Journal: Global Journal of Classical Theology
Volume: GJCT 18:2 (Nov 2021)
Article: Simon Greenleaf (Part One): Conversion Of A Juridical Apologist
Author: Phillip E. Johnson

Simon Greenleaf (Part One): Conversion Of A Juridical Apologist

Philip Johnson

Philip Johnson is a visiting lecturer in apologetics at Morling College, New South Wales. He is the co-author of several books including Taboo or To Do?, The Cross is Not Enough, Beyond the Burning Times, and Jesus and the gods of the new age. Two previous essays of his concerning aspects of juridical apologetics have appeared in the Global Journal of Classical Theology.

Abstract: Simon Greenleaf’s The Testimony of the Evangelists is highly esteemed by some apologists. However, his religious background is subject to spurious claims and folkloric tales. Claims from apologists that he was a Jew, sceptic, agnostic or atheist are countered by atheist critics asserting he was a lifelong Episcopalian. These partisan views reflect superficial bibliographical research. Masonic membership, marriage in a Unitarian Church, as well as an inquiry into orthodox Christianity pre-date his tenure at Harvard. Testimony of the Evangelists had a long literary gestation which began in 1817, followed by an essay in 1840, culminating in the book. This discussion evaluates folkloric tales and partisan claims about Greenleaf’s conversion, which forms a prelude to a sequel essay concerning his juridical apologetic.

Simon Greenleaf (1783–1853) is regarded by evangelicals as a seminal figure in the history of American Christian apologetics.1 Greenleaf’s apologetic prestige is linked to: (a) his professional status, and (b) The Testimony of the Evangelists which was released in 1846, revised in 1847, and widely circulated during the nineteenth century.2 A distinguishing feature of Testimony is the application of technical legal argument concerning proofs for the resurrection.3 A renaissance of interest has accompanied publications by John Warwick Montgomery and a generation of his students. His apologia has prompted critical reflections.4

Daniel Blinka dubs him “Harvard’s Evangelist of Evidence” due to Greenleaf’s legal philosophy where Christian faith and jurisprudence are seamlessly interwoven.5 Elsewhere, Blinka remarked that “Greenleaf’s life and legacy have been quietly influential” and his influence endures “among evangelicals and the legal profession.”6

The lack of a critical biography has left fallow soil for folklore to sprout. This discussion evaluates folkloric ...