If you have any interest at all in apologetics – the defence of the faith – you will have come across the work of Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984).
It is hard to over-estimate his great influence on thoughtful evangelicalism. His range of writings, from climate change to postmodern art, reflect a rare calling as a missionary to culture. There were weaknesses in his ministry, oversimplifications of philosophical theory and a perilous partnership with secular political power, but contemporary apologetics is enormously in his debt.
Venomous critic
It is, therefore, a sad fact that one of his most venomous critics is his own son. Frank Schaeffer once worked closely with his father on film projects and in mobilising the church on the issue of abortion.
After a short career as a filmmaker he became a novelist with some success and converted to Eastern Orthodoxy. His novels play on a semi-autobiographical theme of a childhood in American Fundamentalism which he has now considered himself to have outgrown. Frank gave up his faith entirely and became an atheist. I Am an In 2014 he published Why Atheist Who Believes in God. The book really describes someone who is quite agnostic about the existence of God but defends the values of love and kindness. At least, love and kindness toward those who think the same way as he does. Evangelicalism is foolish and its adherents homophobic. Reviewing the book, Douglas Groothuis observed: ‘Vitriol and contempt mark every page of this sad and unwise book, just as they stain the rest of his writing and speaking as well.’
What does it teach us?
It’s a sad story; what can we learn from it?
First, in the guise of semi-autobiographical novels, Frank confuses fact and fiction. He caricatures the evangelicalism of his father and, from what other family members tell us, paints a distorted picture of his father’s faith.
Second, his complaints, as those of many who dismiss God, are reactionary. He, like many atheists, seem angry with the God he does not believe in. American evangelicalism has sometimes blurred the boundaries between thoughtful faith and uncritical fundamentalism. Some of the recent unwavering support of churches for the American Presidency will have added fuel to this fire. Many atheists are reacting to a particular evangelical sub-culture rather than to the historic Christian faith.
Faith is not inherited
Thirdly, faith is not inherited. Every child has their own choices to make and one generation does not always follow in the footsteps of another. At least the story is not over yet. Who knows where Frank Schaeffer’s journey may yet take him? As an atheist Against writer, A.N.Wilson published Religion: Why We Should Try to Live Without It (1991). By 2009 he wrote an article for the New Statesman: ‘Why I Believe Again’. While his faith remains less than fully orthodox, he has certainly outgrown the weaknesses of atheism. We can pray the same for our own wayward family members as we can for Frank Schaeffer.
