As an Evangelist, he was in the same league as D. L. Moody and Billy Graham. As an apologist, his work compares to the best of Josh McDowell or C. S. Lewis. As a preacher, he held massive crowds captive with his sensible appeals to Scripture. As an author, his writings are regarded as classics in diverse fields including theology, apologetics, Bible exposition, and practical Christian living.
His name: R. A. Torrey (1856-1928), the most undeservedly neglected Christian author of the past 150 years.
Torrey's writings are succinct yet thorough in their treatment of real-life questions and issues. His spiritual and intellectual journey led him slowly from agnosticism to liberal Unitarianism to a strong belief in what he considered the "fundamentals" of the Christian faith (hence the term "fundamentalism," lacking the negative connotations it's unfortunately acquired in recent years.) Grappling with these questions in his own life made him able to bring a seasoned intellectual perspective to his faith that seekers and questioners will find helpful. His many years of Christian work and service (from pastor to college educator to international evangelist) provide a gravity of experience that makes his writings valuable to seasoned ministry workers as well.
Torrey believed in the power of the Word of God to change lives; his writings are saturated with Scripture explained clearly and sensibly. Perhaps as a result, his theological thought defies easy pigeonholing into conventional labels. Though he was strongly conservative in many respects, he also had a unique and valuable perspective on the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, which influenced many thinkers including his contemporary D. L. Moody. He is regarded in some circles as a forerunner of the modern Charismatic movement, but Christians from any tradition will certainly be able to appreciate his writings.
Of all the classic Christian authors I've read, and there are many, Torrey strikes me as by far the most relevant to today's needs and concerns. He knew the value of an intellectually consistent faith founded on the Word of God, and was able to provide reasoned answers to many of the most difficult questions about Christianity. He anticipated many current trends and ideas in apologetics; indeed, one of his books contains a version of the "Trilemma" argument for the deity of Christ, predating C. S. Lewis's more famous statement by some 60 years. And of course his writings on the gospel, prayer, and the nature of the Christian experience will be valuable to all who desire to see their faith grounded in the Word of God.
Why are Torrey's writings not as widely known today as they surely deserve to be? I have no idea. But I do think it's time to start a minor Renaissance. Perhaps this archive will be a small help; I've compiled several of Torrey's best sermons, articles, and a few complete books into easily viewable online files. Find one that looks interesting and give it a try.
--Eric M. Pazdziora, editor, R. A. Torrey Archive
Check out this R. A. Torrey Archive for some of Torrey's online books and articles
| - Bible Study |
Ten Reasons Why I Believe the Bible Is the Word of God (One of D. L. Moody's most requested sermons)
Principles of Biblical Interpretation
Studies in the Life and Teachings of Our Lord NEW! A hard-to-find series of 140 studies through the four gospels, exploring the ministry of Jesus. Torrey emphasizes the "Inductive Method," not giving answers but asking questions to encourage in-depth interaction with the text. A great resource for Bible study groups, Sunday Schools, or personal study. Special thanks to site reader Wanda Dunavan for making this rare book available to the archive.
Workbook Edition of Studies in the Life and Teachings of Our Lord. NEW! Includes a set of examination questions from the original Moody Bible Institute publication. Ready to download and print! Thanks again to Wanda Dunavan for her editing work.
Profitable Bible Study
How to Study the Bible (a.k.a. The Methods and Fundamental Conditions of the Bible Study that Yield the Largest Results) Complete Book. Practical tips, methods, and examples for getting the most out of Bible study.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook (offsite) Complete Book. Thorough lists of Scripture references on many major topics. A classic reference work.
Difficulties in the Bible: Alleged Errors and Contradictions NEW! Complete Book. Torrey explores the Bible to address "those objections of which the modern infidel makes the most, and which are most puzzling to many Christians." First published in 1907, but the issues covered are surprisingly current. A thoughtful read for anyone with doubts or questions about the Bible's authenticity.
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| - Other Torrey Links of Interest (offsite) |
R. A. Torrey Bookstore NEW!! Many of Torrey's books are still in print, in current editions or in facsimiles of the originals. Check out the links and order them from Amazon.com.
Scriptorium Daily: The Dean NEW!! Regularly updated theology and culture blog sponsored by BIOLA University, often featuring essays by or about its founder R. A. Torrey.
R. A. Torrey Debunks The Da Vinci Code A fun collection of quotes from R. A. Torrey's writings, addressing popular misconceptions of the Bible a la Dan Brown. By Eric Pazdziora.
How He Worked for Christ Appreciation and biography of Torrey as a "super-heroic" spiritual ancestor. By Fred Sanders.
The Fundamentals The influential theological treatise which Torrey co-edited and contributed a few articles. Torrey's articles are all available on this archive, but those interested in perusing the writings of his colleagues can find them at this link.
Photos Photos of the Montrose Bible Conference center in Pennsylvania (founded by Torrey), including Torrey's home and gravesite. Contributed by site reader Violet Herlocker.
Glimpses of Paradise This exciting historical novel by award-winning author James Scott Bell features R. A. Torrey as a pivotal character. Several of Torrey's sermons and articles are given verbatim. Includes an afterward explaining Torrey's importance as a theologian and writer. A very creative way to introduce Torrey's ministry to modern audiences. (Note: contains some mature situations that may not be suitable for all readers.) Click the link to order from Amazon.com.
R. A. Torrey, Hymnwriter Torrey wrote only one hymn, "Bless Thou Jehovah", which unfortunately never became popular because the original tune was rather difficult to sing. Now it's been given a new tune by a Christian composer (who also, interestingly enough, edits this website). The link includes lyrics, an MP3, and free downloadable sheet music.,.
Complete Obedience An informative documentary produced by students of BIOLA University. Features biographical information on R. A. Torrey, his son, and his grandson, and their enduring ministries of truth and hope.
R. A. Torrey, Apostle of Certainty The definitive biography of R. A. Torrey by Roger Martin. A treasury of fascinating information about Torrey's life and ministry. Click the link to order from Amazon.com.
Moody Bible Institute Archive A good biographical sketch and several pictures.
Wheaton College Library In addition to providing tons of links for serious Torrey researchers, the Wheaton College Archive includes dozens of rare photographs, reproductions of letters and papers, and a complete audio sermon recording (the only extant recording of Torrey's voice), and it's all available for you to view! Wow!
Here is another source for the sermon recording, from archive.org. Offers online streaming and free (legal) downloads in several audio formats.
Sermonaudio.com offers audio versions of several of Torrey's sermons and extracts from books. (Not in Torrey's voice, but great for people on the go.) Streaming online and free MP3 downloads available.
CCEL is the best source for etexts of classic Christian books. Check out their online copy of Torrey's Topical Textbook.
Notice: We are not responsible for the content of external sites. If you should find broken links or objectionable content, however, please let us know. |
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