This week in Christian history: Criswell ordained, Methodist theologian dies, Ferdinand II becomes emperor

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, August 25, 2024

Adam Clarke dies – Aug. 26, 1832

Adam Clarke (1762-1832), the British Methodist theologian behind the influential Clarke's Commentary. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Adam Clarke, a prominent Methodist theologian and prolific writer who was behind Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, died.

A native of County Londonderry, Ireland, Clarke was a contemporary of Methodism founder John Wesley and was elected president of the Methodist Conference on three separate occasions.

While often respected for scholarly work and intellectual prowess, Clarke continues to garner controversy over his heretical belief that Jesus was not the eternal Son of God, but rather was created via the Virgin Birth.

“It is important to note that Clarke never rejected the divinity of Christ. In fact, he believed that he was defending Christ’s divinity and disclosing the true sense of Scripture,” noted Firebrand Magazine in a 2021 piece.

“He did, however, reject doctrinal traditions closely connected with the divinity of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity … Clarke’s denial of the eternal sonship of Christ was first published in 1813, but little was said about it until 1815, after which followed years of ongoing debate and controversy.”

Despite his unorthodox views, Clarke continued to hold sway in the Methodist movement throughout his life, serving one of his presidential terms after his views came to light.