The seventh selection in our Siblings Book Club for 2023 was yet another biography. We tend to dabble heavily in biographies and memoirs, though I was a bit surprised that so many of us were drawn to this one about R.C. Sproul.

Within the mix of our Club, we’ve got a healthy swath of Christianity represented: Baptist, Lutheran, Reformed, and non-denominational. No matter our leanings, though, I think we’ve all come across and have appreciated this Presbyterian giant, R.C. Sproul. He was both a philosopher and a theologian: a man who knew and used big words but also helped the most unlearned understand them. He was gentle and humorous, thought-provoking and memorable. This was a great read to get to know him more.

Through this excellent chronological (and sometimes personal) walk through R.C. Sproul’s life, readers watch Sproul grow into his strong convictions and teach them in a sensitive, engaging way. We also witness his education and personal growth which ultimately led to his apologetic expertise in two main areas: the holiness of God and the inerrancy of Scripture. Differently striped Christians can and do disagree about many things, but these two were paramount to Sproul—obviously alongside three others: Grace, the Gospel, and Christ. After all, he carried well the banner of the Reformers with these five Solas: Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Soli Deo Gloria.

Of particular interest to me was Sproul’s personability, a professor relating to his students as a friend. A master sitting with his disciples, answering questions and allowing for—and even inviting—passionate debate. I honestly wish I had read this section from Chapter 10 before completing my own dissertation, because it’s right in line with how I believe all seminary professors should relate to their students:

His syllabus for his contemporary theology course at Gordon for the fall semester of 1967 includes this note under office hours:

The Professor is available for consultation regarding academic problems. Also, the Professor is always available to spend time with the student on a personal basis regarding spiritual or other problems. The student is to feel completely free in making such appointments with the Professor. Also. I would like to personally invite any student, who so wishes, to make appointments to visit me in my home. My home telephone number is 468-3458. Address: 14 Woodside Road, South Hamilton (Off Linden).

He then informs them how class discussions will go:

I enjoy a casual and informal atmosphere in the classroom. Free-wheeling debate and questioning is welcomed. It is hoped that no student will ever hesitate to ask questions in class. Questions from the student is the only barometer (outside of exams) by which the professor can measure the degree of understanding the class has attained. My only request is that students retain their dignity at all times and exhibit a high degree of courtesy within the classroom.

Of course, R. C. was concerned with communicating content, but as these syllabus remarks show, he wanted to make sure that students were understanding what they were learning and that they were connecting what they were learning to their lives. He cared about them.

R.C. Sproul: A Life, Chapter 10

Reading through this again, I can’t help but think of Francis Schaeffer and his L’Abri house in Switzerland (and now other locations, including Rochester, MN, in my own backyard). The idea of opening one’s living room and home to curious young people striving to know God better might require a family’s sacrificing their privacy at times, but it also pays untold dividends in the spiritual, emotional, and relational lives of the students one’s burdened to reach. It might not be for everyone, but professors who truly care about the growth of their students need at least a modicum of such openness. I truly hope all seminaries can get back to a culture of hospitality, what Sproul’s entire Ligonier ministry was built upon.

Of course this book covers a great deal more about R.C.’s education, family, trials, successes, etc. I learned new words (like “studied ambiguity”) and enjoyed reading some of the roots of the “Young, Restless, and Reformed” movement. The disparity between “Buddy Jesus” and Father God, which help highlight Sproul’s emphasis on the holiness of God, was very interesting as well.

This book won’t convert you to Reformed Theology, but it’s an enlightening read about a great man of God who for decades “renewed the mind” of countless students and lay people. I’m glad we selected it.

©2023 E.T.

Read More from R.C. Sproul

• The Holiness of God (1985)
• The Priest with Dirty Clothes (1997)
• 5 Things Every Christian Needs to Grow (2002)
• The Dark Side of Islam (2003)
• The Lightlings (2006)
• The Prince’s Poison Cup (2008)
• Believing God (2009)
• John (2009)
• Sola Scriptura (2009)
• R.C. Sproul: A Life (2021; by Stephen J. Nichols)