and that haunts me to this day. It doesn't matter if my work is done, I've cleaned the house, and have taken care of all my responsibilities. The second I sit down to read, I feel guilty. I can feel my heart racing, and have to fight to keep myself in the chair. I often fail and have to get up to do something - ANYTHING - more "useful" than reading words on a page. I wish I could get rid of this. But at my age, I don't think it's possible. I wish Jesus was here in person so He could tell me it's okay.

[@michealferrell1677]

Frame on impassability of god bothers me a bit

[@hiker-uy1bi]

C. John Collins has arguably helped popularize the most "correct" reading of early Genesis.

[@JamesRichardWiley]

Theologians study the mind of a Hebrew desert god named Yahweh based on the written thoughts of a desert culture living on the Sinai Peninsula that invented him and worshiped him.

[@RCEmichaelreavey]

No, my friend you look at the elephant and describe the tail. Fratelli tutti para 15

[@GirolamoZanchi_is_cool]

And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. -John 3:16 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. -Acts 3:19

[@davidadcock2740]

John Frame is a great theologian and teacher of philosophy. However, I have some problem with his view on the Trinity.

[@RonnieSandifer]

Noticed that Thompson Chain Reference on your shelf. You need to check out the new "Comfort Print" versions. Soooo much better than the print on your shelf and also way better than the old kirkbride version.

[@michealferrell1677]

Dr Joel Beeke for sure !!

[@georgeluke6382]

Best living popularizer: Doug Wilson Best Reformed historical theologian: Richard Mueller Most influential popularizer of Calvinism to millennials: John Piper Best Puritan popularizer: Joel Beeke Best Van Tillian Systematizer: John Frame Best Applier of Frame to Christian Mind Across Disciplines: Vanhoozer Honorable amazing mention I don’t know how to categorize: Don Carson, Jim Jordan, Peter Leithart Honorable recently deceased mentions: John Webster, RC Sproul

[@innovationhq8230]

You can categorize James Jordan as a total heretic. He is an enemy of the reformed faith in rejecting fundamental doctrine like personal regeneration.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

@@innovationhq8230 ,....What is personal regeneration?

[@georgeluke6382]

@@innovationhq8230 He rejects the necessity of the new birth experienced by the individual Christian, or, does he reject the use of the word "regeneration" to describe that reality?

[@djessie6962]

R.C Sproul abandoned Evidentialism, he leaned towards Classical apologetics. Watch his teaching on 'The Case for God' in his 'Defending The Faith' series on KZbin, he explained his reasoning for doing so there.

[@Kicks785]

I am looking for who has teaching anointing of the Bible

[@joer5627]

Not sure I know a theologian. Currently reading several books about the Early Desert Fathers. Opening my eyes. Maybe I’ll find a book on some of these folks.

[@JCATG]

*Quick correction on the claim made around 19:09-19:12-minute mark: Dr. R. C. Sproul himself has said that he is in the Classical Apologetics camp, not Evidential. Well-known evidentialists today are not wholly-reformed, e.g. Dr. John Lennox and Lee Strobel. I would certainly agree that John Frame is in the conversation for the greatest theologian alive today. I would probably rank him second, with only Rev. Dr. Alister McGrath topping him due to prolific scholarship that Dr. McGrath has had with the incredible tomes of historical and systematic theology books he has written with a rigor that goes toe-to-toe with secular academia.

[@kilgen28]

Thank you very much for this, it is very helpful. At some point could you recommend a biblical theology or point to a post for this - something a little less dense than Vos.

[@NeilBarham1]

I came to this video with the view that the greatest living theologian was Sinclair Ferguson, closely followed by Joel Beeke. But I have long enjoyed Frame's apologetical works, which sit on my self in an honored position right next to Van Til and Bahnsen. You made a great case for Frame's superiority, however, by outlining your criteria for greatness as a theologian. I love Ferguson's expositions of major theological ideas, for example, his work on Owen and the Holy Spirit, and his sermons on the Incarnation. But Ferguson has never written a unified systematic theology. (Neither did Warfield, for that matter.) I suggest we start a letter writing campaign to correct that, and give Frame some competition! Love your channel!

