Synopses & Reviews
Edward John Carnell (1919-1967), philosopher-theologian and president of the Fuller Theological Seminary, played a singularly influential role in the emergence of mid-twentieth century influential role in the emergence of mid-twentieth century Protestant evangelicalism from its fundamentalist phase. This book uses Carnell's life and works as a lens through which to examine important developments in American religious history during his Carnell's importance was acknowledged both in and outside the evangelical tradition, but he paid a severe price for public recognition--overtly as the object of harsh criticism from right-wing opponents and internally as the victim of a psychological breakdown. The first half of the book takes a biographical approach, following Carnell's early life and education, while the second half of the book looks topically at the issues that shaped Carnell's career, providing helpful clues in the effort to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the evangelical movement he represented.
Review
"A fascinating biography and theological critique of Carnell, one of this century's most important leaders of American Protestant evangelicalism...Nelson's book is an excellent example of the way in which biography can provide an angle for historical, cultural, and theological commentary." Religious Studies Review
Synopsis
Through the lens of Carnell's personal struggle, this book offers a provocative view into the larger cultural tensions, unleashed by new modes of secular thought, that challenged the framework of American religious life during the middle years of the twentieth century.
Table of Contents
Preface; Acknowledgments; Part I: 1. The narrow ridge and the cognitive bargain; 2. The stigmata of fundamentalism; 3. Wheaton; 4. Westminster; 5. Fundamentalism-on-the-Charles; 6. Fuller seminary; Part II: 7. Apologetics of the mind: toward the penumbral zone; 8. Apologetics of the heart: the perspective of inwardness; 9. The inerrancy issue; Part III: 10. Figures in the carpet; Notes; Index.