Wayne A Grudem

Wayne A. Grudem, born in 1948, is an American theologian and New Testament scholar affiliated with the Reformed Baptist tradition. He holds advanced degrees from Harvard University, Westminster Theological Seminary, and the University of Cambridge. Grudem's academic career includes significant teaching positions, notably at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Phoenix Seminary, where he served as a research professor. He was also involved in the translation and editing of the English Standard Version of the Bible and its accompanying study Bible, which received significant recognition. Grudem has also been a president of the Evangelical Theological Society. He has publicly shared his diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. His theological work often engages with contemporary issues, including politics and gender roles, and he has been a prominent figure in discussions surrounding biblical interpretation and doctrine.

Grudem is widely recognized for his comprehensive work, 'Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine,' which has become a highly influential textbook. His theological framework advocates for a Calvinistic understanding of salvation, the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible, believer's baptism, a plural-elder church government, and Young Earth creationism. He also champions a complementarian view on gender roles. Grudem holds noncessationist beliefs regarding spiritual gifts and was formerly a supporter of the Vineyard Movement. He has been a central figure in theological discussions, including a debate on Trinitarian doctrine concerning the eternal submission of the Son to the Father, a view he shares with Bruce A. Ware. Grudem is also a co-founder and past president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

A significant portion of Grudem's scholarly work addresses biblical interpretation, particularly concerning gender and language. In 1985, he authored a study analyzing ancient Greek references to the word 'kephale' (head), arguing against interpretations that it signifies 'source' or 'authority over' in metaphorical contexts. This research contributed to his extensive work on gender roles. His 2012 publication, 'Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth: An Analysis of More Than One Hundred Disputed Questions,' consolidates his research on these issues. He also co-edited 'Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood,' a notable work in the discussion of gender in Christianity. Grudem has also been involved in debates regarding gender-neutral Bible translations, co-authoring works that critique such versions.

Beyond his academic contributions, Grudem has engaged in public discourse on political and social issues. He published opinion pieces concerning the 2016 US presidential election, notably supporting Donald Trump, which underwent some retraction and reinstatement. He later endorsed Trump for re-election in 2020. His book 'Politics According to the Bible' offers a comprehensive resource for understanding contemporary political issues through a biblical lens. Grudem has also authored works addressing economic and social issues from a Christian perspective, such as 'The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution'.