R.C. Sproul - Icon Profile | Alexandria
R.C. Sproul (1939-2017) stands as one of the most influential Reformed theologians and Christian apologists of the 20th century, whose intellectual rigor and gift for making complex theological concepts accessible transformed the landscape of modern Protestant thought. Robert Charles Sproul, known widely as R.C., emerged as a pivotal figure in American Christianity during a time when theological discourse was increasingly divided between fundamentalist and liberal camps.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1939, Sproul's journey into theological scholarship began at Westminster College, where a profound encounter with the writings of Jonathan Edwards sparked what would become a lifelong dedication to Reformed theology. His subsequent education at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and his doctoral studies at the Free University of Amsterdam shaped his distinctive approach to defending classical Christian orthodoxy with philosophical sophistication and biblical fidelity.
In 1971, Sproul founded the Ligonier Valley Study Center, which later evolved into Ligonier Ministries, becoming one of the largest and most influential Reformed educational organizations in the world. His watershed work "The Holiness of God" (1985) captured the imagination of countless readers, presenting divine transcendence with both intellectual depth and spiritual vitality. Sproul's prolific writing career produced over 100 books, while his radio program "Renewing Your Mind" reached millions of listeners, making Reformed theology accessible to mainstream Protestant audiences.
Sproul's legacy extends beyond his theological contributions to his role in shaping contemporary evangelical identity. He was instrumental in drafting the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978), which remains a defining document in evangelical theology. His ability to bridge the gap between academic theology and popular understanding, combined with his passionate defense of classical Christian orthodoxy, continues to influence new generations of believers and scholars. Even after his death in 2017, Sproul's emphasis on God's sovereignty, human dignity, and the life of the mind persists through Ligonier Ministries and the countless leaders he mentored, leaving an indelible mark on Protestant Christianity that raises enduring questions about the relationship between faith, reason, and divine revelation in modern religious thought.