[@thewonderingwanderer2341]

Just got my Frame’s systematic theology

[@manuelmatias2983]

Dr. Michael Heiser is in my view the best. Of course, I don't know many. The Unseen Realm is perhaps his definitive work.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

MM,...Michael H. is a 100% false teacher and is not even a Christian. Wow, are you deceived.

[@manuelmatias2983]

@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 no problem im not a Calvinist im lost anyway? LOL

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

@@manuelmatias2983 ,...Actuall, it is a big problem. And you will not be laughing on judgement day when Jesus casts you into the lake of fire. Your laughing will turn to weeping and gnashing of teeth just as the Bible has told you. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

@@manuelmatias2983 ,....Also, your comment is a perfect example of what frauds like MH, and his fake christianity produce. You are just the blind following the blind.

[@manuelmatias2983]

@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 with or without M. Heiser I would never believe in the Calvinist deception that is so ignorant I almost do not know where to begin to convince someone of its herecy.

[@colinpurssey9875]

Among contemporary theologians , although he would modestly disclaim that professional identification for himself , polymath , David Bentley Hart , is perhaps my top nomination . Unlike most other contenders for that distinction of supremely surpassing theological erudition and insight , he's not constrained by any specific denominational , traditional , or doctrinal parameters , either in his investigative epistemic quest or his public expression of opinion ensuing from any such eclectic inquiry . Too often , even the most brilliant of theologians are , unconsciously or otherwise ,prejudiced by the philosophical or ideological paradigms of their own theological traditions in their pursuit and conceptual formulations of putative truths .

[@dylangrubbs5969]

You should do more of these!

[@jimsarcia4683]

How about Robert Lathem?

[@nickspitzley8539]

I was shocked how much he refers to Karl Barth. Without trying to go to any extreme, out of all the theologians in history Barth is certainly one of them. So it begs the qestion, out of all the theologians to pull from what is Dr. Lathems draw to Barth. Is Barth that central to modern theological framework across the board that Lathem has to reference his thoughts to be relevant or is this just a Lathem thing.

[@jimyost2585]

The term "Greatest Theologian" is about equivalent with the term "Greatest Weather Man."

[@johnlaodicean7862]

They are all alive in the Lord! St. Maximus the Confessor or Sergius Bulgakov. My eye is tweaking because of the word "reformed"... back to the Norm MacDonald clips

[@RCEmichaelreavey]

Hez's prayer. "I will behold my fellow no longer in the land of the living" Thank you for the reminder. Alleluia! Fratelli tutti para 15

[@reecesimmons3925]

Is there a big problem with trying to be more Biblical than confessional, if the confession wrong somehow?

[@brianrich7828]

There is nothing wrong with being more biblical. Confessions are checked by the Bible.

[@timothyscott606]

I think according to your criteria, Joel Beeke would certainly fit within your framework (pun intended).

[@BillWalkerWarren]

Yes I like Frame . I have his systematic theology and it’s awesome. It was a great help for me , especially in understanding concepts of covenants. Another theologian like ( but doesn’t have a systematic theology published) is Sinclair Ferguson. Great video Pastor Matt! Blessings

[@DoxaKardia]

Given your limitations, I would say that Michael Horton is better than Frame. His Doctine of God is more sound than Frame's, and has engaged better with contemporary trends. I don't think the limitation you set is fair though because it limits those who haven't published an entire systematic theology, which feels like an arbitrary standard. It rules out someone like Scott Swain, who is arguably a strong theologian who hasn't published on every loci.

[@gregb6469]

I vote for James R. White.

[@hudsontd7778]

😆🤣LOL

[@johanweakley2658]

How many of these theologians are saved? Just a question. Church leaders leading their congregants down theological rabbit holes are manyfold. Theological knowledge becomes irrelevant if and when the person with all this knowledge does not reflect the living Jesus. Just a general comment....

[@peterfullwood6911]

JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!

[@epistleofdude]

Good video. However I want to respectfully say I disagree with one of your criteria for a great theologian: I don’t think a great theologian, even one today, necessarily needs to have written a systematic theology. Take B. B. Warfield and your own model Jonathan Edwards. Neither ever wrote a systematic theology, as far as I know, but that doesn’t necessarily detract from their greatness as theologians, I don’t think. I don’t see how it would detract from someone being considered a great theologian today if they didn’t write a systematic theology text.

