tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post3362373385981320724..comments2024-03-25T13:40:30.747-04:00Comments on Faith and Theology: Ray S. Anderson (1925-2009)Ben Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03800127501735910966noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-61591375864422617872009-12-11T14:05:27.586-05:002009-12-11T14:05:27.586-05:00Best professor I ever sat under, and his class at ...Best professor I ever sat under, and his class at Fuller "Reconciliation and the Healing of Persons" shaped me more than any other class. <br /><br />Thanks for the wonderful eulogy/biography, Christian.<br /><br />John Hagedorn<br />Novomichurinsk, RussiaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-76074261368238976202009-11-09T21:55:22.161-05:002009-11-09T21:55:22.161-05:00I never met Dr. Anderson. But I feel like I new hi...I never met Dr. Anderson. But I feel like I new him having watched a couple of interviews of him by Mike Feazell on wcg.org. Recently, I read one of his books, "Emergent Theology for Emerging Churches" which I throughly enjoyed. Dr. Anderson came accross as a fatherly figure and a man who loved Jesus.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-69022211329207250272009-07-23T09:43:14.872-04:002009-07-23T09:43:14.872-04:00Chris:
Thanks for that wonderful tribute to Ray. ...Chris:<br /><br />Thanks for that wonderful tribute to Ray. I came into my office today to sort some things out and found a voicemail informing me of the news. Now my longest, and most significant, theological mentor is gone. He deeply impacted my wife and I while we were at Fuller, and his ministry and theology preserved our Christian faith through some difficult periods.<br /><br />I echo all that has been said of Ray here as a 'restless' and integrative theologian, although I refer to him in my classes as one of the best theological improvisors I know - a person of passion, courage, and boundless curiosity. He was a fearless risk-taker due in no small part to the deep faith he had in the One who held him. I sense a renewed call to step up to the plate and to go and do likewise.<br /><br />Thank You Ray.<br /><br />Eric FlettAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-59256723403096964512009-07-17T07:35:18.637-04:002009-07-17T07:35:18.637-04:00There is a video tribute to Ray at http://www.wcg....There is a video tribute to Ray at http://www.wcg.org/av/_lib/PlayVideoSpOL.asp?program=SpOL155Ted Johnstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09417388691953692303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-91350182663835666342009-07-06T18:38:10.536-04:002009-07-06T18:38:10.536-04:00I regret never having met Ray, even though he was ...I regret never having met Ray, even though he was my theological advisor for my D.Min. dissertation at Fuller. In reading one of his books, he unraveled for me a tight theological knot. I email him and asked if he could elaborate which he did – quickly and thoroughly. I was so impressed both by his scholarship and timeliness in getting back to me that I asked him to be my advisor which he readily and gracious accepted. I never made it back to Pasadena, not even for my graduation. When I learned of his death, I had no idea he was of such advanced age. Ray has meant so much to me and helped me not just academically, but in my growth as a pastor. I thank God for him.<br /><br />Rev. Walt Brouwer, D.Min.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16530586026844849149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-66375862062780350962009-07-03T14:54:10.686-04:002009-07-03T14:54:10.686-04:00A great man and a great theologian in his own righ...A great man and a great theologian in his own right but also a wonderful conduit for the insights of the Torrances and Zizioulas. Much underrated in some ways. Seems to have been marginalized by some of his theological colleagues at Fuller--or so the rumors go.Charles Twomblynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-32872980321668181812009-06-29T07:52:29.531-04:002009-06-29T07:52:29.531-04:00I was in a "new faculty" group with Ray ...I was in a "new faculty" group with Ray when we both started at Fuller in 1976. We taught the class on physical disabilies together, and shared many other experiences as faculty. His students were a wonderful testimony to the depth of his teaching. I too mourn his passing.Hendrika Vande Kempnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-62783403875359637162009-06-27T10:24:55.149-04:002009-06-27T10:24:55.149-04:00Todd,
