L'Abri
January 10, 2005
L'Abri is a French word that means shelter. The first L'Abri community was founded in Switzerland in 1955 by Dr. Francis Schaeffer and his wife, Edith. Dr. Schaeffer was a Christian theologian and philosopher who also authored a number of books on theology, philosophy, general culture and the arts. via
L’Abri showed evangelicals how to become engaged with the ideas and the culture of the times. The teachings of Francis and Edith Schaeffer proved foundational for the pro-life movement, worldview analysis, and the spiritual lives of countless L’Abri alumni. via
Though I've never been to L'Abri, it's ministry has impacted my life in number of ways -- primarily through the teaching of Francis Schaeffer and the impact that the community in Switzerland had on a dear friend (best man in my wedding) who spent time there when he was going through a tremendous crisis of faith.
So, I for one am thrilled that L'Abri is celebrating their 50th anniversary. How about you?
I'm grateful that they are still speaking to many people. Like you, I've never been there, but FAS has had a great influence on my life through his works. He saw very clearly and prophetically how Enlightenment philosopy led straight into all that is problematic with Postmodernism as a philosophy. Lots of e'icals latched onto his "apologetics", but in his writings on the church, he was very clear that the final apologetic is the beauty of human relationships functioning healthily in the church. Whatever personal shortcomings he may have had, his writings helped many people realize they didn't have to "check their brains at the door" to be Christian. Those who dug deeper saw there was a lot more than intellectualism going on with him- he rightly saw the holistic nature of Christian life, especially as regards relationship. So much of what he said still resonates today, and so much of the good that came from his ministry happened because they at L'Abri simply accepted people who came to them. I think if FAS were alive he would be part of the "emerging" conversation, listening to and learning from "postmodern" people.
I get a lot of satisfaction sharing the same birth date with him [-day, not year :) ].
Thanks for reminding us of all the good that has been done in and through the Schaeffers and L'Abri.
Dana
Posted by: Dana Ames | January 10, 2005 at 04:00 PM
schaeffer was an early participant in the postmodern debate, his major work in the 60's-70's was before the word *postmodern* was invented and before modernism died ... his participation was unique in that his writings argued vigorously against existentialism the forerunner to postmodernism ... (though postmodernism differs from existentialism they both are post-Cogito and they both abhor the notion of absolute truth) ... schaeffer was significant because he correctly assested the trajectory of philosophical thought in the 20th century ... what he reacted to in existentialism was the logical inevitability toward what we know now is postmodernism but he did that before anyone including the adherents of existentialism themselves knew what it was ... schaeffer was a very strong proponant of foundational realism ... and a pivotal figure indeed!! peace :::
Posted by: david | January 10, 2005 at 09:50 PM
I have always wanted to take six months off and go to L'Abri.
However, I heard on another site that L'Abri is increasingly taking on a Roman Catholic bent, moving away from some of the theological positions of Schaeffer and more into ideals like those of the RCC Taize community.
Someone please tell me that this is not the case.
Posted by: DLE | January 11, 2005 at 10:17 AM
DP
Wow, you have to make it hard don't you? I would love to visit L'Abri, even live at one for a few years. Its hard to find anyone who combines the intellect AND spiritual formation. Is there anyone else doing it?
Windblown
Posted by: Windblown | January 11, 2005 at 11:19 AM
About 7 or 8 years ago, I had the good fortune to be able to attend a few meetings of an offshoot of L'Abri - the Northern California L'Abri meetings. This group was a turning point for me, an introduction to a group of people who didn't check their minds at the door, who engaged the gospel and culture in a thoughtful way. I lost touch with the group after that time, as I went on to have another baby and became extremely busy, and the long-time host of the meeting John Hoyt (married to Luci Shaw) moved to the northwest for Luci's work (and I believe the group eventually ended). This group had a big impact in my life, and I feel like it was the beginning of the story that continued on when I was later introduced to emergent church and postmodern Christian discussions. I am very glad that L'Abri is still an active community (I only wish that local offshoot still existed!).
Posted by: Chris(tine) | January 12, 2005 at 10:11 PM
I am constantly reminded of how thankful I am for places like that and people like the Schaeffers-may God grant us more like them!
Posted by: Phil S | January 13, 2005 at 12:30 PM
may i suggest the epiphany association as well they have a rich tradition that focuses primarily on the ecumenical church's traditons of spirituality inclusive of the RC traditions and the protestant traditons BEFORE the reformation . . . they can be seen at www.epiphanyassociation.org . . .
Posted by: david | January 14, 2005 at 11:41 AM
I had the privilege of visiting English l'Abri years ago, as well as taking in a number of events at Rochester, MN L'Abri. Few have combined apologetics, "honest answers to honest questions", and truly loving response to deep heart-cries for fellowship in the way Schaeffer & L'Abri have.
Posted by: Michael | January 26, 2005 at 09:59 AM