[@jasonseagraves6777]

I brought up John Frame at my OPC Church and was not well received. Asked Pastor specifically & I was strongly advised to avoid him. Surprised, but I will obey.

[@RCEmichaelreavey]

A pastor telling me not to read is not Catholic. Investigate find good, all good is ours is the Catholic tradition. Fratelli tutti para 15

[@JBM101]

I think Kenneth Copeland is up there ... tongue in cheek

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

JB,....Both KC and JF are the same. They are both the sellers of the Godless worlds fake christianity.

[@johnlaodicean7862]

Ha Ha! More like head in backside

[@jgeph2.4]

His work on Covid 19 was extraordinary!

[@nathanwebster7136]

Holy Spirit

[@pattube]

Yes, I'd argue John Frame is the greatest living theologian (at least in the English-speaking world). Although I'm Reformed, I don't necessarily agree with Frame on everything, but I think objectively speaking Frame is arguably the greatest living theologian. I'll give two reasons for now: 1. For one thing, as you already pointed out, most living theologians are good theologians because they have mastered and are faithful custodians of the theology of their church (e.g. Reformed theology, Lutheran theology). There are few theologians who are truly "creative within the bounds of orthodoxy" (to use Frame's own phrase). Even the late R.C. Sproul and J.I. Packer, both of whom I utterly love and respect, were by and large theologians who faithfully handed down Reformed theology (Packer was essentially a "mere" Puritan Anglican), not theologians who were "creative" in the aforementioned sense, except perhaps in a handful of limited cases. However, I'd argue Frame is easily one of the most if not the most creative within the bounds of orthodoxy theologians in the world today and again I say this even when I disagree with him. For example, consider his trispectivalism - is it a pedagogical tool or does it reflect a deeper triadic/trinitarian structure to reality? Likewise his arguments over theistic personalism and divine simplicity are first-rate, whether or not one agrees. 2. Frame is one of few theologians who is philosophically astute and that philosophical sophistication tremendously aids his theology. There are great living philosophers (e.g. Alvin Plantinga, Richard Swinburne), there are great living theologians (e.g. Vern Poythress, Robert Letham), but there are very few great living philosophical theologians (e.g. Paul Helm, Bill Davis). However, Frame is arguably a great living philosophical theologian. Frame majored in philosophy at Princeton, then went on to Yale for his PhD where (if I recall correctly) he was ABD (all but dissertation) in philosophy. At the very least, Frame certainly has significant philosophical chops. Again, though there may be little distinction between philosophy of religion and theology as scholarly subjects, nevertheless, in terms of making the best use of sophisticated analytical toolsets and the like, it seems a rarity to be a theologian who is at the same time philosophically adroit, yet Frame is such a theologian. By the way, someday I'd love to see a Reformed systematic philosophical theology (William Lane Craig is working on one but Craig isn't Reformed). There are many who can write and who have written systematic theologies, but there aren't many people who have the wherewithal to write a systematic philosophical theology. Perhaps someone like James Anderson (RTS) or Greg Welty (SEBTS) can someday, but they're still relatively young for theologians, and a systematic philosophical theology would presumably be best tackled by someone far more seasoned in life.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

PC,....You are totally deceived and do not at all understand the Christianity of the Bible. You only understand the fake christianity of the 100% apostate church. JF is not even a Christian, nor is anyone who thinks he is. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

[@pattube]

@ShadowBanned For speaking Truth If you're going to attack someone's character (like Frame's), then at least give a good reason why you think he is deceived and apostate, etc. In other words, you should present a reasonable argument and case why you think Frame is an apostate. Not just go around attacking his character without any reason let alone justification, as I've seen you do elsewhere as well. Otherwise you're just spreading slander, lies, or worse, which is itself sinful and worthy of God's judgment.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

