NEWS: THE LIFE & WORKS OF FRANCIS SCHAEFFER CLASS FILMING BEGINS

"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." Phil. 3:17

We are very excited about the Life and Works of Francis Schaeffer class, which will start filming this Sunday! We will be covering the life and works of Francis and Edith Schaeffer. We are including Edith's works to be true to how Schaeffer saw his works himself. He saw his works and Edith’s works as part of a greater whole. As Schaeffer says in the preface to his complete works, “All of the books are to be read and understood together (along with my wife Edith’s books). They together are a unit.” (Note: Due to time, we will only be giving brief overviews of Edith's works to give context as they relate an enhance to Dr. Schaeffer's works.)


CLASS LOCATION
The class will be at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, KS on Sunday Morning (Adult Sunday School Hour). See http://redeemer-pca.org/ if you would like to attend.

CLASS INTENT
The class is intended to not only give an overview of their life and history, but to give background information on each of their books and specifically in the case of Francis Schaeffer, the context into which they were written.

RESEARCH BEHIND THE CLASS
The class was formulated by taking the time line provided by Lane T. Denis in the Letters of Francis Schaeffer and then enhancing and overlaying it with the dates of the works of Francis and Edith. Then we further augmented the time line with details from Jeram Barr's very wonderful and granular lectures on the life of Schaeffer (Francis A. Schaeffer: The Early Years & The Later Years) and specifics from Colin Duriez's book, Francis Schaeffer an Authentic Life, which is an honest an excellent, treatment.


In addition to this, we created a "works overview" time line, where we further researched Schaeffer's comments on each book, when available, as well as the historical background behind them to gain an understanding of the context of which they were written. Other sources included Edith's four historical books: L'Abri, The Tapestry, and her two volumes of the L'Abri letters (With Love, Edith 1948-1960 , Dear Family 1961-1968 ) .

DISCLAIMER

We realize that this class will not be exhaustive, yet we hope that it will be helpful to the Francis Schaeffer and L'Abri community as well as to those who are seeking an introduction and understanding of Schaeffer. We also will do our best to make ongoing corrections to any historical errors or misrepresentations that might happen.

We feel the value of this project is that people will be able to quickly, at-a-glance, get a "big picture" understanding of what Schaeffer was all about. Our goal in all of our work here at Francis Schaeffer Studies is about providing a service in furthering the Schaeffer legacy. We each here at Francis Schaeffer Studies are but the "man on the street" trying to introduce ideas "into the public square." We believe this is what Schaeffer intended to be done with his works.

USAGE OF VIDEOS
Our plan is to use the videos to both enhance francisschaefferstudies.org as well as provide a concise series of videos that give people and introduction and context to Dr. Schaeffer's works. All of these videos and class materials will be made freely available via the web. Watch for information, notes, discussion, audio downloads, and video as they become available! We will do the best we can to pull things together quickly. Obviously video editing takes some time. Follow this blog and our Facebook page for the latest news.

Pray for us as we start the filming on this very important work!


Dan Guinn

Founder of FSS.

ARTICLE: ERRONEOUS CHARGES OF DOMINIONISM & THEOCRACY

Of late there have been charges floating around about Michele Bachmann, Nancy Pearcy, and Francis Schaeffer charging the lot with Dominionism. The term as I understand it, advocates the principle of a theocratic state, whereby the government would be explicitly ruled by God, via Biblical Law in a modern context [Note here that the accusation is actually using the wrong terminology, as the school of thought is generally known as Recondstructionism or Theonomy]. The purpose of this brief article is not to debate over the validity of that subject, but to speak to Schaeffer's views. As you know, our study here is not focused on Michelle Bachman or Nancy Pearcy, but on Francis Schaeffer and his works. So to quickly clarify, was Francis Schaeffer a theonomist or not?


It is quite clear that Schaeffer believed in the rule of law, under God, as all of our founding fathers did. He further believed in a concept of a "Christian consensus." He did not believe that the Christian consensus, was a group of true believers, but it was a prevailing Christian worldview that was present as a product of the Protestant Reformation in America at the time of the founding of the United States. Yet Schaeffer clearly stopped short of holding the view of a theocracy for several important reasons.


Firstly, Schaeffer believed that the founding fathers of the United States never envisioned a theocratic state.

• "We must make definite that we are in no way talking about any kind of theocracy. Let me say that with great emphasis. Witherspoon, Jefferson, the American Founders had no idea of a theocracy. That is plain by the First Amendment, and we must continually emphasize the fact that we are not talking about some kind, or any kind of theocracy." ~ Francis Schaeffer, A Christian Manifesto

Secondy, Schaeffer saw that because of the depravity of sinful man (mankind), that mankind would not continue to govern rightly or perfectly and would eventually abuse authority, even under a theocratic state (although he did not believe we should simply ignore politics either). He believed that the natural end of a theocracy would be just a different type of authoritarianism.

