Welcome to Breakpoint, a daily look at an ever-changing culture through the lens of

unchanging truth. For the Colston Center, I'm John Stone Street.

Today, May 15th marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Francis Schaefer, even those not familiar with

this man who was known for, quote, trademark knickers, often straggling hair, goatee,

and an intense scow, are indebted to his books, his lectures, and his films.

Through his teaching and the Lebray community which he and his wife Edith built in the Swiss

Mountains, Schaefer articulated and demonstrated the reality of the Christian vision of life in the world.

Among those he influenced was Chuck Coulson, who referred to Francis Schaefer as, quote,

one of the greatest prophets of modern times.

Here's Chuck, quote,

his clarion call for Christians to come out of the pews

and engage the culture is as important today

as it was 50 years ago when he first burst

onto the scene.

He taught a generation of Christians how to put

our culture in its practices in context. It was Schaefer who taught evangelicals

about the dangers of relativism. It was Schaefer who helped us understand that Christianity

isn't only about doctrinal truth but also about what he called true truth the

authoritative account of reality and in his decades of ministry, Schaefer cultivated a greater appreciation

for the arts among Christians. He brought American Protestants into the pro-life movement and

he encouraged a more robust life of the mind among

evangelicals. After growing up in a non-believing home, Schaefer came to faith in

...