Man, Meaning, Ministry: The Quest of the Historical Vanstone

Abstract

This article reflects on the contemporary relevance of the writing s of the Anglican clergyman W. H. Vanstone (1923-1999) by looking at his three highly influential books in the context of their author’s life and work. This biographical study takes in much fresh material gathered from anecdotal and personal information from friends and colleagues as well as study of Vanstone’s unpublished writings. The article concludes with reflections on the theological significance of Vanstone’s writings and the lessons that can be drawn from them and from their author’s remarkable life and ministry.