Brian Albert Gerrish, a renowned theologian and scholar known for his exploration of Reformed theology, has passed away at the age of 93 in Mechanicsville, Virginia, on April 14, 2025. Gerrish held the position of John Nuveen Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago Divinity School and was celebrated for his in-depth studies of John Calvin and Friedrich Schleiermacher.
Gerrish's work merged historical and systematic theology, providing new perspectives on longstanding theological debates. Notable among his publications are "Christian Faith: Dogmatics in Outline," "Saving and Secular Faith," "The Pilgrim Road: Sermons on Christian Life," and "A Prince of the Church: Schleiermacher and the Beginnings of Modern Theology."
Mary Lane Potter, a former student, remarked on Gerrish’s influence: “Though I came to the Divinity School to flee all things Calvinist, [Gerrish] encouraged me to work on Calvin. It was his unique, fruitful approach to tradition and change in the Reformed tradition that enabled me to see its value and possibilities. ... More than a scholar whose work was marked by perspicacity and integrity, Brian was also a pastor and a friend.”
Born in 1931 in the UK, Gerrish moved to the U.S. where he became a pivotal figure in theological education. His teaching began at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago (1958-1965) before he joined the University of Chicago Divinity School in 1965. He occupied the John Nuveen Professorship of Historical Theology until his retirement in 1996, after which he continued his scholarly work at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia until 2002.
Gerrish was admired for his intellectual precision and dedication to Christianity’s theological legacy, overseeing 47 dissertations during his career. His contributions to theology were recognized as both academic and pastoral in nature.
Brent W. Sockness, an associate professor of religious studies at Stanford University, shared: “The first thing that comes to mind about Brian Gerrish is not his many erudite books and articles but rather his gifts as a teacher, especially a lecturer. To be sure, his meticulously researched and carefully crafted publications continue to set the standard for any historical theologian working in his wake. Yet, I’m fairly confident that all who took his survey courses will concur that 'Mr. Gerrish’s' unusually polished performances at the lectern were masterpieces of intellectual-historical exposition guided by a profound grasp of the theological issues at stake and delivered with verve and wit.”
Gerrish is survived by his wife, Dawn DeVries, and his children, Carolyn Gerrish, Paul Gerrish, and Heather Gerrish, along with their families.
Adapted from a story originally published by the University of Chicago Divinity School