The Making and Unmaking of an Evangelical Mind: The Case of Edward Carnell

by Rudolph Nelson

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.

Genres: Biography

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 1988

Reviews

[Радостин Марчев]

Първата чисто биографична част е много добра. Втората представляа критика на Карнел от чисто либерална гледна точка и ми се струва до известна степен предубедена.
Самият аз съм чел единствено The case for orthodox theology и не познавам добре Карнел като автор, така че не смея да кажа нищо повече.

[Doug Adamson]

The book deals with Carnell in two main sections: tracing his life and then interacting with his works. The author seems to seek to be fair to Carnell but is hampered by a lack of extensive interaction with Carnell's personal writings which were not preserved by his widow. The author is somewhat critical of Carnell's views and works but I am not personally informed enough about Carnell's books to gauge how fair the criticisms are. Interesting read.

[B. Brian]

a very important book in my life because of a senior seminar with Prof. Cameron Airhart of Houghton College. Carnell's life is a lesson for all in academia (or life for that matter): no matter how great you are, relationships sustain. Part 1 (historical) and Ch X (conclusions) were more important to me than Part 2 (theological).

[Danny Leavins]

A fascinating book that goes far beyond simply retelling the life of Carnell. Nelson brings to life (thru the retelling of Carnell's story) the incredible tensions that conservative biblical scholars feel in the world of critical scholarship at large.

[Daniel Silliman]

An interesting look at a lesser known--but really significant--name in 20th c. evangelical history.