R. C. Sproul

This article is about the founder of Ligonier Ministries. For his son, see R. C. Sproul, Jr.

R. C. Sproul
R. C. Sproul
Born	(1939-02-13) February 13, 1939 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania^[1]^[2]
Theological work
Tradition or movement	Reformed Christianity
Main interests	Classical apologetics Systematic theology Biblical Inerrancy

Robert Charles Sproul (born February 13, 1939) is an American theologian, author, and pastor. He is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries (named after the Ligonier Valley just outside Pittsburgh, where the ministry started as a study center for college and seminary students) and can be heard daily on the Renewing Your Mind radio broadcast in the United States and internationally. "Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul" is also broadcast on Sirius and XM satellite radio.^[3] In late July 2012, a new Christian internet radio station called RefNet (Reformation Network)^[4] was also announced by Ligonier Ministries in an effort to reach "as many people as possible" where Internet access is available.^[5]

Ligonier Ministries hosts several theological conferences each year, including the main conference held each year in Orlando, FL, at which Sproul is one of the primary speakers.^[6]

Sproul was a passenger on the Amtrak train that derailed in the 1993 Big Bayou Canot train wreck and often gives firsthand accounts of the story.^[7]

Education and career

Sproul holds degrees from Westminster College, Pennsylvania (BA, 1961), Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary (M.Div, 1964), the Free University of Amsterdam (Drs., 1969), and Whitefield Theological Seminary (PhD, 2001). He has taught at numerous colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Mississippi, and Knox Theological Seminary in Ft. Lauderdale.^[1]

One of Sproul's mentors was John Gerstner, a professor of his at Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary. The two of them, along with another of Gerstner's students, Arthur Lindsley, co-authored the book Classical Apologetics in 1984. Dr. Sproul's ministry, Ligonier Ministries, made recordings of Dr. Gerstner teaching various courses on theology and the Bible.

Currently, Dr. Sproul is serves as co-pastor at Saint Andrew's Chapel, a congregation in Sanford, Florida.^[1]^[8] He was ordained as an elder in the United Presbyterian Church in the USA in 1965, but left that denomination around 1975 and joined the Presbyterian Church in America. He is also a Council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.

Sproul has been an ardent advocate of Calvinism in his many print, audio, and video publications, and he is also known for his advocacy of the Thomistic (classical) approaches to Christian apologetics, less common among Reformed apologists, and his rejection of presuppositionalism in favor of Thomistic apologetics, often called "Classical Apologetics". A dominant theme in many of Sproul's Renewing Your Mind lessons is the holiness and sovereignty of God.

Sproul, a critic of the Roman Catholic Church and Catholic theology, denounced the 1994 ecumenical document Evangelicals and Catholics Together.^[9]

In 2003, a Festschrift was published in his honor. After Darkness, Light: Essays in Honor of R. C. Sproul (ISBN 0875527043) included contributions from Robert Godfrey, Sinclair Ferguson, O. Palmer Robertson, Michael Horton, Douglas Wilson, John F. MacArthur, and Jay E. Adams.

On April 18, 2015, Sproul suffered a stroke, and was admitted to a hospital.^[10] Five days later, on April 23, Dr. Sproul went home from the hospital, suffering no ill effects. He was, however, diagnosed with a diabetic condition "that will be addressed through diet and regular medical attention."^[10]

Publications

Sproul's work The Holiness of God is considered to be his seminal work on the subject of God's character, and his book Not a Chance: The Myth of Chance in Modern Science and Cosmology ^[11] was highly praised by those who reject the materialism advocated by some in the scientific community.^[12]

Through Ligonier Ministries and the Renewing Your Mind radio program and conferences, Sproul has generated numerous audio and video lectures on the subjects of history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, intelligent design, and Christian living. In addition, Sproul has written more than 60 books and many articles for evangelical publications. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, which affirmed the traditional view of Biblical inerrancy, and he wrote a commentary on that document titled Explaining Inerrancy. He also served as the editor of the Reformation Study Bible (ISBN 0-87552-643-8), a six-year-long project, which has appeared in several editions and was also known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

In 2006 Ligonier Ministries launched Reformation Trust Publishing with an aim to promote the historic Reformed Protestant Christian faith by well known Reformed pastors, educators, and church leaders in the modern evangelical church.

