Eminent Baptist theologian Stanley Grenz dead at 55

By Robert Marus
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (ABP) -- One of the world's best-known Baptist theologians died suddenly and unexpectedly March 12.

Stanley Grenz, a professor at the evangelical Carey Theological College in Vancouver, died shortly after experiencing a "massive brain hemorrhage," according to a release on the school's website. He was 55. He had previously served as a professor at neighboring Regent College and a brief stint as a visiting professor at Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas.

Many scholars considered Grenz one of the preeminent theologians of the modern Baptist world, and he was a particular favorite among the postmodern "emerging church" movement.

One of that movement's leaders, Maryland pastor Brian McLaren, posted a tribute to Grenz on his web log. In it, he noted that Grenz had sometimes faced criticism for his work.

"Stan's theological work has always been bold and creative, and sometimes, he boldly broke with convention; for example, he was one of the very first to see in the postmodern turn in philosophy and culture great opportunities for the gospel," McLaren wrote. "Many other theologians only saw dangers, and their critiques of his work struck me as harsh, reactionary, uncharitable, and often grossly unfair."

Grenz was an active member at Vancouver's First Baptist Church, where his wife, Edna, is an associate pastor. He is survived by her, two children, a grandchild and his mother.

The church will host a memorial service for Grenz March 20.