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Christianity Today, April (Web-only), 2007 |

Robert E. Webber, Theologian of 'Ancient-Future' Faith, Dies at 73

Author of more than 40 books on worship, Webber was criticized, then lauded, for emphasizing early church practices.

Tabby Yang | posted 4/30/2007 09:04AM

Robert E. Webber, a theologian well-known for his work on worship and the early church, died of pancreatic cancer on April 27 at his home in Sawyer, Michigan. He was 73. At the time of his death, Webber ...

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George T.

Posted: May 09, 2007 2:49 PM


This non sentimental article exposes a man that was little known to me. However,by reading it,it touched my heart and had this great feeling that men like Mr. Webber should always be regarded as examples and guides. And I thank you for such. May God keep him at His side.

Anthony

Posted: May 07, 2007 11:42 PM

I took a few of Professor Webber's courses in the late 90s and as a result of his influence, both personally and professionally, I consistently draw upon what I learned about the Tradition of the early Church when formulating my responses to the issues I face as a Xian in a Postmodern world. He was inspiring, challenging, charismatic, easy-going and appropriately provocative and he will always be a model of both the kind of teacher and Xian that I would like to be as I continue to move forward in my faith. I am sure that this is an ambivalent time for many, as we are happy that he has entered into glory, and sad that he is no longer here with us.

Barbara

Posted: May 04, 2007 5:53 PM


I had Dr. Webber for one class at Wheaton College. He was an amazing teacher and made worship and the Bible exciting! He is unforgettable.

Allyce

Posted: May 03, 2007 2:30 PM

As a Bob Jones University graduate, I for one am not proud that Robert E. Webber is a fellow alumus. He took advantage of the marvelous training received at BJU and used it to advance himself in modernistic circles. People who devise "new-old" theologies have left the "old-time Gospel" of the Bible. The fact that Webber taught at Wheaton, the alma mater of Billy Graham, shows that this school had long ago become modernistic in its theology.

David Schmidt

Posted: May 03, 2007 12:30 PM

One of Bob's greatest legacies to the Church will be his challenge to pastors and church leaders to stop and think about their worship practices. Ultra-senstive, quick to criticize evangelicals who did not listen closely to him, were often offended by Bob. Having him as a professor and connecting with him through the years, he was not the advocate for a "certain way" of doing worship as some perceive. Rather he was about challenging pastors to stop throwing worship services together or even "designing" them and to discover and apply the transcendent principles of being in community with other believers before the Living God.

Steven

Posted: May 03, 2007 8:35 AM


I wish I had gotten a chance to meet Dr. Webber. He has profoundly influenced me as a pastor and worship leader. No need to say "rest in peace." The eternal dance of joy with the Triune God is just beginning for him.

Don	Posted: May 02, 2007 8:36 AM


Dr. Webber's collection of Wheaton students comments called 'rappings' has been a favourite of mine..the challenge to think through our relationship with God in real ways rather than merely reacting in the predictable. I wonder what happened to Randy Welch a contributer--I used his "if some people really are..." just the other Sunday. It still packs a punch. Dr. Webber will not soon be forgotten.

Pastor Jim Sheldon

Posted: May 02, 2007 8:20 AM

The article was excellent, giving a wide-spectrum description of Dr. Webber. And that was his nature-- diverse and joyous. I studied under him at Northern Seminary (around 1980), and was impressed by how his personal vigor and enthusiasm were balanced with a profound knowledge of church history and biblical theology. I don't doubt that Dr. Webber had a effect on the church today and will continue to do so for generations. What is he doing now? Probably dancing with before the Lord in joy and glory.

Paul Atwater

Posted: May 01, 2007 4:31 PM

Bob taught a Wheaton summer class on Worship in 1979 that only had about 15 students, including David Burnham's daughter and Robert Schuller's daughter. This class met everyday for a few weeks, and in it he forced each of us to look at the weaknesses of the movements we came from to the point where several were confused and angry. Then he lightened up and showed us the positives of each movement and led us to appreciate new and old, liturgical (his bias) and contemporary. The day he was at his best, he taught in an old classroom in Blanchard Hall that had two doors. He would go out one door and come back in the other with a different outfit on, each time mimmicking a particular pastoral style. White seersucker suit with white patent leather shoes for the Southern Baptist, robes and bells and smells, etc. It was hilarious, meaningful and memorable all at once. He was one of a kind!

Ken	Posted: May 01, 2007 2:51 PM

I'll never forget the chapel message the young Dr. Webber gave at Wheaton College around 1970. He read from Hosea, where the prophet, feeling forsaken, cried out and asked God where he was and suggested, to a shocked faculty and student body, that pat answers wouldn't work anymore and maybe we were, again, in a period when God chose to be silent. His one sentence prayer at the end, "Oh God, break your awful silence", reverberates in my mind nearly 40 years later. It was one of the most courageous displays I've ever seen. I always wondered what path his own thinking took during the intervening years.

Christine

Posted: May 01, 2007 11:34 AM


I had Dr Webber for my first theology class at Wheaton in the early 90's. His teaching on worship and other topics helped me know that I would survive there, though my views differed from many of the classmates I had met. He will be missed!

Vince

Posted: May 01, 2007 9:35 AM


Thanks for posting this. Very informative. It's good to hear about the works of great Christian men. This helps me to see the action of God in others.

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