In reverse order, the top 5 people who have influenced my theology. This is theology only, that is, the way I think about God and everything related to Him: His People, His Word, His Son, and His Spirit.

  • 5) My Grandfather, T.P. Phipps – From a very early age, my grandfather instilled in me both the wrath and the grace of God. The dichotomy I could see not only in his preaching but in his life as well. He disciplined very lovingly, so to speak.
  • 4) Eugene Peterson - His interpretation not only of Biblical text but of the Biblical message is inspiring and influential.
  • 3) Rob Bell – Surprise pick here. But his back-to-our-roots theology has greatly influenced my view of the Christian life as we are to live it today. The afterlife is not the greatest thing – the abundant life is. It just so happens that we are able to live the abundant life forever.
  • 2) John Calvin and Martin Luther - Ah yes, the classics. They have greatly influenced my theology, as they have us all, whether indirectly or directly.
  • 1) Mark Driscoll- Driscoll has instilled in me two things that I think are key: 1) I’m a man. I need to act like it. It’s Biblical. and 2) Jesus is central to everything. I had never realized this previously, I’m ashamed to admit. But now, I realize that it’s so obvious, I don’t see how I even thought about anything without Him.

What about you? Anyone I may have forgotten? Someone who has influenced you in a great manner? Leave a comment or send me an email.