Some of Sproul's other written works include:

The Symbol: An Exposition of the Apostles' Creed, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1973
The Psychology of Atheism, Bethany Fellowship, 1974 (ISBN 978-0-87123-459-9)
Discovering the Intimate Marriage, Bethany Fellowship, 1975 (ISBN 978-0-87123-249-6)
Soli Deo Gloria, Editor, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1976
Knowing Scripture, InterVarsity, 1978 (ISBN 0-87784-733-9)
Objections Answered, Gospel Light – Regal Books, 1978 (978-0-83070-584-9)
If there is a God, why are there atheists?: A surprising look at the psychology of atheism, Bethany Fellowship, 1978 (ISBN 0-87123-238-3)
Explaining Inerrancy: A Commentary, International Council on Biblical Inerrancy, 1980
Stronger Than Steel: The Wayne Alderson Story, Harper and Row, 1980 (ISBN 978-0-06-067502-8)
Basic Training, Zondervan Publishing House, 1982 (ISBN 978-0-310-44921-8)
Reason to Believe: A Response to Common Objections to Christianity, 1982 Zondervan (ISBN 0-310-44911-1)
Ethics and the Christian, Tyndale House Publishers, 1983
In Search of Dignity, Regal Books, 1983 (ISBN 978-0-8307-0869-7)
Who Is Jesus?, Tyndale House Publishers, 1983 (ISBN 978-0-8423-8216-8)
Classical Apologetics with John Gerstner and Arthur Lindsley, Zondervan, 1984 (ISBN 0-310-44951-0)
Effective Prayer, Tyndale House Publishers, 1984 (ISBN 978-0-84230-735-2)
God’s Will and the Christian, Tyndale House Publishers, 1984 (ISBN 978-0-8423-1096-3)
Johnny Come Home, Regal Books, 1984 (ISBN 978-0-340-52335-3)
The Holiness of God, Tyndale House Publishers, 1985 (ISBN 978-0-8423-1370-4)
Lifeviews: Make a Christian Impact on Culture and Society, 1986, Revell, A Division of Baker Book House (ISBN 0-8007-5357-7)
Chosen by God, Tyndale, 1986 (ISBN 0-8423-1335-4)
The Intimate Marriage, Tyndale House Publishers, 1986 (ISBN 978-0-87552-708-6)
One Holy Passion, Thomas Nelson, 1987 (ISBN 978-0-8407-5528-5)
Pleasing God, Tyndale House Publishers, 1988 (ISBN 0-8423-5024-1)
Thy Brother’s Keeper, Wolgemuth & Hyatt Publishers, 1988 (ISBN 978-0-94349-737-2)
If There’s a God, Why Are There Atheists?, Tyndale House Publishers, 1988 (ISBN 978-0-8423-1565-4)
Surprised by Suffering, Tyndale House Publishers, 1989 (ISBN 978-1-56769-384-3)
The Mystery of the Holy Spirit, Tyndale House Publishers, 1990 (ISBN 0-8423-4378-4)
Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue, 1990 Navpress (ISBN 0-89109-345-1)
The Glory of Christ, Tyndale House Publishers, 1990 (ISBN 978-0-87552-703-1)
Following Christ, Tyndale House Publishers, 1991 (ISBN 978-0-8423-5937-5)
The Hunger for Significance, Regal Books, 1991 (ISBN 978-0-87552-701-7)
Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, Tyndale House Publishers, 1992 (ISBN 0-8423-2001-6)
Before the Face of God – Book I, Baker Books and Ligonier Ministries, 1992 (ISBN 978-0-80108-340-2)
Thy Brother’s Keeper, Word Publishing, 1992 (ISBN 978-0-943497-37-2)
The Soul's Quest for God, Tyndale House Publishers, 1993 (ISBN 978-0-8423-5928-3)
Doubt and Assurance, Baker Books and Ligonier Ministries, 1993 (ISBN 978-0-8010-8352-5)
Before the Face of God – Book II, Baker Books and Ligonier Ministries, 1993 (ISBN 978-0-80108-358-7)
Not A Chance: The Myth of Chance in Modern Science and Cosmology, Baker Book House, 1994 (ISBN 978-0-8010-8386-0)
Ephesians, Christian Focus Publications, 1994 (ISBN 978-1-84550-638-4)
Before the Face of God – Book III, Baker Books and Ligonier Ministries, 1994 (ISBN 978-0-80108-378-5)
The Gospel of God: Romans, Christian Focus Publications, 1994 (ISBN 978-1-84550-637-7)
The New Geneva Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, 1995 (ISBN 978-0-8407-1091-8)
Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification, Baker Book House, 1995 (ISBN 978-0-8010-5849-3)
The Character of God: Discovering The God Who Is, Servant Publications, 1995 (ISBN 978-0-89283-908-7)
Mighty Christ, Christian Focus Publications, 1995 (ISBN 978-1-85792-148-9)
The King Without a Shadow Chariot Publishers, 1996 (ISBN 978-0-87552-700-0)
Now, That's a Good Question!, Tyndale House Publishers, 1996 (ISBN 0-8423-4711-9)
The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good?, Word Publishing, 1996 (ISBN 0-8499-1207-5)
Choosing My Religion, Baker Books, 1996 (ISBN 978-0-87552-609-6)
Ultimate Issues, Baker Books, 1996 (ISBN 978-0-87552-625-6)
Explaining Inerrancy, Ligonier Ministries, 1996 (ISBN 978-1-56769-228-0)
Before the Face of God – Book IV, Baker Books and Ligonier Ministries, 1996 (ISBN 978-0801011023)
Grace Unknown: The Heart of Reformed Theology, Baker Book House, 1997 (ISBN 0-8010-1121-3)
Willing to Believe: The Controversy over Free Will, Baker Book House, 1997 (ISBN 0-8010-6412-0)
The Priest With Dirty Clothes A Timeless Story Of God's Love And Forgiveness with Liz Bonham (illustrator), Tommy Nelson, 1997 (ISBN 0-8499-1455-8)