There will not be a LIVE feed, but we will ...Todd,<br /><br />There will not be a LIVE feed, but we will post video afterwards ASAP at the following link: http://www.GraceHB.org/memorials/rayanderson/<br /><br />Pass it on to anyone you know who may know Dr. Ray.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Mark Ahrens<br />www.GraceHB.orgTodd Speidellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-8667235180785323082009-06-26T18:34:50.354-04:002009-06-26T18:34:50.354-04:00Ray spoke quite a bit about death—probably more of...Ray spoke quite a bit about death—probably more often than most of us who hang out in pulpits do. This is why he was one of the first people I e-mailed when I found out I had cancer. I knew that he was one of the few who would not send back platitudes but would engage with me in the difficult questions, fears and struggles that lay ahead—that was just the kind of person, theologian, teacher, mentor and friend he was. Re-reading his e-mail response to me (which included directions to that Sunday’s service at Harbor Fellowship) I was reminded of the sermon he preached that Sunday—because I knew that it was God speaking through Ray giving me the words of life I would need to make it through the next days, weeks and years. <br /><br />Ray also had unmatched theological imagination. Whether critiquing Calvin on predestination, musing on Judas’ fate or reflecting on the current denominational struggles over ordination standards, Ray had a way of approaching theological problem areas with biblically grounded creativity. <br /><br />A little over a year ago, Ray was preaching at Grace Lutheran Church and used an illustration where his comfort with speaking of death and theological imagination intersected in a powerful way. In his characteristic style, he asked the congregation if we had ever wondered what it was like for Jesus to go home to the Father after his ascension. Reflecting on Jesus’ words in John 14 about going to prepare a place for his followers, Ray wondered out loud about that moment of reunion between the Father and Jesus. Who spoke first? The Father, Jesus? What was said? <br /><br />In this imaginary conversation, Ray mused, maybe Jesus said to the Father, “Father, I’m home!” and the Father replied, “It’s good you’re here, but Son you look different, what’s that you’re wearing?” Jesus replied, “Humanity Father, I’m clothed in humanity—oh, there are some others waiting outside, can I bring them in?” “Of course,” the Father replied and in came Adam and Eve and all those who had long awaited their welcome into the presence of the Father through the Son.<br /> <br />And one day, Ray then said, Jesus will say to the Father, I have someone else here waiting outside to come in to meet you. One day Jesus will say to the Father, “Father, Ray’s outside, he’s here, can I bring him in—can I bring him home?” <br /><br />Ray’s day of reunion has come. If I had my way, that day would have been years and years from now. I will miss him.<br />Denise HessAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-22716523312811306292009-06-26T16:59:30.709-04:002009-06-26T16:59:30.709-04:00I only had one class with Ray, his Theology of the...I only had one class with Ray, his Theology of the Family class co-taught with Dennis Guernsey. It was an interesting class, very different from the others I had been taking. It was while I was taking that class in the mid-80s that the above mentioned book on the family was being written, and we were reading in manuscript. Ray always had the maverick image at Fuller -- had has supporters and detractors. The one thing I remember hearing was that if you took one of his classes you first had to get a handle on the very specialized vocabulary.<br /><br />But one of the keys was his witness to the importance of Barth, which made Fuller at least an expression of neo-orthodoxy -- maybe the last strong expression of it. <br /><br />So, my thoughts are with his family today. Another of my teachers is gone.Robert Cornwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04581876323110725024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-86761339232877819772009-06-25T17:06:44.180-04:002009-06-25T17:06:44.180-04:00There are few human beings who are both larger tha...There are few human beings who are both larger than life and humble as the dust that one ever gets to know. Their presence in the world changes you, and as his student, and also counseling many Fuller students over the years, I can tell you, that Ray Anderson was one of those people. As his student, I was constantly mystified into thinking about realms that I had never before imagined. As someone who watched him live out his Christian life from the perspective of seeing his great impact on so many students--I was honored to have known him. I am sure heaven is rejoicing with his presence there! <br />--Jim SteinwedellAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-69692020658557971872009-06-25T16:21:17.467-04:002009-06-25T16:21:17.467-04:00It