• "The non-Christian, in the twentieth century especially, has no legal and moral base. Everything floats in space: a 51 percent vote of some type of right-wing or left-wing authoritarianism must decide what is acceptable, or some form of hedonism must be adopted, because as Plato understood so well, an absolute is necessary for real morality. Plato never found such and absolute, but he understood the problem and so did the Neoplatonimen of the Renaissance."  ~ Francis Schaeffer, Death In The City

Thirdly, Schaeffer felt that Christianity was only capable of a substantial healing in the area of government, as true government could only be obtained in the return of Christ. Contrary to popular belief, he did not advocate the uniting of church and state (and neither do most Reconstructionist for that matter).

• "There is no New Testament basis for a linking of church and state until Christ, the King returns. The whole 'Constantine mentality' from the fourth century up to our day was a mistake. Constantine, as the Roman Emperor, in 313 ended the persecution of Christians. Unfortunately, the support he gave to the church led by 381 to the enforcing of Christianity, by Theodosius I, as the official state religion. Making Christianity the official state religion opened the way for confusion up until our own day. There have been times of very good government when this interrelationship between of church and state has been present. But through the centuries it has caused great confusion between loyalty to the state and loyalty to Christ, between patriotism and being a Christian. We must not confuse the Kingdom of God with our country. To say it another way: 'We should not wrap Christianity in our national flag.'" ~ Francis Schaeffer, A Christian Manifesto.

So what did Francis Schaeffer think the role of the Christian in government should be?

• "None of this, however, changes the fact that the United States was founded upon a Christian consensus, nor that we today should bring Judeo-Christian principles into play in regard to government. But that is very different from a theocracy in name or in fact." ~ Francis Schaeffer, A Christian Manifesto.

All of these quotes clearly show what Schaeffer's view was on the subject and it is disheartening to hear that he is now being mislabeled in the current political climate. He no doubt would view these debates as quite ugly in my opinion.


Ultimately, Schaeffer's real view on government would first include organically influenced government, as it seems apparent that Schaeffer's belief was that the role of Christianity in politics is to naturally influence government by being transforming first in the person, then in one's relationships, then in the church, then in the total culture, including government and the whole of life. This is outlined in his book True Spirituality, interestingly enough. Since mankind was created in the image of God and this is where mankind obtains dignity, the natural influence of this dignity was brought about by respect and care for others and holding fast to the truth. In this light, the only way naturally to bring about lasting change in government is by changing the human heart. That change alters our worldview and also how that we vote and the influence we have on government. So there is to be action on our part in government, but it is never the final solution to man's problems, as ultimate transformation in government will come upon Christ's return.

Simply put, Schaeffer's organic approach is just simply Christianity doing what it does when it is practiced at it's best, being humanitarian and transforming the world with truth from the inside out. Schaeffer believed that real transformation could only be accomplished by showing the true love of Christ, and standing on His transformational Truth.


Articles of interest:
Dangerous Influences: The New Yorker, Michele Bachmann, and Me (Nancy Pearcy)
Francis Schaeffer, Dominionism, and Christians in the Public Square (Jerram Barrs)
Michele Bachmann and Dominionism Paranoia (Douglas Groothuis)
The Rutherford Institute: Setting the Record Straight: Michele Bachmann, Francis Schaeffer (John W. Whitehead)

Additional Articles:
Schaeffer, Pearcey, The New Yorker, and American Grace (and other good books on faith and the public
WORLDmag.com | Secular leaps of faith
Bachmann and dominionism - sacbee.com

ARTICLE: CONSIDERING MEDITATION

What is meditation? Does it have a place in the practice of True Spirituality? Dan explores this topic in depth, examining the abuses and scriptures perspective. Visit the Asecular Truth Blog and read his article entitled, "Meditation on Truth."

~  http://aseculartruth.blogspot.com/2011/08/meditation-on-truth.html

NEWS: MORE FRANCIS SCHAEFFER VIDEO CHANNELS!

Francis Schaeffer Studies now is on multiple video platforms!

You can now find us on Youtube, Godtube, and Vimeo. Choose your favorite channel and tune in! Watch for new videos here at they become available.

schaefferstudies on Godtube

schaefferstudies on Vimeo

schaefferstudies on Youtube


 

ARTICLE: Living With Reality ~ By Dan Guinn

People sometimes ask me why I am so into Dr. Schaeffer. There are many reasons which I outline in a previous post called Why Schaeffer?. However the story of Francis Schaeffer's struggle, seeking for reality and the formation of L'Abri is a story that moves me to contemplate my own spirituality. It shows that Schaeffer was not flawless, he was human like the rest of us. It shows reality.

