Parkinson’s disease is a condition where a part of one’s brain (specifically, the basal ganglia) deteriorates, which in turn can lead to the loss of muscle control, balance, and movement. It can also impact a person’s mental acuity, such as loss of memory, reasoning skills, together with dementia and depression. Not all cases of Parkinson’s are the same, and some have lived many years after being diagnosed. The actor Michael J. Fox is a good example of the impact of long-term Parkinson’s.

I mention this because two of my friends, whom I love and respect immensely, are suffering in varying degrees of intensity from Parkinson’s. They are Wayne Grudem and Donald A. Carson.

It is difficult for me, perhaps impossible, to calculate the impact these two men have had on evangelical theology as a whole and on me in particular. D. A. Carson is widely regarded as one of the (if not “the”) leading NT exegetes in the world today. Wayne Grudem works more in the area of systematic theology, whose massive one-volume textbook on the subject recently exceeded 1 million in sales.

I can’t begin to list all their publications, but will only cite a few from each that have had the greatest impact on me.

When I think of Don, there immediately comes to mind his commentaries on Matthew and John, as well as his books, The Gagging of God (Zondervan) and The Intolerance of Tolerance. His defense of biblical inerrancy has appeared in numerous volumes and peer-reviewed journal articles. Somewhat surprisingly, the volume that has perhaps influenced more pastors than any other is the comparatively short but quite substantive treatise, Exegetical Fallacies (Baker). If I had to identify the one work that has exerted the greatest influence on me it would undoubtedly be Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14 (Baker).

As for Wayne, I already noted his Systematic Theology (Zondervan) that was released a couple of years ago in a revised and expanded edition. The second edition of his Christian Ethics: Living a Life that is Pleasing to God (Crossway) is a comprehensive treatment of virtually every issue we face. I recently read through the entirety of his book, Politics According to the Bible (Zondervan). Two works in particular need to be noted. First is his The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today (Crossway) and his editorial oversight of the English Standard Bible. Of course, his collaboration with John Piper on the widely read and significant Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (Crossway) cannot be overlooked.

Beyond their scholarly contribution, I want to honor these two men for their godly lives, their devotion to their wives and children, their tireless service on behalf of the thousands of students they trained, and their passionate love for the Lord.

At the ETS annual meeting in San Diego this past November, both men were present. Don told me that this would be his final meeting and that he is making preparations to withdraw from public ministry altogether. I count it a wonderful privilege and honor to have served alongside Don on the Council of the Gospel Coalition. Wayne recently retired from teaching at Phoenix Theological Seminary and I had the privilege of attending the celebration of his ministry there, along with at least 1,000 others who have been touched by his life and ministry. Wayne and I had dinner along with Gregg Allison and Erik Thoennes, a habit we have maintained every year at ETS since the early 1990s.

You may not have the opportunity to speak to each of them personally, but I know they would appreciate your prayers. Parkinson’s is manifesting itself differently in both men, but its effects are always devastating.

Lord, I thank you for these men who have served so faithfully for so long, whose lives have touched so many and whose labors have honored you above all else. May your Spirit encourage them, strengthen them, and enable them to continue in some manner in ministry for many more years. The church of Jesus Christ owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to both men, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to know them personally and to be blessed by their devotion to you and to the truth of your Word.

Sam Storms