Andrew Purves
Scottish Christian theologian
Andrew Purves (born 1946) is a Scottish theologian in the Reformed tradition through the Church of Scotland (and later, the Presbyterian Church (USA)). He holds the Chair in Reformed Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Purves earned degrees in philosophy and divinity from the University of Edinburgh, and a Master of Theology degree from Duke Divinity School. His Doctor of Philosophy degree is from the University of Edinburgh. In Scotland, he studied under Thomas F. Torrance. Torrance, his brother James Torrance, Athanasius, John Calvin, Karl Barth, and Jürgen Moltmann were all important influences in Purves' theological development.
Originally a member of the Church of Scotland, Purves moved to the United States in 1978 and was ordained in 1979. He served as pastor of the Hebron Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Pennsylvania, until 1983 when he began teaching at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Purves' primary concerns surround Christology. He continually argues for a vital connection between the person and work of Jesus Christ in his vicarious humanity and the Christian life; a connection founded upon the believer's union with Christ.
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