Peter Leithart
Encyclopedia
Peter J. Leithart is an American
author
, minister, theologian and Senior Fellow of Theology and Literature as well as Dean
of Graduate Studies at New Saint Andrews College
and holds a doctorate from Cambridge University. He was selected by the Association of Reformed Institutions of Higher Education
to be one of the organization's 2010-2012 Lecturers. He is the author of commentaries
on the Book of Kings
and the Book of Samuel, as well as a Survey of the Old Testament
. Other works include books on topics such as Dante's Inferno
, Shakespeare, and Jane Austen
. He is also the author of a book of children's bedtime stories
titled Wise Words based on the Book of Proverbs
.
in Moscow, Idaho
and has written numerous books and commentaries regarding literature
and theology
. He is a frequent contributor to such ecumenical
and Trinitarian
publications as First Things
, Touchstone
, and Credenda/Agenda
, as well as theological journals such as Westminster Theological Journal
. He is currently an adjunct professor at Knox Theological Seminary.
Leithart is ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America
(PCA).
His book Solomon Among the Postmoderns received a positive review in the journal First Things
.
theology.http://www.federal-vision.com
The thrust of many of his recent works has been to show the practical application of typology
.
.
“Modernity has for many moderns been a singularly joyless place...And no wonder: If the burden of reducing the world to order fell on you; if you were tasked to construct a theory of everything and then write out the equation; if you had to be on constant patrol along the empty razor-wire borders between religion and politics, art and life, theology and philosophy, nature and society, us and them; if you had to ensure that the trinity of control, freedom, and progress remained in place for all ages—if you had all this to do, you might not exactly be bubbling buoyantly with childish glee.” Solomon Among the Postmoderns.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
author
Author
An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
, minister, theologian and Senior Fellow of Theology and Literature as well as Dean
Dean (education)
In academic administration, a dean is a person with significant authority over a specific academic unit, or over a specific area of concern, or both...
of Graduate Studies at New Saint Andrews College
New Saint Andrews College
New Saint Andrews College is a classical Christian college located in Moscow, Idaho. It was founded in 1994 and modeled in part on the curriculum of Harvard College of the seventeenth century. The college offers no undergraduate majors, but follows a single, integrated classical liberal arts...
and holds a doctorate from Cambridge University. He was selected by the Association of Reformed Institutions of Higher Education
Association of Reformed Institutions of Higher Education
The Association of Reformed Institutions of Higher Education is an affiliate of the International Association for Promotion of Christian Higher Education, as the latter's North American Region...
to be one of the organization's 2010-2012 Lecturers. He is the author of commentaries
Exegesis
Exegesis is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious text. Traditionally the term was used primarily for exegesis of the Bible; however, in contemporary usage it has broadened to mean a critical explanation of any text, and the term "Biblical exegesis" is used...
on the Book of Kings
Books of Kings
The Book of Kings presents a narrative history of ancient Israel and Judah from the death of David to the release of his successor Jehoiachin from imprisonment in Babylon, a period of some 400 years...
and the Book of Samuel, as well as a Survey of the Old Testament
Old Testament
The Old Testament, of which Christians hold different views, is a Christian term for the religious writings of ancient Israel held sacred and inspired by Christians which overlaps with the 24-book canon of the Masoretic Text of Judaism...
. Other works include books on topics such as Dante's Inferno
Inferno (Dante)
Inferno is the first part of Dante Alighieri's 14th-century epic poem Divine Comedy. It is followed by Purgatorio and Paradiso. It is an allegory telling of the journey of Dante through what is largely the medieval concept of Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. In the poem, Hell is depicted as...
, Shakespeare, and Jane Austen
Jane Austen
Jane Austen was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature, her realism and biting social commentary cementing her historical importance among scholars and critics.Austen lived...
. He is also the author of a book of children's bedtime stories
Bedtime story
A bedtime story is a traditional form of storytelling, where a story is told to a child at bedtime to prepare them for sleep.Bedtime stories have many advantages, for parents/adults and children alike. The fixed routine of a bedtime story before sleeping has a relaxing effect, and the soothing...
titled Wise Words based on the Book of Proverbs
Book of Proverbs
The Book of Proverbs , commonly referred to simply as Proverbs, is a book of the Hebrew Bible.The original Hebrew title of the book of Proverbs is "Míshlê Shlomoh" . When translated into Greek and Latin, the title took on different forms. In the Greek Septuagint the title became "paroimai paroimiae"...
.
Education
- Ph.D. - University of CambridgeUniversity of CambridgeThe University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally...