@@pattube ,...I have not attacked him but have only exposed him as the false teacher and fake christian that he is. All actual Christians are to expose the frauds and false teaching. How can I present a reasonable argument about Biblical truth to those who have no ability to understand Biblical truth? If anyone had the ability to understand Biblical truth and could discern truth from lies they would not be deceived by these false teachers to begin with. They are only deceived by these false teachers/theologians because they do not possess the ability to understand biblical truth. Nothing I say will mean anything to them. This is why Jesus told his disciples to go out and say, repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This is to say, you have been deceived and do not understand what you think you understand and must throw out everything you have been taught and start over. Jesus did not say to go out and try to explain the actual truth of Gods word to them. You all already have the word of God and if you cannot understand it (and anyone deceived by the apostate church and all its phony preachers/teachers has shown that they cannot), then nothing I show you will change anything. There is a gulf (a barrier) in between us, in between Biblical truth and Biblical deception. I cannot bring you across to where Biblical truth is and you cannot bring yourself across, only Jesus can do this. As Luke Ch.16 tells you, you already have the Bible and if you cannot understand that, then even if one rose from the dead you will still not believe/understand. Luke Ch. 16, 26, "And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27, Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28, For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29, Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30, And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31, And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

[@pattube]

@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 Okay so you don't have any actual good reasons for calling Frame deceived, apostate, etc. You just keep repeating that he's deceived, etc. Gotcha.

[@wantokwok8160]

Yeah, I would love to see more of James Anderson's works. Hope, he will write more books on various topics in philosophical theology from reformed perspectives and can be as prollific as WLC.

[@jbjamesphoenix2473]

I hope you don't talk bad about him just because he is the greatest Because I literally have almost all of his books And I love his theology I have to say I love it more than the reform theology books that I already have with the 4 sets Dogmatic theology we are dogmatic right

[@CraigOs49]

James Renihan has to be right up there.

[@AmericanShia786]

For me, its Joel Beeke. But, for you, John Frame, its John Frame. Guess who was my favorite Reformed Theologian circa 2000?

[@acaswell84]

Gerald Bray is a great living Anglican Theologian. Mike Bird is good as well.

[@BatColonyEvictor]

Frames systematic theology is my favorite. Not to heady and easily read

[@claytonbenignus4688]

It would be a tossup between Jonah Paffhausen and Eugenia Constantinou .

[@timothythomas1626]

Remember the 4th. Not of July.

[@darrenlee1480]

Frame is the greatest if you can accept his theistic mutualism's position.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

DL,.....He may be a great theologian, but he is not a Christian.

[@hislamb9739]

Yes.

[@CrystalSamples]

I’d vote for Joel Beeke

[@wordandwater9027]

I love John Frame, his systematic theology is so easy and presented well to the lay person.

[@TheThinkInstitute]

Yes-John Frame is the best.

[@fkirfirt9606]

Would Dr Michael Heiser be considered a theologian?

[@manuelmatias2983]

Yes without a doubt. It's his profession.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

FF,....Michael H. is a 100% false teacher and is not a Christian.

[@fkirfirt9606]

@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 I'm curious as an example of false teaching. Is it the whole "council of the gods" thing? BTW I'm not being sarcastic I genuinely want to hear your thoughts.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

@@fkirfirt9606 ,.....What everyone fails to understand is, there are two Christianitys. One real, and one fake. One of God, and one of the Godless world. What everything called the church sells is the fake version, all the churches preachers/teachers/pastors/theologians are all frauds. What JF, MH, and all the other church theologians sell is a counterfeit version of the Bibles Christianity. It is all a replacement for the Bibles real Christianity and the Bible refers to this worldly counterfeit version as antichrist. They all mix a little Biblical truth with false teaching (leaven) and destroy the whole thing. It is all another gospel and another christianity. What the entire church sells is another gospel and another christianity, the antichrist christianity and gospel of the accursed, of the spiritually dead and blind. It is all just the blind following the blind. Actual Christianity is completely outside of everything called the church. The few who belong to Jesus that have eyes to see are not deceived by all the churches fakery. Those who fill all the 100% apostate churches that do not belong to Jesus, and do not have eyes to see and are deceived and snared by all these frauds.

[@fkirfirt9606]

@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 I've always felt that the church's have it wrong and have I refused to attend, hearing what you have to say has got me thinking - thanks for your words.

[@blackukulele]

I've only read one of Frame's books and sadly it did not impress me.

[@williamanderson2311]

Michael Horton by far.

[@souza1620]

N T Wright maybe?

