Lewis B. Smedes


Lewis Benedictus Smedes was a renowned Christian author, ethicist, and theologian in the Reformed tradition. He was a professor of theology and ethics for twenty-five years at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His 15 books, including the popular Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don't Deserve, covered some important issues including sexuality and forgiveness.

Early life and education

Lewis Benedictus Smedes was born in 1921, the youngest of five children. His father, Melle Smedes, and mother, Rena, emigrated to the United States from Oostermeer, Friesland in the Netherlands When he was two months old, his father died in the partially completed house he built in Muskegon, Michigan.
Smedes graduated from Calvin College, Calvin Theological Seminary, and the Free University of Amsterdam. He pursued other graduate studies at Oxford University in United Kingdom and the University of Basel in Switzerland.

Ministry and career

Smedes began his teaching career at Fuller Theological Seminary as a visiting professor in 1968. He joined the faculty as full professor in 1970. He retired in 1995.
After his time at Fuller, Smedes performed several years of pastoral service in the Christian [Reformed Church in North America|Christian Reformed Church] at Madison Avenue Christian Reformed Church, where he was ordained.
Smedes also taught at the Free University in Amsterdam and Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Personal life and death

Smedes married Doris Dekker in 1948, and together they had three children. He died in Arcadia, California on December 19, 2002 after falling from a ladder at his home.

Legacy

Collections of Smedes papers are housed at Calvin University and Fuller Theological Seminary.

Major works

In addition to many articles, Smedes wrote many popular books including: