Great Scot

Edward Irving (1792 – 1834) was a Scottish pastor and Reformed theologian who was put into a position by the circumstances of his day that required him to prove to his own satisfaction that one could be both Reformed and Charismatic or Pentecostal. He produced much in a short time and was apparently subsequently driven to poor health and an early death by the controversy that he did so much to fuel. Irving wrote as a theologian defending experience. He was deposed from the Kirk in 1833 for heresy regarding the humanity of Christ and died of pneumonia in 1834. Irving’s followers formed the Catholic Apostolic Church, but Irving died shortly thereafter. The continuation of that denomination was a work of Irving’s followers not of Irving himself. Ultimately, Edward Irving is not remembered for his pneumatology but for his Christological position on the true humanity of Jesus. Irving hoped to see revival in Scotland and he believed that a recognition of Christ’s true human nature and of his dependence on the Holy Spirit during his 33 years on earth would contribute to this revival.

David J Keyser PhD has served as an international theology teacher and college adjunct faculty. His earned degrees include a B.S., an M.Div, an M.S., a Th.M., and a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology. He is interested in what this world is coming to, spiritual experiences, life before birth, considering God, organic christianity, and Christian fiction.