The Carl F. H. Henry Center

Carl F. H. Henry has been one of the most influential Evangelical theologians of the 20th century. His greatness was not in launching the so-called "neo-Evangelical" movement. On the contrary, his greatness lies with the Reformed tradition which places Scripture at ultimate place of authority for all faith and practice. Neo-evangelicalism today looks more liberal and modernist than anything else. But Henry, on the other hand, adopted the theology of Gordon H. Clark, who insisted that the Bible can be understood rationally and is a supernatural revelation of God's propositional truths in written form.

It is not our experience which provides the center of authority but the very written word of God. Supernatural and special revelation insists that it is not our traditions, our emotions, or our own experiences which guide us in our doctrine or our practice but the inspired Scriptures. It is precisely here that pentecostals/charismatics, the neo-orthodox, and liberals go astray. Rather than following God's word they follow their own impressions of what they think God should have said. In case you missed it, this is essentially idolatry. It is a following of the old lie that men can be like God.

You might want to check out The Carl F. H. Henry Center at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Also, The Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Intellectual Discipleship. While I have not had the chance to critically examine the resources at these two sites, it is of utmost importance today that Evangelicals and Reformed believers do not sacrifice the intellect on the altar of subjectivism and human experience. God reveals himself rationally and intelligibly and not in mysterious, ineffable, and ecstatic experiences as the neo-pentecostals would have us to believe. Such an approach has more in common with the New Age movement or hinduism than with Christianity. God speaks his word to his people and we are to listen and understand.

Isaiah 1:18-20 (ESV)

18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Micah 6:2 (ESV)

2 Hear, you mountains, the indictment of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth, for the Lord has an indictment against his people, and he will contend with Israel.

Isaiah 43:26 (ESV)

26 Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.

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[1] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.