JILLIAN EDELSTEIN FOR TIME

FROM THE TIME ARCHIVE Why Did Jesus Die? Mel Gibson's movie has thrust this powerful question back at the center of Holy Week [4/12/2004]

In the early '60s, John created the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion. From the outset, it offered training scholarships in the West to potential future leaders in Asia, Africa and South America—many of whom took up high positions when they returned to their own countries. Today they are in charge of church movements with millions of members; John's work is a significant factor in the explosive growth of Christianity in parts of the Third World.

Despite numerous opportunities to be appointed bishop, archbishop or to head some of the world's finest theological seminaries, John Stott, 84, has held true to what he sees as a wider calling—the equipping of leaders in countries where resources and experience are limited. His provision of theological books for these regions is financed in large measure with the royalties from his considerable—and popular—writings. The modesty of his lifestyle is evidenced in the simplicity of his living quarters, limited to a two-room flat in London's West End, and a renovated farm on the Welsh coast, where he has written his books.

I can't think of anyone who has been more effective in introducing so many people to a biblical world view. He represents a touchstone of authentic biblical scholarship that, in my opinion, has scarcely been paralleled since the days of the 16th century European Reformers.

Graham is a renowned evangelist. His next crusade will be in New York City in June

Oct. 5, 1998	April 16, 1984	Feb. 5, 1990
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