Comments on: Dr. Willard Aldrich, You Will Be Missed

By: Dawn Shipman

Dawn Shipman — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:00:10 +0000

I met Dr. Willard at a Christian writer’s group that met in Camas, Washington, after he had retired from Multnomah. He was warm, friendly and encouraging. At one time he invited our group up to his home in the hills above Camas-Washougal, for a time of fellowship (food!) and encouragement in our writing ministries. It was a lovely time and a blessing to be around such a godly man, even in his later years.
Dawn (Hill) Shipman
MABS 2008

By: Jan Gallop

Jan Gallop — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:21:46 +0000

The slogan, “If it’s Bible . . .” has the word “want” omitted

By: Robert Brichoux

Robert Brichoux — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:37:34 +0000

Among many other courses, Dr. Aldrich taught a summer one on Romans, which powerfully moved me–eventually into Bible Translation. I remember him warmly for his humanity, his humility, his treating us male students as peers and his grasp of what I know now to be the essentials of Biblical faith in the Lord. I suppose, at some point in his Heavenly sojourn he will be sitting talking with the Apostle Paul. I would love to be there!
Bob Brichoux, diploma, 1956

By: Robert Brichoux

Robert Brichoux — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:34:40 +0000

Among many other courses Dr. Aldrich taught a summer one on Romans, which powerfully moved me–eventually into Bible Translation. I remember him warmly for his humanity, his humility, his treating us male students as peers and his grasp of what I know now to be the essentials of Biblical faith in the Lord. I suppose, at some point in his Heavenly sojourn he will be fellowshipping with the Apostle Paul. I would love to be there!
Bob Brichoux, dip, 1956

By: D. Graham Brotherton

D. Graham Brotherton — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:09:32 +0000

Dr. Willard Aldrich was a great Biblical scholar, a faithful administrator, and a real leader. I greatly respected him as one of my teachers and role models. He will indeed be missed.

By: Tom Warner

Tom Warner — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:05:54 +0000

In 1978-79, I had Dr. Aldrich for Soteriology and Christology and it was a great pleasure to sit at his feet and soak in his wisdom. His approach to Scripture and theology was warm, intelligent, faithful, and justifiably creative when necessary. He wrestled with theological problems with integrity and resisted the urge to be reactive (i.e., over- stressing some biblical truth in reaction to a theological camp that was unbalanced on the other side of the issue).

I remember when an alumnus sent a letter to all student mailboxes arguing that the Bible was full of errors; Dr. Aldrich stood before our class with tears in his eyes and spoke of the warnings of Scripture about persevering in the faith and the real danger of apostasy for those who profess Christ. He avoided the “easy believism” that had become popular among some dispensationalists at the time.

He also avoided the “hyper-sovereignty” view of God that certain other evangelicals fall into. His book “When God Was Taken Captive” was a creative, fresh way of arguing that the Lord of the universe often limits himself in his dealings with mankind.

I also remember that he was open to a “wider hope” view of God’s redemptive purpose, believing that God’s saving grace would extend beyond the limited view of certain Christians. I am extremely grateful for Dr. Willard Aldrich as a teacher and a wonderful example of Christian integrity and gentleness. He marked my life forever.

By: Marcus Brotherton

Marcus Brotherton — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:23:30 +0000

I have fond memories of dorm section retreats at the Aldrich cabin. Dr. Willard would often come by and say hello and have an encouraging word for us.

By: Rebekka Eidsvik

Rebekka Eidsvik — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:01:12 +0000

Thanks for the fix!

By: Rebekka Eidsvik

Rebekka Eidsvik — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:40:13 +0000

The oldest son, Jonathan Aldrich, was left out.