In the years after World War II, Francis Schaeffer, toured war torn Europe personally and witnessed the devastation on churches, society, and particularly children, all of which were the products of the Atheistic worldview. After over ten years of ministry in the states as a pastor of three churches, he and his wife Edith felt led to uproot from their pastorate in St. Louis, Missouri to take on a new role as missionaries. They would settle in Switzerland, and begin further establishing the children’s ministry in Europe they had started in the states. The ministry was called Children for Christ and was already an international ministry. Likewise, Schaeffer would further continue his lectures on the devastating affects of Modernism (now known as Religious Liberalism). Yet something was wrong. After all this time of service, Schaeffer said he was beginning to lose “reality.” There had been schisms and denominational conflicts related to both strict and moderate objections to Liberalism. These battles had taken their toll on Francis in addition to all of the pressures of life he was feeling during this time. He began to ask himself, “Where is the reality?” What he meant by this, was where is the truth of the gospel? How does it apply to everyday life? Where is the love of Christ? This story is recounted over and over by those who teach about Schaeffer, as it was a turning point for him. He stripped his viewpoint down to bare Agnosticism (“The view that we do not know if there is a God.”), and began to search for the basic answers to the questions of life. In a Swiss Chalet, he paced for many weeks. His final result was, “It’s true Edith! It’s all true!” Schaeffer realized that it was not only true, it brought meaning, it brought reality. He discovered that scripture gave sufficient answers for the questions of life. It answers where mankind came from. It answers mankind’s dilemma, and it answers where mankind is going, and if further brings transforming truth. Out of this experience, Schaeffer began to call the Christian system of belief by the couplet, “True-Truth.”

Now Schaeffer also realized the need for some changes. He realized that in many ways he had been living in contradiction to his own faith. He did not always live as if what he believed was absolutely true and really reality. He was comfortable, and did not always trust God. He realized that often he defended the purity of the Church in doctrine without showing the love of Christ. He realized that he had hurt people at times, and that the things he learned in feuds made a very harsh and rigid belief system with no compassion for people. He remembered that God was a personal God and had made us also personal in His image, and thus deserving of respect. In his fervor, Schaeffer had lost the reality of his faith, and the reality of a personal God. Yet he had also seen others cave in for the sake of institutional unity, and forsake Biblical teachings. He had seen others forsake truth for mere togetherness, and realized that this was no unity at all. He realized that this was equally wrong. Thus, Schaeffer sought to do something that was not being taught. He sought to balance truth and love.


Next there was one more thing. Schaeffer realized that the harsh divide between people of differing views needed a forum for discovery. A place where people could be personal and receive honest answers to honest questions. He called this place “L’Abri,” which is French for “The Shelter.” Fran, as he was called by his friends, along with his wife Edith and family would form a new establishment in their own home, where people could come to get answers. This methodology, would mold into a concept that is now sort of a buzz word at L’Abri. It was the word, “organic.” The term organic really just means "natural," but it carries a lot of significance. It means unforced, unoffending, gracious, compassionate, and welcoming. Yet it also means those things that are natural in creation. That the world was created and there is a supernatural reality. It means that people are created in the image of God and have meaning, value and purpose. It also means that the human nature and the world has been corrupted by the fall and that sin exist. Yet it means that all people need rescue, restoration and hope. It means that all people need the real Christ.


So I hope as you read this you are asking yourself what I do each time I think of the story.

How are you Living With Reality?

NEWS: Francis Schaeffer Studies Video Promotions

When we first launched Francis Schaeffer Studies we released a short teaser video to help with promotions of the web site. We are now releasing a second video with the introduction message from Dan Guinn. We invite you to use these two videos to promote http://francischaefferstudies.org on Twitter, Youtube, Facebook & Google Plus, your web site or wherever you share videos with others. Thanks in advance for spreading the word!

Also find promotional images here:
http://francisschaefferstudies.org/promote.php

 Introduction video to Francis Schaeffer Studies from Dan Guinn:



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http://youtu.be/DSy5VuWz-yY

Teaser Video:



Copy this video url to your favorite social media platform:
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Find promotional images here:
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Announcing The Asecular Truth Video Project

A special announcement from Dan: Francis Schaeffer Studies begins it's video production stage! 


