Thomas Forsyth Torrance died today aged 94. Arguably the greatest British systematic theologian of the 20th century. Torrance's influence will live long in theology. He was responsible for translating Barth's Church Dogmatics into English (a huge achievement), starting the Scottish Journal of Theology and for also making himself important contributions to theology in the likes of Theological Science, God and Rationality and the Meditation of Christ. He lived an amazing life, see Alister McGrath's 1999 biography.
I can't think of another family of theologians at least consistently high-class - Tom Torrance, James Torrance, David Torrance, Iain Torrance, Alan Torrance.
Ben Myers has posted a eulogy by George Hunsinger. See also Jason Goroncy reflections here.
David Fergusson's obituary in the Independent is here. Johnston McKay's obituary in the Herald here and there's also an obituary in The Scotsman. Daily Telegraph is here. The Times is here.
The latest few years have witnessed the passing of a theological generation (some before their time): Colin Gunton (2003), James Torrance (2003), Stan Grenz (2005), John Macquarrie (2007), Dan Hardy (2007), and now Tom Torrance (2007)
Could you briefly comment on whether the reference to D Bonhoeffer in TFT's obituary in The Times (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article3030568.ece) is accurate? Why did TFT like / dislike Bonhoeffer? I would love to find out.
Warmest regards,
D Schneider
Posted by: D Schneider | March 13, 2008 at 11:52 PM