If There’s a God, Why Are There Atheists?, Ligonier Ministries, 1997 (ISBN 978-0842315654)
The Holiness of God – Revised and Expanded, Tyndale House Publishers, 1998 (978-0-8423-3965-0)
The Last Days According to Jesus, Baker Books, 1998 (ISBN 0-8010-6340-X)
The Reformation Study Bible" (NKJV)', Thomas Nelson, 1998 (ISBN 978-0-7852-5856-8)
Renewing Your Mind: Basic Christian Beliefs You Need to Know 3rd ed., Baker Books, 1998 (ISBN 0-8010-5815-5)
Getting the Gospel Right, Baker Books, 1999 (ISBN 0-8010-6447-3)
In the Presence of God, Word Publishing, 1999 (ISBN 978-0-8499-1624-3)
"A Walk with God: An Exposition of Luke", Christian Focus Publications, 1999 (ISBN 978-1-84550-731-2)
The Gospel of God: An Exposition of Romans, Christian Focus Publications, 1999 (ISBN 1-85792-490-8)
How Should I Live in This World?, Ligonier Ministries, 1999
Who Is Jesus?, Ligonier Ministries, 1999
Does Prayer Change Things?, Ligonier Ministries, 1999
Can I Know God’s Will?, Ligonier Ministries, 1999
The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts That Shaped Our World, Crossway, 2000 (ISBN 1-58134-172-5)
What's in the Bible: A One-Volume Guidebook to God's Word with Robert Wolgemuth, W Publishing Group, 2001 (ISBN 0-8499-4460-0)
Loved By God, W Publishing Group, 2001 (ISBN 0-8499-1648-8)
The King Without a Shadow, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2001 (ISBN 0-87552-700-0)
The Hunger for Significance, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2001
Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow, W Publishing Group, 2002
Saved from What?, Crossway Books, 2002 (ISBN 1-58134-417-1)
When Worlds Collide, Crossway Books, 2002
The Purpose of God: An Exposition of Ephesians, Christian Focus Publications, 2002 (ISBN 1-85792-609-9)
The Dark Side of Islam with Abdul Saleeb, Crossway Books, 2003 (ISBN 1-58134-441-4)
Running the Race, Baker Books, 2003
Defending Your Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics, Crossway Books, 2003 (ISBN 1-58134-519-4)
The Glory of Christ, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2003 (ISBN 0-87552-703-5)
The Soul's Quest for God: Satisfying the Hunger for Spiritual Communion with God, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers Publishing, 2003 (ISBN 978-0-87552-706-2)
The Intimate Marriage: A Practical Guide to Building a Great Marriage, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2003 (ISBN 0-87552-708-6)
The Character of God: Discovering the God Who Is, Servant Publications, 2003 (ISBN 0-8307-3398-1)
The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good?', Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2003 (ISBN 978-0-87552-709-3)
Scripture Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2005 (ISBN 1-59638-010-1)
The Reformation Study Bible (ESV), Ligonier Ministries, 2005 (ISBN 978-0-87552-643-0)
The Unexpected Jesus, Christian Focus Publications, 2005 (ISBN 978-1-84550-037-5)
What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding The Basics, Baker Books, 2005 (ISBN 0-8010-6559-3)
Choosing My Religion, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2005 (ISBN 978-0-87552-609-6)
Ultimate Issues, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2005 (ISBN 978-1-59638-039-4)
A Taste of Heaven, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2006 (ISBN 978-1-56769-076-7)
Truths We Confess: A Layman's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith, Volume 1: The Triune God, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2006 (ISBN 978-1-59638-039-4)
The Lightlings, a children's title, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2006 (ISBN 978-1-56769-078-1)
The Truth of the Cross, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2007 (ISBN 978-1-56769-087-3)
Truths We Confess: A Layman's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith, Volume 2: Salvation and the Christian Life, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2007 (ISBN 978-1-59638-040-0)
Truths We Confess: A Layman's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith, Volume 3: The State, the Family, the Church, and Last Times, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers, 2007 (ISBN 978-1-59638-041-7)
The Prince's Poison Cup, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2008 (ISBN 978-1-56769-104-7)
Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow, revised, expanded Reformation Trust Publishing, 2008 (ISBN 978-1-56769-103-0)
Discovering the God Who Is: His Character and Being. His Power and Personality, Regal Books, 2008 (ISBN 978-0-8307-4527-2)
Romans (St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary), Crossway Books, 2009 (ISBN 978-1433506857)
John (St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary), Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009 (ISBN 978-1-56769-185-6)