(1998) - Master of Theology - Westminster Theological SeminaryWestminster Theological SeminaryWestminster Theological Seminary is a Presbyterian and Reformed Christian graduate educational institution located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with a satellite location in London.-History:...
(1987) - Master of Arts in Religion - Westminster Theological SeminaryWestminster Theological SeminaryWestminster Theological Seminary is a Presbyterian and Reformed Christian graduate educational institution located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with a satellite location in London.-History:...
(1986) - A.B. in English and History - Hillsdale CollegeHillsdale CollegeHillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, United States, is a co-educational liberal arts college known for being the first American college to prohibit in its charter all discrimination based on race, religion, or sex; its refusal of government funding; and its monthly publication, Imprimis...
(1981)
Career
Leithart is a faculty member at New Saint Andrews CollegeNew Saint Andrews College
New Saint Andrews College is a classical Christian college located in Moscow, Idaho. It was founded in 1994 and modeled in part on the curriculum of Harvard College of the seventeenth century. The college offers no undergraduate majors, but follows a single, integrated classical liberal arts...
in Moscow, Idaho
Moscow, Idaho
Moscow is a city in northern Idaho, situated along the Washington/Idaho border. It is the most populous city and county seat of Latah County and the home of the University of Idaho, the land grant institution and primary research university for the state...
and has written numerous books and commentaries regarding literature
Literature
Literature is the art of written works, and is not bound to published sources...
and theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
. He is a frequent contributor to such ecumenical
Ecumenism
Ecumenism or oecumenism mainly refers to initiatives aimed at greater Christian unity or cooperation. It is used predominantly by and with reference to Christian denominations and Christian Churches separated by doctrine, history, and practice...
and Trinitarian
Trinity
The Christian doctrine of the Trinity defines God as three divine persons : the Father, the Son , and the Holy Spirit. The three persons are distinct yet coexist in unity, and are co-equal, co-eternal and consubstantial . Put another way, the three persons of the Trinity are of one being...
publications as First Things
First Things
First Things is an ecumenical journal focused on creating a "religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society". The journal is inter-denominational and inter-religious, representing a broad intellectual tradition of Christian and Jewish critique of contemporary society...
, Touchstone
Touchstone Magazine
Touchstone Magazine is a bimonthly publication of the Fellowship of St. James. It is subtitled A Journal of Mere Christianity, which replaced A Journal of Ecumenical Orthodoxy.-Biography:...
, and Credenda/Agenda
Credenda/Agenda
Credenda/Agenda is Christian cultural and theological journal, published under the auspices of Christ Church of Moscow, Idaho. Douglas Wilson serves as editor, Douglas Jones as senior editor, and N. D. Wilson as managing editor. Editions are published quarterly in print form and also electronically...
, as well as theological journals such as Westminster Theological Journal
Westminster Theological Journal
Westminster Theological Journal is a theological journal published by Westminster Theological Seminary....
. He is currently an adjunct professor at Knox Theological Seminary.
Leithart is ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America
Presbyterian Church in America
The Presbyterian Church in America is an evangelical Protestant Christian denomination, the second largest Presbyterian church body in the United States after the Presbyterian Church . The PCA professes a strong commitment to evangelism, missionary work, and Christian education...
(PCA).
His book Solomon Among the Postmoderns received a positive review in the journal First Things
First Things
First Things is an ecumenical journal focused on creating a "religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society". The journal is inter-denominational and inter-religious, representing a broad intellectual tradition of Christian and Jewish critique of contemporary society...
.
Views
Leithart is an advocate of Federal VisionFederal Vision
The Federal Vision is a Reformed Evangelical theological conversation that focuses on covenant theology, trinitarian thinking, the sacraments of Baptism and Communion, biblical theology and typology, justification, and postmillennialism.A controversy arose in Calvinist, Reformed, and Presbyterian...
theology.http://www.federal-vision.com
The thrust of many of his recent works has been to show the practical application of typology
Typology (theology)
Typology in Christian theology and Biblical exegesis is a doctrine or theory concerning the relationship between the Old and New Testaments...
.
Personal life
Peter Leithart and his wife have ten children.http://www.nsa.edu/academics/peterleithart.phpQuotations
"In the West, the Church is surrounded by the spiritual lethargy that accompanies a surfeit of wealth and aimless ease." From The Pagan West, First ThingsFirst Things
First Things is an ecumenical journal focused on creating a "religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society". The journal is inter-denominational and inter-religious, representing a broad intellectual tradition of Christian and Jewish critique of contemporary society...
.
