Died 2008 | ||
Books Infant Baptism in Historical Perspective: Collected Studies Similar Chad Van Dixhoorn, Sinclair Ferguson, Donald McKim, John D Woodbridge, Tim Dowley | ||
David F. Wright (1937–2008) was an English-born historian, who taught for almost a half-century at University of Edinburgh's New College.
Biography
Wright received a first in theology and history from University of Cambridge and, when finished, took a post as Lecturer in Ecclesiastical History in the divinity school of University of Edinburgh in 1964. Although he held views that were theologically conservative, he related well throughout his career with those on the faculty whose positions differed from his own. He was Dean of the Faculty of Divinity from 1988 to 1992, and curator of New College Library from 1994 to 2003.
Wright's broad-ranging scholarship won him acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, being "internationally distinguished for his contributions in three main fields," namely, Early Church studies, the Reformation, and the question of reception. The significance of his scholarly reputation is further attested by the publication of a Festschrift in honour of his contribution to academic scholarship, which was published in 1997. Wright's first research interests were in early Christianity, principally the life and writings of Augustine. He also had a life-long interest in Christian baptism. He later became fascinated with the Reformation, writing on Martin Bucer, John Calvin, and Peter Martyr Vermigli among others. He lectured in numerous countries, wrote articles, book chapters, dictionaries, and encyclopaedias. He was also a meticulous PhD supervisor of students from Europe, the United States, and Asia.