Introduction
David Wood (born 7 April 1956) is a British evangelical Christian apologist, author, and founder of the online ministry Informed Theology. He is best known for his advocacy of Christian apologetics, particularly through the internet, where he has produced a large body of video and written content addressing questions related to faith, reason, and contemporary culture. Wood's approach emphasizes rigorous theological scholarship coupled with practical application for believers, aiming to equip Christians to articulate their faith in a secular world. Over the past three decades, his work has attracted a global audience, influenced theological discourse, and sparked debate within both evangelical and broader Christian circles.
Early Life and Education
David Wood was born in the United Kingdom and grew up in a modest family environment. From an early age, he demonstrated a keen interest in biblical studies and philosophical inquiry. His formative years were marked by a desire to reconcile his faith with intellectual rigor, a pursuit that would later define his career. Wood pursued undergraduate studies in theology at the University of Nottingham, where he graduated with honors in 1978. During his time at university, he engaged deeply with classical Christian theology and contemporary philosophical thought, developing a foundation that would underpin his future apologetic work.
Following his bachelor's degree, Wood entered the theological college at St. Andrews, Scotland, where he studied for a Master of Divinity. The program combined rigorous biblical exegesis, systematic theology, and practical ministry training. His thesis, which explored the concept of divine revelation, received commendation from faculty and highlighted his capacity to blend scholarly analysis with accessible writing. The intellectual environment of St. Andrews, coupled with mentorship from prominent evangelical scholars, shaped Wood’s theological perspective and reinforced his commitment to apologetics.
Academic Career and Ordination
Upon completing his Master of Divinity, David Wood was ordained as a minister within the Church of England. He served as a parish minister in a small rural community from 1983 to 1987, where he applied theological principles to pastoral care and community outreach. His ministry in this period was characterized by a strong emphasis on biblical literacy, encouraging congregants to engage directly with scripture through structured study groups and weekly sermons.
In 1987, Wood accepted a teaching position at the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Divinity, where he lectured on New Testament studies and apologetics. His tenure at Cambridge spanned eight years, during which he published several scholarly articles on early Christian theology and contributed to the curriculum development of undergraduate theology courses. Wood’s academic work was noted for its balanced integration of historical-critical methods with faith commitments, a pedagogical approach that has since influenced the teaching styles of many contemporary evangelical scholars.
Founding of Informed Theology
David Wood founded Informed Theology (formerly known as "Informed Theology & Apologetics") in 1998 as an online ministry aimed at providing Christians with comprehensive resources on theology, apologetics, and contemporary cultural issues. Recognizing the growing influence of the internet as a platform for education, Wood designed the ministry to be accessible to a global audience, leveraging video tutorials, podcasts, and written articles.
The ministry’s mission statement emphasized the importance of “faithful, rational, and biblical instruction.” To fulfill this mission, Wood established a team of scholars, pastors, and technical specialists who collaborated on producing high-quality content. Informed Theology quickly gained a reputation for its methodical approach to complex theological concepts, making them digestible for lay audiences while maintaining academic integrity.
In 2005, Informed Theology expanded its outreach through the launch of a YouTube channel, where Wood and other contributors posted lecture series on topics such as the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, and the moral implications of modern society. The visual format allowed for dynamic engagement, with animations, textual overlays, and real-time interaction with viewers. By the mid-2010s, the channel had amassed millions of subscribers, positioning Informed Theology as a leading resource in the evangelical internet space.
Theological Perspectives
Doctrine of God
Wood’s theological framework is rooted in classical Christian orthodoxy, particularly the doctrines articulated in the Nicene and Chalcedonian creeds. He affirms the sovereignty, transcendence, and immanence of God, asserting that divine attributes are coherent and non-contradictory. Wood often employs philosophical arguments - such as the cosmological, teleological, and moral proofs - to demonstrate the rationality of belief in a divine Creator.
In his writings, Wood emphasizes the relational aspect of the Trinity, presenting a robust theological model that underscores both unity and diversity within the Godhead. He draws upon patristic sources, especially Augustine and Aquinas, to articulate the continuity of Christian doctrinal heritage. His approach seeks to bridge historical theology with contemporary philosophical discourse, making traditional doctrinal concepts relevant to modern audiences.
Salvation
David Wood maintains a classical evangelical view of salvation, emphasizing grace, faith, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ as the central means of reconciliation with God. He argues that salvation is a singular, transformative event that precedes and enables sanctification, the ongoing process of becoming more Christ-like. Wood’s exegesis of Pauline epistles underscores the necessity of personal acceptance of the Gospel as a foundational step toward spiritual maturity.
In addressing the nature of faith, Wood distinguishes between intellectual assent and experiential trust, noting that genuine faith involves both cognitive understanding and heartfelt reliance on Christ. His teachings frequently incorporate scriptural passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 10:9-10 to illustrate the balance between divine initiative and human response.
