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Westminster Theological Seminary

Glenside, PA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

ΠΑΣΑ Η ΒΟΥΛΗ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ PASA E BOULE TOU THEOU (Greek)(The whole counsel of God)

Private seminary
Type
1,183
Total Students
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Peter Lillback

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Westminster Theological Seminary

Upholding historic Reformed theology, Westminster Theological Seminary was founded by former Princeton faculty in 1929.

Westminster Theological Seminary stands as a distinguished institution, born from a profound commitment to historic Reformed theology. Founded in 1929, largely under the visionary leadership of J. Gresham Machen, the seminary emerged as a beacon for those dedicated to preserving and propagating a robust theological tradition. It was established by a cohort of esteemed professors from Princeton Theological Seminary who sought to maintain Princeton's historic theological direction amidst evolving academic trends, positioning Westminster as a faithful continuation of that rich legacy.

The seminary's genesis is deeply rooted in a significant moment in American theological history, with its founders—including intellectual giants like Machen, John Murray, Oswald Allis, Robert Dick Wilson, and Cornelius Van Til—having all previously served on Princeton's faculty. This unique origin story imbues Westminster with a powerful sense of purpose: to rigorously equip students for ministry and scholarship with an unwavering dedication to biblical truth and Reformed doctrine. Its close relationship with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, which Machen also helped establish, further underscores its foundational theological identity.

Today, Westminster Theological Seminary continues to be a vibrant community of scholars and students, fostering an environment of deep learning and spiritual formation. With a student body of 1183, it provides a dedicated setting for exploring the depths of God's counsel, as reflected in its motto: "ΠΑΣΑ Η ΒΟΥΛΗ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ" (All the counsel of God). The seminary's influence extends globally through international partnerships, such as its collaboration with the International Reformed Evangelical Seminary in Indonesia, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to advancing Reformed theology worldwide.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1929 by esteemed faculty from Princeton Theological Seminary.
  • Carries forward Princeton's historic theological tradition, emphasizing Reformed faith.
  • Boasts a student body of 1183, fostering a dedicated scholarly community.
  • Motto: "ΠΑΣΑ Η ΒΟΥΛΗ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ" ("All the counsel of God"), reflecting its theological focus.
  • Notable founders include J. Gresham Machen, John Murray, and Cornelius Van Til.
  • Maintains close ties with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, co-founded by Machen.
  • Engages in international academic partnerships, including with Indonesia, publishing significant theological journals.

Timeline

1929
Westminster Theological Seminary was formed.
1936
J. Gresham Machen helped found the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
1966
Edmund Clowney became the seminary's first president.
1982
The California branch became Westminster Seminary California, an independent institution.
2009
The Dallas branch was established as Redeemer Theological Seminary.
2011
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with International Reformed Evangelical Seminary in Jakarta, Indonesia.
2011
Established an endowment for the Stephen Tong Chair of Reformed Theology.
2017
The Dallas campus became Reformed Theological Seminary's Dallas campus.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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