Ronald Nash (1936–2006): A Vibrant Worldview
Dr. Ronald H. Nash died five years ago on March 10, 2006 after a long illness. A professor, author, and churchman, his impact has been wide and deep, and his legacy endures. I wrote this tribute to him in 2006.
Nash was one of the most important evangelical Christian thinkers of the last half century and a theologically and biblically astute philosopher. Formally trained in philosophy (PhD from Syracuse University), he was also well acquainted with systematic, historical, and biblical theology and wrote with great insight into the truths of Christianity. His commitment to a basic Augustinian theology shone through his work.
Worldview thinking was a prominent theme in Nash’s writings. He insisted on seeing historic Christianity as encompassing a vibrant and robust world-and-life view. Refusing to view the faith as a jumble of theological bits and pieces, he lectured and wrote eloquently about how the Christian worldview impacts all important areas of life.
Nash wrote and edited over thirty books. His works addressed such disciplines as philosophy, theology, history, and apologetics and reflected clarity and carefulness of thought. He once said that he didn’t think he had had a thought he hadn’t published. Readers definitely profited from such diligence.
Evangelical thinkers such as Gordon H. Clark and Carl F. H. Henry strongly influenced Nash. He, in turn, mentored many young Christian philosophers and apologists. I am one of many who benefited from his encouragement and support.
Five years after his passing, I still remember his quick and biting wit, his penchant for storytelling, and his unswerving commitment to truth.