Do rest appropriately. We are not machines. But don’t despise hard work. It’s a good gift from a good God.

I just finished reading the memoir of Carl F. H. Henry, 20th-century theologian and leader. If you aren’t familiar with him, this biographical talk from my friend Nathan A. Finn is helpful.

The memoir is interesting. Published in 1986, Henry, like the journalist he was, dutifully chronicles his life, sometimes in a workmanlike chronicling of his very busy calendar, sometimes with vivid details about his experiences, and often with candid commentary that can only come from someone in the last season of a meaningful and influential life.

I read this book because I’ve done some writing that lately involved Henry, but mostly because 20th-century evangelicalism is an ongoing research interest of mine. I’m increasingly drawn to the men and women who shaped the world I was born into and who continue to matter a quarter century into the 21st century.

One thing that struck me as I read about Carl Henry is just how productive he was. It’s characteristic of men of his time, but he seems to be even more productive than some of his contemporaries. He was a prolific writer, producing numerous books, columns for Christianity Today and other outlets, and academic projects. He was also an in-demand speaker and lecturer. If you think of your favorite Christian institution, it is likely he spoke, lectured, or even taught there. Henry was also a movement builder. He helped launch and then run CT. He was tasked by Billy Graham to organize multiple interdenominational, worldwide gatherings. He helped found Fuller Seminary, Evangelical Theological Society, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and other institutions. He was often interviewed in mainstream media outlets.

None of these projects is light or easy. Yet, Henry was steadfast in completing them. Today, one might look at the output of Carl Henry’s life and think that perhaps he worked too hard, was gone from his family too much, and should have had better rhythms of rest. There is no doubt, I’m sure, he would have heard that criticism and accepted it. That generation was one that might have been prone to workaholism.

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