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Haddon Robinson

Haddon W. Robinson
Born21 March 1931
Died22 July 2017(2017-07-22) (aged 86)
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)Pastor, Professor, Theologian
Notable workBiblical Preaching
SpouseBonnie
Children2
Theological work
Era20th Century
Tradition or movementEvangelical
Main interestsHomiletics, Expository preaching
Notable ideas"The Big Idea" Biblical Preaching

Haddon W. Robinson (21 March 1931 – 22 July 2017) was an American evangelical who was the Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching, senior director of the Doctor of Ministry program, and former interim President at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.[1] He was also the founding President of the Theology of Work Project.[2]

Biography[edit]

A native of New York City, Robinson received a bachelor's degree from Bob Jones University, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, a M.A. from Southern Methodist University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois.[3] Robinson served as president of Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary (now known as Denver Seminary) for 12 years (1979–1991), and taught homiletics on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary for 19 years.Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Category handler/data' not found.Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Category handler/data' not found.[<span title="Script error: No such module "delink".">citation needed] He has authored seven books, including Biblical Preaching. "Biblical Preaching" is a primary source for the study of expository preaching. He wrote and edited for several magazines.

Robinson was heard as the 'lead teacher' on the 15-minute Discover The Word radio program (formerly Radio Bible Class) produced by Grand Rapids, Michigan-based RBC Ministries.[4]

Robinson co-founded the Theology of Work Project[5] and served as the Project's president from its inception in 2007 until his death in 2017.[2]

Robinson lived with his wife, Bonnie, in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, and Willow Street, Pennsylvania. They had two children. Robinson died from Parkinson's Disease.Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Category handler/data' not found.Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Category handler/data' not found.[<span title="Script error: No such module "delink".">citation needed]

One of his major contributions to homiletics was the "Big Idea of Biblical Preaching" (the title of a book which is in his honor), whereby sermons should have one major idea (has one subject and one complement), even if the big idea breaks down into several subpoints. Robinson also argues that a sermon should be primarily expository, since that places the authority in the biblical text, not in the preachers themselves.[6] He was instrumental in changing the name of Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary to Denver Seminary.[7]

Works[edit]

Books[edit]

  • - combined edition of Christian Salt and Light Company & Solid Rock Construction Company

References[edit]

  1. Haddon W. Robinson Named Interim President of Gordon-Conwell, archived from the original on 24 May 2007, retrieved 16 May 2007
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Team". Theology of Work Project. Theology of Work Project, Inc. Archived from the original on 8 December 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  3. Dr. Haddon Robinson, archived from the original on 14 December 2012, retrieved 3 December 2012; NRB obituary .
  4. Haddon robinson, archived from the original on 29 July 2017, retrieved 3 December 2012
  5. Duduit, Michael (2 September 2014). "Here's to You, Dr. Robinson". Preaching.com. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  6. His book "Biblical Preaching" was published in 1981 and had three editions. It has had a wide influence on preaching and preachers. He started a Doctor on Ministry program focussed on preaching at Gordon Conwell Seminary in South Hamilton, MA.Duduit, Michael (3 December 2009), "Expository Preaching in a Narrative World: An Interview with Haddon Robinson", Preaching.Com, retrieved 3 December 2012
  7. "Baptist Seminaries Abandon Ship". Retrieved May 11, 2016.
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