Albert C. Outler (1908-1989)

I first encountered Albert Outler during the video presentations for the Disciple I Bible Study series back when I was a kid. In those videos, he is an elderly, slightly rumpled, distinguished-looking scholar in a dark, three-piece suit. He carries on an on-screen conversation with Bishop Richard Wilke, where his wit and playful personality are evident. And he makes the bishop look positively youthful.

I'm not positive about the date of that video, but I believe Disciple I came out around 1987 (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Outler died in 1989, which means he would have been in his late 70s when those videos were made. But he still displays plenty of energy, and it is clear he is enjoying what he is doing.

Having been studying Wesley at Duke for the past 18 months, it is amazing how much of the contemporary resurgence in Wesley Studies owes its existence to the influence of Outler. I have heard both Dr. Richard Heitzenrater and Dr. Randy Maddox comment on Outler's key role in putting Wesley back in the forefront of Methodist theological conversations (with Dr. Heitzenrater's personal anecdotes being particularly interesting). It's probably not too much of an exaggeration to say that the work of people like Heitzenrater, Maddox, and the other top scholars in Wesley Studies would not have been possible without Outler and Frank Baker.

In the current issue of the United Methodist Reporter, Mary Jacobs has this article, which explores Outler's legacy from the standpoint of many of his more famous former students (among them, SMU professor Dr. Ted Campbell and Bishop Scott Jones). Their comments give a good sense both of Dr. Outler's legacy and his personality.