David Robertson (minister)
Rev David Andrew Robertson (born May 1962[1]) is a Reformed Scottish minister, debater, and media commentator. He has been Minister of St. Peter's Free Church in Dundee, Scotland (the historic church of Robert Murray McCheyne) since October 1992, and is currently Moderator[2] of the Free Church of Scotland. David shares the St. Peter's preaching schedule with Assistant Minister Sinclair Ferguson.
Contents
Education
David graduated from both the University of Edinburgh with a degree in History, and from Free Church College (now Edinburgh Theological Seminary) with a degree in Theology, in 1983.[3]
Political Career and Road to Ministry
David had originally planned a career in politics, intending to stand for the Social Democrat Party in his home seat of Ross, Cromarty and Skye in the 1983 General Election. However, a failed bid to become Senior President of Edinburgh University Students Association precipitated a change in direction, and in 1986 he became the youngest minister in the Free Church of Scotland (aged 24), while his contemporary Charles Kennedy went on to win the same seat he had hoped to contest; becoming the youngest Member of Parliament (aged 23) in the process.[4]
Ministry
Robertson has been Minister of St. Peter's Free Church in Dundee, Scotland (the historic church of Robert Murray McCheyne) since October 1992, and is currently Moderator[5] of the Free Church of Scotland. He replaced Rev David Miller as moderator.[6] David shares the St. Peter's preaching schedule with Assistant Minister Sinclair Ferguson.
Writings, Appearances & Roles
David's writings are regularly featured in The Scotsman[7] and Christian Today,[8] and he has appeared several times on Moody Radio.[9] Additionally, he is Director of Solas Centre for Public Christianity,[10] and sits on the editorial advisory board for Scottish Christian Broadcast.[11]
In both 2014 and 2015 David was voted as one of the 100 most influential Christians in the UK by online voters on "Archbishop Cranmer’s Top 100 List".[12]
'The Wee Flea' Blog
In addition to David's ministerial duties and other roles, he is an award-winning internet blogger.[13] The name of his blog, 'The Wee Flea', alludes both to Richard Dawkins' description of David, John Lennox, and Alister McGrath as "fleas living off a dog's back", and to the Scottish colloquialism 'Wee Frees' - referring to the Free Church of Scotland.[14]
Works
David has authored several books, including:
- Awakening : the life and ministry of Robert Murray McCheyne (2010) ISBN 978-1845505424,[15] a contemporary account of Robert Murray McCheyne's life
- The Dawkins letters : challenging atheist myths (2007) ISBN 978-1845505974,[16] a response to Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion
- Magnificent Obsession : Why Jesus Is Great (2013) ISBN 9781781912713.[17]
- Quench : Cafe Culture Evangelism (2014) ISBN 978-0993083204[18]
- Engaging with Atheists : Understanding their world; sharing good news (2014) ISBN 9781909919099[19]
Debates
Through his roles in Solas Centre for Public Christianity, and the 'Unbelievable?' podcast, David has debated several public figures on a range of social and theological issues:
- Peter Tatchell (Peter Tatchell Foundation) 'The Future of Marriage Debate';[20] 11 December 2013
- Rev Scott S McKenna (Church of Scotland) on atonement; 'A public conversation';[21] chaired by Rt Rev Dr Angus Morrison (Moderator of the Church of Scotland)
- Matt Dillahunty (American public speaker, internet personality, atheist); 'Why I Am Not An Atheist';[22] and 'Why I Am Not A Christian' [23]
- Patrick Harvie MSP (Scottish Green Party) & William Rennie MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats) versus David Robertson & Peter D Williams; 'Same Sex Marriage?'[24]
- Michael Shermer (Skeptics Society); 'Is Christianity Good For Us'[25]
- Gary McLelland (Scottish Liberal Democrats, Humanist Society Scotland); 'Is Belief in God a Delusion?';[26] 'Is Belief in God Reasonable' [27]
- Michael Nugent (Atheist Ireland); 'Is Christianity Holding Us Back?'[28]
- Peter Cave (British Humanist Association); 'Better With or Without God' [29]
- Alistair Mcbay (National Secular Society); 'Is Faith in God a Delusion?'[30]
- Andrew Copson FRSA, MCMI, MCIPR (Chief Executive, British Humanist Association; President, International Humanist and Ethical Union); 'Are We Better Off Without God'[31]
- Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett (Liberal Democrats); 'The Gay Marriage Debate'[32]
- Peter D Williams (Executive Officer, Right To Life); 'Catholic vs Protestant - Is the Catholic Church the One True Church?'[33]
References
- ↑ http://www.checkcompany.co.uk/director/7511681/REVEREND-DAVID-ANDREW-ROBERTSON
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- ↑ https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/363931/new-moderator-for-free-church/
- ↑ http://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/letters/false-accusations-1-3611708
- ↑ http://www.christiantoday.com/article/david.robertson.confessions.of.a.rich.pastor/42349.htm
- ↑ http://theweeflea.wordpress.com/tag/moody-radio/
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- ↑ Scottish Christian Broadcast Issue 6, inside front cover.
- ↑ Free Church minister rated one of most influential Christians in the UK
- ↑ http://theweeflea.wordpress.com/
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- ↑ http://christianfocus.com/item/show/1309/-
- ↑ http://christianfocus.com/item/show/1345/-
- ↑ http://christianfocus.com/item/show/1608/-
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External links
| Free Church titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by
Rev David Miller
|
Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland 2015-16 |
Incumbent |