Surprised by Suffering, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009 (ISBN 978-1-56769-184-9)
The Mystery of the Holy Spirit, Christian Focus Publications, 2009 (ISBN 978-1-84550-481-6)
The Prayer of The Lord, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009 (ISBN 978-1-56769-118-4)
Does Prayer Change Things?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009 – Crucial Questions series (ISBN 978-1-56769-178-8)
Can I Know God's Will?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009 – Crucial Questions series (ISBN 978-1-56769-179-5)
Who is Jesus?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009 - Crucial Questions series (ISBN 978-1-56769-181-8)
How Should I Live in This World?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009 – Crucial Questions series (ISBN 978-1-56769-180-1)
Can I Trust the Bible?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009 – Crucial Questions series ISBN 978-1-56769-182-5
What is Faith?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2010 – Crucial Questions series (ISBN 978-1-56769-207-5)
What Does it Mean to Be Born Again?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2010 – Crucial Questions series (ISBN 978-1-56769-206-8)
Can I Be Sure I'm Saved?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2010 – Crucial Questions series (ISBN 978-1-56769-208-2)
Abortion: A Rational Look at An Emotional Issue, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2010 (ISBN 978-1-56769-209-9)
Acts (St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary), Crossway Books, 2010 (ISBN 978-1-4335-2273-4)
The Priest with Dirty Clothes, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011 (ISBN 978-1-56769-210-5)
1-2 Peter (St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary), Crossway Books, 2011 (ISBN 978-1-4335-2289-5)
Unseen Realities: Heaven, Hell, Angels and Demons, Christian Focus Publications, 2011 (ISBN 978-1-8-4550-682-7)
What Can I Do with My Guilt?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011 (ISBN 978-1-56769-258-7)
What Is the Trinity?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011 (ISBN 978-1-56769-259-4)
What Is Baptism?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011 (ISBN 978-1-56769-260-0)
The Barber Who Wanted to Pray, Crossway Books, 2011 (ISBN 978-1-4335-2703-6)
Mark (St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary), Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011 (ISBN 978-1-56769-265-5)
Pleasing God: Discovering the Meaning and Importance of Sanctification, David C. Cook, 2012 (ISBN 978-0-7814-0728-1)
God's Love: How the Infinite God Cares for His Children, David C. Cook, 2012 (ISBN 978-1-4347-0422-1)
Does God Control Everything?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2012 (ISBN 978-1-56769-297-6)
Who Is the Holy Spirit?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2012 (ISBN 978-1-56769-299-0)
Can I Have Joy in My Life?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2012 (ISBN 978-1-56769-295-2)
Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2012 (ISBN 978-1-56769-282-2)
The Work of Christ, David C. Cook, 2012 (ISBN 978-0-7814-0726-7)
The Donkey Who Carried a King, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2012 (ISBN 978-1-56769-269-3)
The Promises of God, David C. Cook, 2013 (ISBN 978-1-4347-0423-8)
Matthew (St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary), Crossway Books, 2013 (ISBN 978-1-4335-3175-0)
How Can I Develop a Christian Conscience?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2013 (ISBN 978-1-56769-327-0)
Does God Control Everything?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2013 (ISBN 978-1-56769-297-6)
What Is the Lord's Supper?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2013 (ISBN 978-1-56769-328-7)
What Is the Church?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2013 (ISBN 978-1-56769-329-4)
How Then Shall We Worship?, David C. Cook, 2013 (ISBN 978-1-4347-0424-5)
Everyone's a Theologian, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2014 (ISBN 978-1-56769-365-2)
What Is Repentance?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2014 (ISBN 978-1-56769-372-0)
What Is the Relationship between Church and State?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2014 (ISBN 978-1-56769-374-4)
Are These the Last Days?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2014 (ISBN 978-1-56769-376-8)
Not A Chance: The Myth of Chance in Modern Science and Cosmology, Baker Publishing Group, 2014 (ISBN 978-0-80101-621-9)
God Is Holy and We're Not, Ligonier Ministries, 2014
What Is the Great Commission?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2014 (ISBN 978-1-56769-498-7)
Can I Lose My Salvation?, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2014 (ISBN 978-1-56769-499-4)
The Knight’s Map, Reformation Trust Publishing, 2016 (ISBN 978-1-56769-367-6)

