Theologian

Famous Churchman Gave His Son Away

Peter Abelard, one of the most famous churchmen of the 12th century, sired a son born to his teenage mistress Heloise. After childbirth, the mother recovered in a convent near Paris. Peter gave the infant to his sister for upbringing, insisting that such drudgery was not suited to him. Said Abelard: “Who intent upon sacred and philosophical reflection could endure the squalling…and constant dirt of little children?”

On the Father Front, Vol. 4, No. 3, Fall, 1991

Quotes

•      If you become a lawyer, then I will hang you on the gallows. Because some lawyers are greedy and rob their clients blind, it is almost impossible for lawyers to be saved. It’s difficult enough for theologians. – Martin Luther to his son Martin

•      If all the theologians in the world were laid end to end, they still wouldn’t reach a conclusion. – Anon

•      The Word became flesh—and then through theologians it became words again. – Karl Barth