is with sadness that I send a prayer to the fam...It is with sadness that I send a prayer to the family and friends of Professor Anderson. I did not know him, but as a member of FSW cohort 2008, I had many occasions to read his works. I had suggested that at our last meeting (our graduation cohort retreat) that we invite him to speak. Speaking with our school director Tom Parker, I was advised of his health and the limited engagements he now took. As a people and as a school we are sadden to lose such a voice. To God be the glory.Rev. Sunee S. Robinsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-86129272501953633842009-06-25T12:27:50.917-04:002009-06-25T12:27:50.917-04:00For those interested Ray's famous sermon - The...For those interested Ray's famous sermon - The Gospel According to Judas can be heard and watched (for free) via iTunes. Just search his name and "gospel of Judas". He gave this chapel sermon at SPU.Brian Lugioyohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17193433683571333753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-69754396636353359522009-06-25T12:01:57.440-04:002009-06-25T12:01:57.440-04:00For those of us who cannot be there in person, the...For those of us who cannot be there in person, the memorial service will be recorded and posted on Grace Lutheran's website : http://www.gracehb.info/podcasts/ <br /><br />It probably will not be up there until a few days after the service, but you will be able to watch the service or listen to it from a far. Mildred and Ray's family have requested, that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:<br /><br />The Ray S. Anderson Scholarship Fund (a scholarship fund for Fuller Seminary's regional campus based in Irvine, California)<br />c/o Office of Development<br />Fuller Theological Seminary<br />135 N. Oakland Avenue<br />Pasadena, CA 91182<br /><br />The Ray S. Anderson Fund (a fund designated for Grace Lutheran Church, where Dr. Anderson served as Teaching Pastor)<br />c/o Grace Lutheran Church<br />6931 Edinger Avenue<br />Huntington Beach, CA 92647Brian Lugioyohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17193433683571333753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-43493150668285992022009-06-25T07:29:38.060-04:002009-06-25T07:29:38.060-04:00Ray's memorial service will be this Saturday, ...Ray's memorial service will be this Saturday, June 27 at Grace Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach from 11am-12:30pm. The address for Grace Lutheran Church is: 6931 Edinger Ave.,<br />Huntington Beach, CABrian Lugioyohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17193433683571333753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-22690850973296160382009-06-24T18:24:34.770-04:002009-06-24T18:24:34.770-04:00Ray Anderson WAS Fuller for me. I still have all ...Ray Anderson WAS Fuller for me. I still have all the notes and journals from the 5 classes I took from him from 1993-1997. No one has commented yet on my favorite "Rayism" yet, so I will. I remember being in class where Ray's theology/teaching would challenge someone so much that they would stand up and quote the Bible at him as if it was a sword....he would get this little smile on his face, his mouth would twitch...he always waited until the student finished their tirade. Then something like...."ah, yes, 1 Corinthians 3:2. Of course, if you read Chapter 2, 5-11, it says... (and he would quote it all, word for word)...and if you look in Hebrews 4:6-8, you will see (and he would quote that....)" The student would usually meekly sit down, realising that he knew his Bible alright, and THAT approach wouldn't work! I still smile when I think of him. What a life! What influence! Brenda Holt, Melbourne, AustraliaBrendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16415582780870190054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-71726895244430376132009-06-24T17:01:37.870-04:002009-06-24T17:01:37.870-04:00Ray Anderson's influence extended well beyond ...Ray Anderson's influence extended well beyond the classroom and even his office (and his door was always open to students). He preached at my ordination and wedding (traveling cross-country for the latter). I listened today to his wedding sermon, in which he was uncharacteristically tearful and spoke quite personally about how we were not content simply to let him be our teacher. He was a friend, and there are so many of us who are different persons and ministers because of his ministry on our behalf. He was not content simply to be our professor; he was our mentor, pastor, and friend.Todd Speidellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-61029046430575842522009-06-24T15:15:19.164-04:002009-06-24T15:15:19.164-04:00I