Francis Schaeffer Studies.org will begin releasing a series of videos over the coming months and years breaking down the works of Francis Schaeffer. Our goal is to introduce Dr. Schaeffer to the next generation as well as make his thought and teachings of more accessible for general inquiry.

Our general feeling is that in our fast paced world many people find it difficult to take time to study at length. There are also the cultural problems such as alliteracy (people that can read and write, but don't want to), and the general illiteracy of theological and philosophical terms in our day. Thirdly, very often religion and spirituality have become privatized. Further still, many people are afraid of conflict and avoid valuable needed discussion. So how do we open the door to deeper thinking? Well miraculously people seem to be more free of the aforementioned inhibitions when online. While communication is more fragmented, and sometimes lacks the context of real person-to-person interaction, many find it gives them freedom in expression through the degree on anonymity that exist.

Ultimately, what we are seeking to offer a means to explore the works of Schaeffer online so that people can see the greater context of the worldview that they hold. This is what Schaeffer was good at during his lifetime and what his printed words, audio sermons, and videos are still doing. Whether Christian or non-Christian, the implications are very direct. If we can give people even simple morsels of sound thought, we believe it will take root and draw people into further exploration. In the end long to see the impact of truth on the human heart, the truth that only Jesus Christ can bring.

ARTICLE: Asecular Truth Blog: Depression & the Heart's Response To Truth

New blog entry by Dan on the Asecular Truth Blog - Depression & the Heart's Response To Truth 

Are you struggling with depression? According to studies, over 10% of Americans are, that's 27 million people! How many more are struggling throughout the world? Find spiritual answers from scripture to address this important problem.

Read Depression & the Heart's Response To Truth

ARTICLE: How Do You Know Schaeffer?

One of the truly astonishing things about the ministry of Francis and Edith Schaeffer is that it touched so many lives, so many disciplines, and so many subjects. While this is definitely a good thing, it can also be problematic when reintroducing people to Schaeffer’s work. Some may know Schaeffer from his view of culture, some from his take on philosophy, still others the matters of faith and spirituality he taught, the list goes on... art, music, psychology, sociology, politics, and who can forget the specific political issues like abortion? It seems there are many entry points to Schaeffer. Yet depending on your entry point and what works you have read, you may be missing the complete perspective. This happens especially with people who dismiss him. They often have consumed a limited slice of the big pie that is Schaeffer’s thought and judged him on that one perspective and moved on.

Thus I find that there are also a lot of red herrings swimming around about Schaeffer as well. Some think he was only about the abortion debate and say that he became too politically consumed. Some think he was too harsh on Aquinas or Kierkegaard in his perspectives on philosophy (I could say much on both of these issues, but I will leave that to another article). Others judge him because he was Presbyterian and Reformed. We could go on here as well. Yet the funny thing is, while these are good matters for debate, when you start to actually read Schaeffer you see that there was something much deeper at work. He was consistently gracious, even to those whose viewpoints he opposed. He lamented over the errors in thought, and hurt even more for the people. He was insistent on being both firm on truth, and yet enduring on love. His letters confirm this over and over. He was not a proud man, by all accounts, and abhorred putting on a show. He was mindful that he had a voice and he was careful in how he used it.

Yet the biggest misconceptions I believe from the findings of my studies on his works is that Schaeffer was ever focused entirely on just one issue. Schaeffer was never just about one piece of the pie. He was about following God wherever He led, and sometimes the logical train of thought would naturally lead him to different areas in his ministry and his work. Sometimes he was directly addressing the issues of his moment, and he felt deeply convicted to do so. Yet his writings were always timely and I believe providential.

While I say he never focused on just one issue, he did have one consistent theme that ruled over all and this is important. His theme was the Lordship of Christ over all things. Every piece of the pie of Schaeffer’s thought was always consumed with applying this principle. Whether it was on one end of the thought spectrum or not, it simply did not matter. If you have read all of his works you know this. You hear it from True Spirituality, the basis of all of his works (although published later) to The Mark of a Christian which champions his powerful concept of the balance of True Truth and the proper demonstration of Christian love, all the way to The Great Evangelical Disaster his final work. Despite his consistency, and all of his attempts, he still seems to get pigeon holed into the issues. It was never what he intended. Even in his later work, where he steps out and does the truly unthinkable... meshing religion with politics, it was never about just some issue. It was always about one single solitary thing. Is Jesus Lord here or not? So I ask you, How do you know Schaeffer? Maybe it's time to take another look.

http://francisschaefferstudies.org/

NEWS: The Life & Works of Francis Schaeffer Videos Coming This Fall.

Jason and Dan have began work on our class "The Life & Works of Francis Schaeffer," watch for videos this fall on francisschaefferstudies.org.