Few figures in modern evangelicalism have had as profound an impact as Francis A. Schaeffer. A theologian, philosopher, pastor, and cultural critic, Schaeffer was a prophetic voice in the twentieth century, challenging the church to engage the world with both intellectual rigor and compassionate love. His works, notably A Christian Manifesto, Escape from Reason, Art and the Bible, The Mark of the Christian, and How Should We Then Live?, continue to shape Christian thought and action. Schaeffer’s legacy endures in the ongoing dialogue between faith and culture, urging believers to embrace a biblically grounded worldview in the face of secular modernity.
A Brief Biography
Francis August Schaeffer IV was born in 1912 in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Raised in a working-class home, he developed an early interest in philosophy and theology, eventually leading him to study at Westminster Theological Seminary under Cornelius Van Til. Schaeffer later transferred to Faith Theological Seminary, where he earned his degree and was ordained in the Bible Presbyterian Church. In the 1940s, he and his wife, Edith, moved to Europe as missionaries, a decision that would lay the foundation for what would become one of the most influential ministries of the twentieth century.
L’Abri and a Ministry of Intellectual Engagement
In 1955, Schaeffer and Edith established L’Abri (French for “the shelter”) in Switzerland, a community dedicated to engaging seekers, skeptics, and Christians wrestling with questions of faith, truth, and meaning. L’Abri quickly became a hub for students, intellectuals, and artists who sought a deeper understanding of the relationship between Christianity and contemporary culture. Schaeffer’s ability to dialogue with modern existential and postmodern thinkers set him apart from many other evangelical leaders of his time. He did not retreat from culture but instead challenged Christians to think deeply, critically, and biblically about the pressing issues of their day.
Schaeffer’s approach at L’Abri was deeply relational. He emphasized that truth is not merely an abstract concept but something to be lived out. As he often noted, the credibility of Christianity depends not just on doctrinal orthodoxy but on the visible love of the Christian community. This was most clearly articulated in The Mark of the Christian, where he argued that love is the defining mark of a true believer (Schaeffer 1970).
Engaging the Culture: Schaeffer’s Major Works
Schaeffer’s writings were an extension of his ministry at L’Abri, addressing the intellectual and moral crises of the twentieth century. In Escape from Reason, he traced the fragmentation of Western thought, arguing that modern man had severed faith from reason, leading to relativism and despair (Schaeffer 1968). His magnum opus, How Should We Then Live?, built upon this theme, offering a sweeping historical analysis of Western civilization’s decline and the cultural consequences of abandoning biblical absolutes (Schaeffer 1976). This work was later adapted into a documentary series, extending his influence beyond the written word.
One of Schaeffer’s most politically charged works, A Christian Manifesto, was published in 1981 as a direct response to the secularization of Western society. Schaeffer called for Christians to resist cultural decay by actively engaging in their time’s political and moral battles. His warnings about the erosion of religious liberty and the dangers of unchecked humanism proved remarkably prescient (Schaeffer 1981).
Schaeffer’s engagement with the arts was also groundbreaking. In Art and the Bible, he argued that creativity reflects the imago Dei (the image of God) and that Christians should embrace artistic expression as a legitimate and necessary means of glorifying God (Schaeffer 1973). His insights challenged the church’s tendency to dismiss art and culture as merely secular pursuits, urging believers to reclaim them for the kingdom instead.
Schaeffer’s Enduring Influence
Schaeffer’s influence extended beyond evangelical circles. His ideas were widely discussed among scholars, theologians, and cultural critics, and his work remains a subject of academic interest today. Scholars have noted that Schaeffer’s prescient analysis of secularism and moral relativism continues to be relevant in discussions about postmodernity and the role of Christianity in public life (Galli 2012). Others have critiqued his approach, arguing that while he was an astute diagnostician of cultural decay, his solutions sometimes lacked nuance and practical application (Williams 2016).
Despite such critiques, Schaeffer’s impact is undeniable. His call for a biblically based, intellectually rigorous faith still resonates with Christians seeking to navigate the challenges of modernity. L’Abri continues to serve as a refuge for seekers and scholars, and his writings remain a cornerstone for those committed to engaging culture without compromise.
Conclusion
Francis Schaeffer was more than a theologian—he was a prophetic voice calling the church to wake up, think deeply, and live out the gospel’s truth in every sphere of life—making him one of my favorite pastors and authors of our modern age. His books, lectures, and the ministry of L’Abri have left an indelible mark on evangelicalism, inspiring generations to engage the world with conviction and compassion. In a time when the cultural currents seem increasingly hostile to Christianity, Schaeffer’s insights remain as vital as ever, reminding us that truth and love must always go hand in hand.
Mark Horne is an associate pastor of Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, MO.
References
Galli, Mark. 2012. “Francis Schaeffer: The Man and His Legacy.” Christianity Today 56 (5): 22-27.
Schaeffer, Francis A. 1968. Escape from Reason. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
———. 1970. The Mark of the Christian. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
———. 1973. Art and the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
———. 1976. How Should We Then Live?. Wheaton, IL: Crossway.
———. 1981. A Christian Manifesto. Wheaton, IL: Crossway.
Williams, David T. 2016. “Francis Schaeffer’s Cultural Apologetics: A Critical Assessment.” Journal of Evangelical Theology 59 (2): 145-163.