A Memorial Tribute to Ronald H. Nash (1936-2006)
Dr. Ronald H. Nash died on March 10 after a long illness. He was one of the most important evangelical Christian thinkers of the last half century. His impact as a professor, author, and churchman has been wide and deep, and his legacy will endure. Allow me to touch briefly on four areas that impressed me about this extraordinary man.
Professor Nash was one of the most theologically and biblically astute philosophers I have ever known. Though formally trained in philosophy (Ph.D. from Syracuse University), he was 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.
Ron Nash 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 impacted all important areas of life. Worldview thinking was a prominent theme in his writings.
Nash was a prolific author, having written or edited over thirty books. His works addressed such disciplines as philosophy, theology, history, and apologetics. His writings reflect a clarity and carefulness of thought. He once said that he didn’t think he had had a thought that he hadn’t published. His many readers definitely profited from such diligence.
Nash was strongly influenced by such evangelical thinkers as Gordon H. Clark and Carl F. H. Henry. He, in turn, mentored many young Christian philosophers and apologists. I am one of many who benefited from his encouragement and support.
With his passing I will remember his quick and biting wit, his penchant for storytelling, and his unswerving commitment to truth.