References

1 2 3 "Dr. R.C. Sproul – The Founder and President of Ligonier Ministries.". Ligonier Ministries. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
↑ "Ligonier", Tabletalk Magazine, May 2008
↑ Duncan, John M (June 30, 2008). "Renewing Your Mind now on XM & Sirius Satellite Radio". New and Noteworthy (blog). Ligonier Ministries. Archived from the original on August 17, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
↑ Reformation network
↑ Larson, Chris (July 26, 2012). "Announcing RefNet: 24-hour Christian Internet Radio". Ligonier.
↑ "Conferences". Ligonier Ministries. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
↑ Train Wreck
↑ "Dr. R.C. Sproul". Saint Andrew's Chapel. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
↑ "Books: Betraying the Reformation?", Christianity today, October 7, 1996
1 2 "Postponed: A Google Hangout with John MacArthur and R.C. Sproul" (Press release). Ligonier Ministries. April 21, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
↑ Sproul, RC. Not a Chance: The Myth of Chance in Modern Science and Cosmology. ISBN 0-8010-5852-X.
↑ "Not A Chance!". Lambert Dolphin's Library. Retrieved 2008-07-30.

External links

Authority control	WorldCat Identities VIAF: 10911443 LCCN: n80032051 ISNI: 0000 0001 1594 8062 GND: 128938439 BNF: cb14438585j (data) NDL: 00943776

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