Christian Living
Wood’s approach to Christian living prioritizes the integration of faith into everyday conduct. He advocates for the application of biblical ethics to personal decision-making, community engagement, and societal influence. In his sermons and lectures, Wood frequently references the Sermon on the Mount and the Fruit of the Spirit as practical guides for Christian conduct.
Additionally, Wood encourages Christians to cultivate spiritual disciplines - including prayer, Bible study, and fellowship - as means to deepen their relationship with God and to develop spiritual maturity. He emphasizes that such practices are not merely ritualistic but are transformative tools that shape character and worldview.
Apologetic Works
“The Existence of God: A Reasoned Defense” (2012). In this book, Wood systematically presents philosophical arguments for the existence of God, addressing common objections and counterarguments. The work is noted for its clarity and for bridging philosophical discourse with theological principles.
“God’s Sovereignty in a Secular World” (2015). This volume explores the concept of divine sovereignty, particularly in contexts where secular ideologies challenge traditional religious beliefs. Wood employs historical analysis and contemporary case studies to illustrate the enduring relevance of divine sovereignty.
“Faith and Reason: A Dialogue” (2019). Co-authored with scholars from various theological traditions, this book presents a moderated conversation on the compatibility of faith and reason. The dialogue format allows for multiple perspectives, offering readers a nuanced understanding of theological diversity.
“Apologetics for the Digital Age” (2021). Wood addresses the challenges of modern apologetics, focusing on the role of the internet and social media in shaping public perceptions of Christianity. The book provides practical strategies for believers to articulate their faith effectively online.
Public Engagement and Media Presence
David Wood has cultivated a robust public presence across various media platforms. In addition to his online ministry, Wood has appeared on radio programs, television interviews, and academic conferences. His ability to articulate complex theological ideas in accessible language has made him a sought-after speaker on topics such as biblical literacy, Christian ethics, and apologetics.
Wood’s engagement extends to mentorship and discipleship programs. He has supervised numerous graduate students in theology and apologetics, many of whom have gone on to academic or pastoral careers. His emphasis on critical thinking, scriptural engagement, and pastoral sensitivity has been cited as foundational to his students’ development.
In 2020, Wood participated in a televised debate on the moral implications of artificial intelligence, where he presented an evangelical perspective on technological ethics. The debate highlighted Wood’s capacity to navigate complex contemporary issues from a theological standpoint, reinforcing his role as a public intellectual.
Controversies and Criticisms
Like many public theologians, David Wood has faced criticism from various quarters. Some scholars argue that his apologetic approach leans heavily toward evangelicalism, potentially marginalizing alternative theological traditions. Critics also point to his reliance on certain philosophical arguments, suggesting that they may not sufficiently account for diverse cultural contexts.
Wood has responded to these critiques by emphasizing the universality of biblical principles and the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives. In his writings, he advocates for a dialogical method of apologetics that values humility, intellectual honesty, and openness to critique. He maintains that robust theological discourse requires both fidelity to doctrine and willingness to address legitimate concerns.
Despite occasional controversies, Wood’s overall contribution to evangelical apologetics is widely recognized. His work has sparked renewed interest in theological education among lay Christians and has provided a platform for constructive theological engagement within the digital era.
Personal Life
David Wood is married to Elizabeth Wood, a former educator and collaborator in his ministry. The couple has three children, all of whom have pursued academic or ministry-related careers. Wood’s personal interests include classical music, hiking, and historical research, particularly focusing on early Christian texts. His involvement in local community service projects reflects his commitment to applying faith to everyday life.
Wood’s lifestyle exemplifies the balance he teaches: a strong foundation in theological study coupled with active engagement in the broader community. He frequently participates in interfaith dialogues and community outreach programs, underscoring his belief in respectful engagement with diverse perspectives.
Legacy and Influence
David Wood’s influence spans academic, pastoral, and public domains. Academically, his integration of classical theology with contemporary philosophical discourse has been incorporated into evangelical theological curricula. His students, many of whom hold positions in universities and churches worldwide, carry forward his emphasis on rigorous scholarship and practical application.
In the realm of media, Wood’s online ministry has set a precedent for digital theological education. By employing multimedia formats, he has broadened access to theological content, particularly for younger audiences. The success of Informed Theology has inspired other ministries to adopt similar approaches, thereby expanding the reach of theological instruction globally.
Wood’s apologetic work has contributed to a broader revival of interest in faith-based reasoning. His clear articulation of theological arguments has made apologetics more approachable to lay audiences, encouraging informed discussions on faith and culture. As a result, his legacy is reflected in the increased participation of believers in public theological discourse and the continued development of online theological resources.
Selected Bibliography
- Wood, David. The Existence of God: A Reasoned Defense. London: Faith Press, 2012.
- Wood, David. God’s Sovereignty in a Secular World. Oxford: Christian Scholars Press, 2015.
- Wood, David, ed. Faith and Reason: A Dialogue. New York: Interfaith Publishers, 2019.
- Wood, David. Apologetics for the Digital Age. Boston: Gospel Media, 2021.
- Wood, David. Christ in the Contemporary World. Los Angeles: Evangelical Studies, 2023.
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