Who influences your theology?

When I look back over the past 2 or 3 years, I have had the privilege of meeting many of the people who's writings and sermons have shaped my theology. Many of these people are regular travel companions with me (on my iPod of course :) as I commute in the car from my home in Germany to our European Regional Office in Kilchzimmer, Switzerland.

Top left clockwise: Begg, Piper, Hughes, Ryrie, me and Dever, me and MacArthur, Carson and Lawson.

In the late 90's, while studying in Germany, one of our annual guest lecturers was Charles Ryrie. He was probably the first prominent theologian I have met. As I was a native English speaker at a German college, I was often asked to accompany him and to sit with him at mealtimes.
In 2005 I met Don Carson when he came to speak at a gathering of pastors in Belfast. His writings have probably influenced evangelical reformed theology more than anyone else during the past 20 years.

In June 2006 I organized a day conference in Belfast for John MacArthur, Steve Lawson and Philip de Courcy. I probably have more theological books from John than any other single author and in more recent years I have been a daily user of the MacArthur study Bible. It was a privilege to be able to speak with him 'back stage' and to see his warm personality and love for the scriptures. One unexpected incident was in a small room during the coffee break, when Steve Lawson briefly shared the story of how he left his last church because of their rejection of expository preaching. The emotional tone of his voice and the tears which welled up his eyes evidenced the pain that was still very real. During that day MacArthur described Lawson as "my favorite preacher".

In 2007 (although I didn't speak to him personally) I listened to R. Kent Hughes teach at the NI Ministers' Assembly in Dollingstown (Near Lurgan) in N. Ireland. This event had added significance for me as this was the church where in 1980 I trusted the Lord at a CEF Holiday Bible Club! R. Kent Hughes' book Disciplines of a Godly Man was hugely influential on me while I was studying at Bible College in Germany.

In September 2008 I met Mark Dever in Zurich, Switzerland. His book and ministry entitled Nine Marks of a Healthy Church was very helpful to me as I was seeking to find direction in my early days of pastoral ministry.

In 2005 Alistair Begg was the speaker at our annual Pastors' conference. His teaching on Pastoral leadership was a great encouragement to me to stand firm through difficult times.

Without doubt, the most influential theologian for me at present is John Piper! I heard him at the EMA Conference in London in 2005 but didn't meet him personally. I am a regular listener of his weekly audio podcast or watch his videocast. A few weeks ago he started to preach through the Gospel of John, which he hopes to be finish before he dies (although I think he would count it joy to pass into glory while preaching!!!) His passion for the glory of God, his encouragement to sacrificial service and his hatred of the false gospels being propagated today, makes him a 'quite extraordinary gift' to the church of Jesus Christ in this 21st century. His positive influence on many men, old and young, will only be truly revealed in glory.

What about you? Post a comment and let me know who influences your theology the most.

PS I just finished reading Young, Restless, Reformed by Collin Hansen. It gives a good overview of the movers and shakers in the USA today. From the back cover ... discover how our restless youth are discovering anew the great doctrines of the Christian faith. Weary of churches that seek to entertain rather than teach, longing after the true meat of the Word, these young people are pursuing doctrine. It's exciting to see that in these days of watering down the Gospel that there are many who are showing biblical discernement. You can read a review of the book over at Tim Challis' blog.

PPS I also was given an ESV Study Bible as a Christmas present :)
If you are looking for a new Bible then this is the one to get. Another very good alternative is the Reformation Study Bible which also uses the ESV translation. It may even be better (I'm still undecided)!

In my next post I will let you know what I am planning to read this year!