Rate My Professor Fritz Guy

Fritz Guy (1930–2023) served as Research Professor of Philosophical Theology in the Theology department at La Sierra University, where he also acted as founding president from 1990 to 1993 and held multiple academic leadership roles. He earned a B.A. in religion from La Sierra College in 1952, an M.A. in systematic theology (magna cum laude) from Andrews University in 1955, a B.D. in systematic theology and Christian philosophy (magna cum laude) from Andrews University in 1961, and a Ph.D. in Christian theology from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 1971, with his dissertation titled "Man and His Time: Three Contemporary Theological Interpretations." His career began with pastoral and evangelistic work in the Southeastern California Conference (1952–1954) and assistant editorship of Youth’s Instructor (1955–1958). Joining La Sierra faculty in 1961, he advanced to associate dean and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Loma Linda University’s La Sierra campus (1972–1977), professor of theology at Andrews University (1977–1984), theologian-in-residence at Loma Linda University Church (1984–1990), university professor of theology and philosophy (1993–2002), and research professor until 2018, thereafter professor emeritus.

Guy’s research specializations in philosophical theology included Adventist theological method, the Sabbath, salvation, creation-evolution, sexuality, gender, and religion-science dialogue. Notable publications encompass Thinking Theologically: Adventist Christianity and the Interpretation of Faith (1998), co-editor of Understanding Genesis: Contemporary Adventist Perspectives (2006) and Christianity and Homosexuality: Some Seventh-day Adventist Perspectives (2008), and co-authored with Brian Bull: God, Sky and Land: Genesis 1 as the Ancient Hebrews Heard It (2011), God, Land, and the Great Flood: Hearing the Story with Twenty-First Century Christian Ears (2017), and God, Genesis, and Good News: God, the Misreading of Genesis, and the Surprising Good News (2019). He published over 65 articles and essays, many in Spectrum. Honors include an honorary Doctor of Divinity from La Sierra University (2002), the Charles Elliot Weniger Award for Excellence (2009), Alumnus of the Year (2012), and the Association of Adventist Women’s Champion of Justice award (2016). Guy contributed to the 1980 Seventh-day Adventist Statement of Fundamental Beliefs committee, mentored scholars, and profoundly influenced Adventist theology and La Sierra University’s identity.