Mission
The Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding is dedicated to the advancement of Christian wisdom in all areas of life and thought for the glory of God, the good of His church, and the welfare of the world. Embodying the vision of Carl F. H. Henry (1913-2003), a long-time faculty member at Trinity, we believe that biblically informed Christian thought can and must make a difference in the academy, in our churches, and in the secular world. We also believe that gospel labors are too important to be shouldered on one’s own. What is needed is a center for evangelical collaboration, where “experts” of all kinds and from all backgrounds can work together to engage the pressing challenges of our day—in the U.S. and around the world. We thus provide unique opportunities for ministers, professionals, and academics in various fields to work collaboratively with seminary faculty engaged in biblical and theological reflection for the promotion of gospel-centered thinking and living.
From the DirectorTom McCall, former pastor and current professor of theology, on the need and possibility for a center like us in the midst of our specialized ministerial context. |
Modern ContextWisdom—the ability to apply knowledge and do the truth (1 Jn. 1:6; 3:18) in order to live fruitfully—is one of the first casualties in the culture wars. |
HCTU ObjectivesThe Henry Center is made up of a cluster of initiatives and cyclical public events, all lead by TEDS faculty. All our activities, moreover, gather around seven core objectives. |
HCTU LeadershipSmall in full-time personnel, the Henry Center finds direction and execution from a diverse group of individuals, from the advisory roles of our board to part-time work of TEDS students. |
Doctrinal Affirmations
As an outreach ministry of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and the TEDS faculty, we subscribe to the doctrinal standards of the Evangelical Free Church of America (the parent denomination of TEDS and the Henry Center). The Henry Center’s identity reflects that of the Trinity faculty; it includes Calvinists and Arminians, Lutherans and Anabaptists, egalitarians and complementarians, and much more. It includes North Americans, but it also gladly affirms and is indebted to the work of scholars and ministers from all around the world. We are all committed to God’s glorious gospel, and we are happy to partner with other evangelical ministries (including those with other doctrinal stances) in order to advance the kingdom.
Moreover, in keeping with the vision of Carl Henry, we believe that a robust evangelical Protestantism can and indeed must confidently and assuredly stand on the Word of God in the face of all challenges that our culture presents. From time to time, we will thus also bring in speakers who do not share the doctrinal commitments of TEDS, but who deserve a thoughtful hearing and an informed, biblical response.
