Andrew Purves

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Andrew Purves is a Christian theologian in the Reformed tradition through the Church of Scotland (and later, the Presbyterian Church (USA)). He holds the Hugh Thomson Kerr Chair in Pastoral Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Purves earned degrees in philosophy and divinity from the University of Edinburgh, and a Th. M. degree from Duke Divinity School. His Ph. D. is from the University of Edinburgh. In Scotland, he studied under Thomas F. Torrance. Torrance, his brother James Torrance, Athanasius, John Calvin, Karl Barth, and Jurgen Moltmann were all important influences in Purves' theological development.

Originally licensed as a clergyman by the Church of Scotland, Purves relocated to the United States in 1978. He was ordained in 1979. He served as pastor of the Hebron Presbyterian Church in Clinton, PA until 1983, when he began teaching at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Purves' primary concerns are Church renewal and practical theology. Among his more important works are:

  • The Search for Compassion: Spirituality and Ministry ISBN 0-664-25065-3
  • Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition ISBN 0-664-22241-2
  • Union in Christ (with Mark Achtemeier) ISBN 1-57153-019-3
  • Encountering God: Christian Faith in Turbulent Times (with Charles Partee) ISBN 0-664-22242-0
  • Reconstructing Pastoral Theology: A Christological Foundation ISBN 0-664-22733-3
  • "The Trinitarian Basis of a Christian Practical Theology" in The International Journal of Practical Theology

Much of Purves' work is a call to reclaim the classical tradition of the Church, renewing the Church through traditional doctrine and the wisdom of the patristic writers. As such, he can be associated with the paleo-orthodox movement. He has become a leader of evangelical renewal in the PCUSA and has become known in that denomination for his support of conservative Christian views on sexuality and withholding ordination from self-avowed, practicing, unrepentant gays and lesbians. He also emphasizes the absolute Lordship of Christ (meaning he rejects pluralism), and the importance of the Reformed/Calvinist view of Christ's priestly role.

He is married to Catherine Purves, a Presbyterian clergywoman in her own right. They have three children: Brendan, Gordon, and Laura.

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