For the sake of charitable discussion I would like to refrain from using the earliest reformers, Luther, Calvan, etc. simply because I would like to avoid arguing over their specific views or beliefs.
I’m thinking more in terms of those persons who were raised in a particular faith and did so in such a holy and upright manner as to be considered worthy of emulation for living a life of profound holiness.
One Final stipulation is that the person should have been dead for as least 25 years and is widely viewed in a positive light. By that I mean that their writings and life are generally viewed as useful, and Christian.
So to recap:
Persons who are western, non-catholic, raised in their faith, or converted after the denomination was established (not original reformers) who have been dead for at least 25 years and are widely considered as good Christian men or women.
Well that’s where we’ll start.
Any (name removed by moderator)ut?
Peace
James
Oddly enought I wouldn’t nominate many of the reformers as they were too violent. But as a former Protestant, now Catholic, I’d nominate the following -
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (German Lutheran Martyr)
John & Charles Wesley (Methodist founders)
Billy Graham (when he’s been dead long enough)
Gladys Aylward (Missionary to China)
David Livingstone (Missionary to Africa)
CS Lewis (Christian Writer and Apologist)
WIliam Wilberforce (Anti Slavery Campaigner)
James Hudson Taylor (China Missionary)
Rev. Robert Missenden (my old pastor - a bit discouraging, but definitely saintly - only been dead 17 years so far)
William and Catherine Booth (Founded the Salvos)
Martin Luther King (I’m not sure how much of the stories about infidelity hold water)
Mahatma Gandhi (non violent Indian politician)
The Buddha (original)
Watchman Nee (Chinese Christian writer - died in prison)
Paul Newman (Hollywood Actor - not strictly Protestant, but high moral standards & very charitable)
Albert Schweitzer (Missionary to AFrica, liberal theological ideas, but heart in the right place)
Fred Hollows (Atheist - helped thousands of third worlders to regain eye sight - bit rough around the edges)
Brother Andrew (Bible Smuggler to banned countries)
Mary Slessor (Missionary to Africa)
Florence NIghtingale (Nurse in Crimean War - bit of an old toughie, but saved a lot of lives)
George Muller (Founded orphanages on faith)
Sundar SIngh (Indian Christian)
Kanzo Uchimura (Japanese Christian during the Meiji era)
Abraham Lincoln (American President)
If I kept going I could find others, but that will do for a start.