will always treasure the wonderful moments I had...I will always treasure the wonderful moments I had in my all to brief interactions with Prof. Ray. His classes and converstations always served to make me think and really look at the world in a new way. <br /><br />I will miss him, but know that while it is our loss, he has blessed me in more ways then I could imagine.Henry Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17196377304853911196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-56225886528602395422009-06-24T09:24:14.133-04:002009-06-24T09:24:14.133-04:00I'm saddened by Professor Ray's passing, b...I'm saddened by Professor Ray's passing, but his teaching will remain and bless for a very long time.<br /><br />For two interesting and recent video interviews with Ray see <br /><br />http://www.wcg.org/av/_lib/PlayVideoYI.asp?program=YI008<br /><br />and <br /><br />http://www.wcg.org/av/_lib/PlayVideoYI.asp?program=YI009Ted Johnstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09417388691953692303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-40355255472584927812009-06-24T03:43:02.790-04:002009-06-24T03:43:02.790-04:00After reading all of this, I wish I knew Ray Ander...After reading all of this, I wish I knew Ray Anderson; I will have to start reading his books!<br /><br />Thanks for sharing this thorough obituary.Bobby Growhttp://recreatedinchrist.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-34146870955752723822009-06-24T01:11:45.749-04:002009-06-24T01:11:45.749-04:00Ray will remain in my heart and memory as the one ...Ray will remain in my heart and memory as the one who shaped my theological formation and identity. I will never forget our lunch gatherings when he would spin my world upside down in one hour while eating cream of mushroom soup at Coco's in Huntington Beach. <br /><br />I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know Ray and be guided by him. His influence on my life and ministry will continue as I engage with him through his works.<br /><br />It is a sad time for all who knew him.Chris Pritchettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-762326922501745972009-06-23T22:10:31.793-04:002009-06-23T22:10:31.793-04:00I have never meant Dr. Anderson, but through the a...I have never meant Dr. Anderson, but through the author of this tribute i have engaged several of his works, with three to come this summer. <br /><br />I haven't read many who could, with one sentence, say something that was both so profound and also so imbued with common sense. It saddens me that he is gone. He was so refreshingly unique in the theological landscape. More than his work, i have heard that he was nothing if not loving, one who loved giving grace to others. <br /><br />He can never be replaced, but may more like him come to prominence in the academic world, both in their writing/teaching, and in how they treat others.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-61426847036178479842009-06-23T20:16:38.427-04:002009-06-23T20:16:38.427-04:00One of the many stories / legends told at Fuller a...One of the many stories / legends told at Fuller about Ray Anderson was that David Hubbard (past president) was fond of saying that he received more correspondence about Ray Anderson's classes than any other, sometimes <i>more</i> than all other classes put together; then Hubbard would finish by adding "...and every Seminary (/ theological college) needs a Ray Anderson."<br /><br />A sad day for Fuller and those of us influenced by him, that it/we have finally lost him.gbroughtohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04835374770367316112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-87953123581327726732009-06-23T19:23:12.494-04:002009-06-23T19:23:12.494-04:00Ray was a mentor for my doctoral studies and perha...Ray was a mentor for my doctoral studies and perhaps the most encouraging person that I ever met. He always listened and engaged in his gruff but certain manner. A certainty that was never coercive or defensive, but enlightening and stimulating. He was always much more concerned my being (and well-being)than my academics. Meeting and discussing my dissertation with him always left me feeling like I had something to say, even if he disagreed with it.<br /><br />I bet he has the answers to all those restless questions he was unafraid to ask during his life. I hope Judas met him at the gate.<br /><br />Ron Hammer, Ph.D.<br />Pastoral Counselor<br />Adjunct Professor<br />Fuller Theological SeminaryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14261952.post-23247425098593580242009-06-23T19:00:58.205-04:002009-06-23T19:00:58.205-04:00:(:(Jonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12627045091265624427noreply@blogger.com