Why you must read T. F. Torrance

Just recently in Boston, I had the opportunity to chat with the remarkable Marty Folsom (PhD). Marty is Executive Director of both the Northwest Theological Collaboration and the Pacific Association for Theological Studies, and a long-time educator at various institutions of higher-ed throughout the Pacific Northwest. Marty and I spoke at length about the importance of British theologian T. F. Torrance, especially in the context of current discussions of the Trinity.

Marty was particularly eager for Logos to hurry up and make available the Select Works of Thomas. F. Torrance (Wipf and Stock). This 21-volume library contains essential resources for thinking along with Torrance on issues of the incarnation, ecclesiology, grace in the Church Fathers, science and its relationship to theology, and Calvin’s anthropology. Here is Marty’s take on the significance of Torrance:

Theology in the contemporary world needs deeply theological voices. At the same time, we also need those who can engage the scientific mindset that pervades our world. Such is the work of T. F. Torrance, claimed by many theologians to be the greatest English-speaking theologian of the last century. He deeply engages the early church, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and contemporary issues with depth and discernment. One could spend a lifetime reading Torrance and be theologically well-equipped.

Torrance brings together discussions on knowing God and just as ably gives insight into how science works in understanding the natural world. With the electronic Works about to be released, one will be poised to enter a large collection of books with an ability to search and find discussions on the great issues and themes of theological history. One will also find guidance for the dynamic life of the church as God’s people of today. Torrance provides solid thinking for a world that needs renewed perspectives that are both more theological and more pertinent to the issues we face in our modern world.

The T. F. Torrance collection is still in pre-publication, but not for long; just a few more orders will bring these works to publication on Logos, ready to be read, searched, and discussed.

If you don’t yet have Logos, this collection might be just the impetus you need to take your research to the next level.

For an excellent summary of the life and impact of T.F. Torrance, see the recent article by Daniel J. Cameron in Christianity Today.