[@chaplainpaul5326]

Yes, I do think John Frame is my favorite living theologian.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

CP,.....You are totally lost and deceived. JF is not even a Christian.

[@chaplainpaul5326]

@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 how do you figure? With an accusation like that you need some facts and reasons.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

@@chaplainpaul5326 ,....Here is the problem, if you don't understand the truth of what I have stated, then there is no way I can explain it to you. The Bible tells us there is a gulf (a barrier) in between us, between the spiritually alive and the spiritually dead. I cannot bring you across to the truth of Gods word and you cannot bring yourself across as the apostate church has deceived you to believe. Only Jesus can bring you across, and Jesus only brings across the few who are his chosen ones, his elect. JF is just another false teacher and seller of the apostate churches counterfeit (antichrist) christianity. Those who buy this, (the churches) antichrist christianity are the spiritually dead. Those who do not belong to Jesus but who belong to the Godless world (the beast). These are those who have called themselves and have taken Jesus's kingdom by force (their fake manmade freewill gospel) that has never and will never save anyone. But again, you cannot understand any Biblical truth you can only be deceived by the Bible and by the wolves in sheeps clothing that own and control everything called the church. Actual Christianity is completely outside of everything called the church.

[@chaplainpaul5326]

@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 so your basic point is that you’re incapable of articulating your belief system. Very convenient.

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

@@chaplainpaul5326 ,...I have articulated the truth of the Bible that like I explained (articulated) it is you who has no ability to understand the Bibles Christianity, just as you have shown. You, like all counterfeit christians only have the ability to revile the bringers of actual Biblical truth because they are not of the truth, cannot understand truth, and hate truth. And again, just as the scripture I provided for you also states, even if one rose from the dead you would still not understand/believe. You cannot believe, God has blinded you just as he did your ungodly fathers. Luke Ch. 16, 26, "And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27, Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28, For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29, Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30, And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31, And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

[@RCEmichaelreavey]

I go with Eleanor Stump. I think, Charles Taylor in Secular Age is a close second. Thank you for your research and posting. Fratelli tutti para 15

[@danstone8783]

marked and avoided

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

DS,.....Yes, absolutely.

[@bjorkstrand7773]

I am

[@dakotaclark733]

James Jordan

[@CCiPencil]

What about non Calvinist theologians?

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

CC,....There is no such thing as a non Calvinist theologian. Any gospel other than what Calvin correctly understood is not the gospel of Jesus nor the word of God. They are only theologians of the Godless worlds/churches false gospel and fake christianity.

[@CCiPencil]

@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 so only Calvinist are saved? AW Tozer wasn’t a Calvinist, was He saved? Is Dr Michael Brown (messianic Jew)saved? We can differ on interpretation of certain scriptures, but I hope you realize that non Calvinist (Like me) repent and put there trust in the lord Jesus Christ. PS the Christian world is far larger than just Calvinist. Calvinist are apart of it but it isn’t exclusive to there theology

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

@@CCiPencil ,....First off, the term "Calvinist" only really refers to those who actually understand what the true gospel is. One being a Calvinist as a denomination has nothing to do with actually being a saved person. No, absolutely not, no one who does not understand the actual gospel that as I explained is referred to as "Calvinism" is a Christian. Any other gospel other that "Calvinism" is another gospel and is the gospel of the accursed. The false gospel of counterfeit christians. Yes, actual Christianity is only the gospel referred to as Calvinism. You are not a Christian, you are a counterfeit christian, same as those false teachers you mentioned as well as everyone else that does not understand what the actual gospel of the Bible is.

[@CCiPencil]

@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 you just called AW Tozer a false Christian! Shame on you! Dr Michael Brown (false Christian), shame on you! It is a serious thing to accuse another brother of being a false Christian. Your words are disgraceful

[@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436]

@@CCiPencil ,....aw tozer and mike brown are with 100% certainty not Christians. Nor is anyone who thinks that they are. These fake christians are only brothers to those like you who are outside of the kingdom of God who have been deceived into thinking they are Christians. My words are truth! Those few with ears to hear know this, and those who do not have ears to hear will call the truth of the Bible disgraceful. They will revile the bringers of truth just as their Godless fathers did to Jesus. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!