“Modernity has for many moderns been a singularly joyless place...And no wonder: If the burden of reducing the world to order fell on you; if you were tasked to construct a theory of everything and then write out the equation; if you had to be on constant patrol along the empty razor-wire borders between religion and politics, art and life, theology and philosophy, nature and society, us and them; if you had to ensure that the trinity of control, freedom, and progress remained in place for all ages—if you had all this to do, you might not exactly be bubbling buoyantly with childish glee.” Solomon Among the Postmoderns.
Publications
- "The Four: A Survey of the Gospels" (2010)
- "Defending Constantine: The Twilight of an Empire and the Dawn of Christendom" (IVP Academic, 2010)
- Writer of Fancy: The Playful Piety of Jane Austen (forthcoming)
- The Epistles of John Through New Eyes: From Behind the Veil, Peter J. Leithart's commentary on 1 - 3 John is the latest entry in The Through New Eyes Bible Commentary Series. John, in his epistles, is continuing themes that he began to write about in his gospel, but which now have heightened in intensity and urgency as 70 AD approaches. In this verse-by-verse commentary, Dr. Leithart expounds John's inspired instructions to Christians living at the end of an age, to whom God himself has drawn near and revealed himself in Jesus Christ.
- Deep Exegesis: The Mystery of Reading Scripture (2009), Baylor University Press.
- Solomon Among Postmoderns (2007)
- The Baptized Body (2007)
- Deep Comedy: Trinity, Tragedy, & Hope In Western Literature (2006)
- 1 & 2 Kings (2006) in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible series.
- A Great Mystery: Fourteen Wedding Sermons (2006)
- The Promise Of His Appearing: An Exposition Of Second Peter (2004)
- Miniatures and Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen (2004)
- Against Christianity (2003)
- From Silence to Song: The Davidic Liturgical Revolution (2003)
- The Priesthood of the Plebs: A Theology of Baptism (2003)
- A Son to Me (2003)
- Ascent to Love: A Guide to Dante'sDANTEDelivery of Advanced Network Technology to Europe is a not-for-profit organisation that plans, builds and operates the international networks that interconnect the various national research and education networks in Europe and surrounding regions...
Divine Comedy (2001) - Blessed Are the Hungry: Meditations on the Lord's SupperEucharistThe Eucharist , also called Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord's Supper, and other names, is a Christian sacrament or ordinance...
(2000) - A House for My Name: A Survey of the Old TestamentOld TestamentThe Old Testament, of which Christians hold different views, is a Christian term for the religious writings of ancient Israel held sacred and inspired by Christians which overlaps with the 24-book canon of the Masoretic Text of Judaism...
(2000) - Heroes Of The City Of Man (1999)
- Brightest Heaven of Invention: A Christian Guide To Six Shakespeare Plays (1996)
- Wise Words: Family Stories That Bring the Proverbs to Life (1995)
- The Kingdom and the Power: Rediscovering the Centrality of the Church (1993)
- Clean Air: A Citizen's Handbook for Media Accountability with George GrantGeorge Grant (author)George Grant is an evangelical educator and a Presbyterian Church in America pastor.He was a church planter and pastor in Texas for ten years. He then served as an assistant to D. James Kennedy at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and taught at Knox Theological Seminary...
, (1990) - In Defense of Greatness: How Biblical Character Shapes A Nation's Destiny with George Grant, (1990)
- The Walls Came Tumbling Down: The Fall of Communism in Our Time with George Grant, (1990)
- The Reduction of Christianity with Gary DeMarGary DeMarGary DeMar is an American writer, lecturer and the president of American Vision, an American Christian nonprofit organization. The think-tank has a vision of "an America that recognizes the sovereignty of God over all of life and where Christians are engaged in every facet of society".-Family life...
(1988) - The Catechism of the New Age: A Response to Dungeons and Dragons (1987), with George Grant (1987)
External links
- Peter Leithart's Blog
- http://www.arihe.org/lectures.htm
- Why Protestants Still Protest by Peter Leithart
- Peter Leithart's faculty page
- http://www.firstthings.com/simpleSearch.php?offset=0&mySqlSearchCriteria=%22Peter+J.+Leithart%22Publications in First ThingsFirst ThingsFirst Things is an ecumenical journal focused on creating a "religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society". The journal is inter-denominational and inter-religious, representing a broad intellectual tradition of Christian and Jewish critique of contemporary society...
] - Trinity Presbyterian Church Sermon Audio Index with sermons by Peter Leithart
- Trinity Presbyterian Church Sunday School Audio Index with lessons by Peter Leithart
- Dunedain.net Interview, "Christ and Constantine"