Francis Schaeffer

Francis August Schaeffer (January 30, 1912 – May 15, 1984) was an American evangelical theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor. He co-founded the L'Abri community in Switzerland with his wife Edith Schaeffer, , a prolific author in her own right. Opposed to theological modernism (which prefers, e.g., rationalism and religious experience over following religious traditions based on revelation), Schaeffer promoted what he claimed was a more historic Protestant faith and a presuppositional approach to Christian apologetics, which he believed would answer the questions of the age.

Born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, he graduated magna cum laude from Hampden–Sydney College in 1935 and studied at Westminster and Faith Theological Seminaries. Schaeffer became the first graduate and ordained minister of the Bible Presbyterian Church and served pastorates in Pennsylvania and Missouri. In 1948, he moved with his family to Switzerland, where they founded the L’Abri community in 1955, which later expanded internationally as a hub for philosophical and spiritual discussion.

Schaeffer developed a unique approach to Christian apologetics, combining elements of presuppositionalism and evidentialism. Influenced by Cornelius Van Til, Herman Dooyeweerd, and Hans Rookmaaker, he argued that non-Christian worldviews are internally inconsistent and that Christianity offers a coherent foundation for truth, morality, and meaning. He called his method “Taking the roof off,” exposing contradictions in secular thinking to lead others toward Christianity. His influential works, including ''The God Who Is There'', ''Escape from Reason'', and ''He Is There and He Is Not Silent'', explored the intersection of faith, culture, and philosophy.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Schaeffer became a prominent voice for evangelical political engagement, particularly around abortion and secular humanism. His 1981 book ''A Christian Manifesto'' encouraged Christians to challenge cultural pluralism while rejecting theocracy, influencing groups like Operation Rescue and shaping the Christian Right. He also co-founded the Seven Mountain Mandate, advocating Christian influence in society’s key spheres, such as education, media, and government. Schaeffer’s legacy endures through L’Abri, his writings, and institutions inspired by his work, making him one of the most influential evangelical thinkers of the 20th century. Provided by Wikipedia