Called a “critical thought leader” by publisher Harper Collins, renowned Christian author and philosopher Dallas Willard died today at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer. A professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California since 1965, Willard wrote many well-received and award-winning books on spiritual formation, including The Divine Conspiracy, The Spirit of the Disciplines, Hearing God, The Great Omission and Renovation of the Heart. His most recent book, Knowing Christ Today, was published in 2009.
InterVarsity Press associate publisher Andrew T. Le Peau wrote on his blog that Willard will be missed for his “strong, gentle wisdom, remembering him as someone who was soaked in the presence of Christ.”
According to his biography on his website, Willard was born in Buffalo, Missouri, in September 1935. He is survived by his wife Jane, his two children John and Becky, and a granddaughter Larissa.
