Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Who's Your Paleoevangelical of the Year?

I've been thinking about this year's recipient, and I'm finding myself torn between two really deserving individuals. Then the thought struck me, "Wouldn't it be great to hear what Paleoreaders think? Who would they come up with?"

So here's your opportunity. Just tell me your rationale in 2 or 3 sentences (more if you want). The criteria? Established not quite a year ago, the Paleoevangelical of the year is . . .
. . . the person or people that God has used most to incline my thoughts, affections, and life most towards the gospel during the past year.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Absolutely, hands down has to be Erik Raymond, who I know as "The Irish Calvinist" from his website www.irishcalvinist.com.

I have yet to meet anyone who so consistently, seamlessly and firmly points me and my everyday situations and thoughts to Jesus Christ. He's either the world's greatest put-on or he's got something I so very passionately desire to show more in my own life, talk and writing: a deep, intimate love for his Saviour.

Ben said...

Thanks Matthew. I'm not familiar with him, but I'll be sure to check out his blog.

Anonymous said...

Who won for 2005?

Ben said...

Iain Murray

Anonymous said...

Who are your two finalists?

The Tiffinian said...

Joel Osteen. Definitely. :)

Ben said...

Ashley, I'm gonna keep that under my hat.

Josh, don't laugh. I know someone who thinks I'm all about Osteen and Warren.

Anonymous said...

Any hints? Professor, co-worker, pastor, author?

I think my vote deserves to go to my pastor, Dorington Little of First Congregational Church, Hamilton, MA. I have read a ton of books, listened to dozens and dozens of online sermons, and attended hundreds of hours of lectures in 2006, but I have been drawn closer to God through his faithful expositional preaching week in and week out. A close second would go to Jonathan Edwards. In '06, I read pretty near all of his (2) volume set published by Hendrickson. A distant third goes to N.T. Wright. He is not exactly a paleoevangelical but I have benefited greatly from the Bishop of Durham this past year. And I can't forget Greg Beale. I took a distance course at Wheaton this summer in NT Theology. His passionate desire to help his students apply the outstanding lectures was not to be taken lightly. He caused great growth in my Christian walk in addition to all the awesome information that I soaked up regarding NT theology.

The Tiffinian said...

You mean you're not? :)

My serious nominee is Mark Dever and the T4G guys. Together for the Gospel had a huge impact on me. In fact, those few days finally convinced me to go ahead and move to Louisville to attend SBTS.

Ben said...

Dever is one of several guys who would make a good candidate just about any year. But I try to avoid repeat winners.

Anonymous said...

Ray Comfort