Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, personal interests, unique hobbies, what you do in your spare time, etc.
I was born in Pittsburgh in 1939. Dad was a labor negotiator with Westinghouse Electric, Mom a homemaker. Oldest of four siblings. In my early teens, God led me to follow Jesus. I’ve taught theology since 1968, first at Westminster/Phila (1968-80), then at Westminster/California (1980-2000), and since then at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. I’m a “teaching elder” in Central Florida Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of America. I have been a church pianist, organist, worship leader and choir director from time to time. My wife Mary and I have five children. My spare time is mostly spent in writing books and articles, but I enjoy films and news media.
When did you first want to write a book?
In the 1970s I produced a lot of lecture outlines and study guides for the courses I taught. Releasing these in book form seemed like the next logical step. A number of people, including some at P&R, encouraged me, and my The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God appeared in 1987. But throughout my adult life I have felt that theological books are an important ministry. It was the books of Van Til, Murray, and Young that led me to study at Westminster in 1961.
Which writers inspire you?
Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, B. B. Warfield, J. Gresham Machen, C. S. Lewis, Cornelius Van Til, John Murray, Vern Poythress.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes, since high school or so. Of course, writing is hard work. But completing a book and seeing it released is one of my greatest pleasures.
What inspired you to write your upcoming book, History of Western Philosophy and Theology?
Like most of my books, History of Western Philosophy and Theology is an expansion of my course lectures. I felt a need for a book that treated the subject comprehensively and with an explicitly Christian evaluation.
Do you have a specific spot where you enjoy writing most?
In front of my office computer.
What book are you reading now?
Peter Jones, The Other Worldview, to be published by Lexham Press.
Other than the Bible, do you have a favorite book?
Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism.
Favorite food?
Lobster.
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Pistachio.
Favorite animal?
Welsh Corgi dog (we’ve had several as pets over the years.)
If you have a favorite book of the Bible, what is it and why?
First Corinthians: it deals with many subjects I’m interested in: epistemology, church discipline, ethics, worship, apologetics.
P&R titles by John Frame:
A Theology of Lordship Series
- The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God
- The Doctrine of the Christian Life
- The Doctrine of God
- The Doctrine of the Word of God
Other P&R Titles
- Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief
- John Frame’s Selected Shorter Writings, Volume 1
- John Frame’s Selected Shorter Writings, Volume 2
- Salvation Belongs to the Lord: An Introduction to Systematic Theology
- No Other God: A Response to Open Theism
- Medical Ethics: Principles, Persons, and Problems
- Apologetics to the Glory of God: An Introduction
- Worship in Spirit and Truth: A Refreshing Study of the Principles and Practice of Biblical Worship
- Contemporary Worship Music: A Biblical Defense
- Cornelius Van Til: An Analysis of His Thought
Want to learn more about John Frame?
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- Follow him on Twitter: @DrJohnFrame