Charles Ryrie

   
Louis McBride has an interesting comment and personal reflection on Charles Ryrie. Concerning the former he notes, "I think it is fair to say that in most academic circles today Ryrie carries little weight if any at all. His appeal was always primarily to the popular crowd . . ." I think that Louis is right about the perception of Ryrie among many academics. This is unfortunate. One of the problems with the theological academy is its tendency to confuse simple with simplistic. Ryrie has the gift of making complicated things simple. Ryrie was simple, not simplistic. This is one reason why your average Christian found him useful. Frankly, I wish I had more of Ryrie's gift. A second problem with the theological academy is that it sometimes forgets that it really should serve the church before it serves the academy. Ryrie, it seems, understood this better than many theologians. I have known many pastors, Sunday school teachers, etc. that have found Ryrie to be helpful. May his tribe increase.

Unfortunately, I don't have my own personal Ryrie story, but I have appreciated his work. In any case, do read Louis' post here.