Lloyd Geering facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Lloyd Geering
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Geering in 2020
|
|
| Born |
Lloyd George Geering
26 February 1918 Rangiora, New Zealand
|
| Alma mater | University of Otago |
| Known for | 1967 charges of heresy |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Children | 3 |
Sir Lloyd George Geering (born 26 February 1918) is a famous New Zealand theologian. A theologian is someone who studies religion and God. In 1967, he faced questions about his teachings because he had different ideas about the Bible's stories of Jesus' death and resurrection. He believes that some very strict religious views, called fundamentalism, can be harmful.
Sir Lloyd is a professor emeritus of religious studies at Victoria University of Wellington. This means he is a retired professor who is still highly respected. In 2007, he received the Order of New Zealand, which is the highest award a civilian can get in New Zealand. Only 20 living people can hold this honour. Sir Lloyd turned 100 years old in February 2018.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lloyd Geering was born in Rangiora, New Zealand, on 26 February 1918. His family lived in Australia for four years when he was a child. There, he was the top student at Warrnambool Elementary School. After returning to New Zealand, he attended Otago Boys' High School from 1931 to 1935. He was the top student in his final year and played hockey.
In 1936, Sir Lloyd began studying mathematics at the University of Otago. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with top honours in 1940. While at university, he continued to play hockey and was active in drama and debating. He also joined the Student Christian Movement, becoming its president in 1939.
Sir Lloyd became interested in Christianity in 1937. After his first degree, he began studying to become a minister at Knox College in 1940. He was a pacifist, meaning he believed in peace and did not want to fight in World War II. He felt his Christian beliefs meant he could not be a soldier.
Family Life
On 22 May 1943, Lloyd Geering married Nancy Marie McKenzie. They had two children together. Sadly, Nancy passed away in 1949.
In 1951, Sir Lloyd married Elaine Morrison Parker, who was a speech therapist. They had one child. Elaine passed away in 2001. Later, in 2004, Sir Lloyd married Shirley Evelyn Adams. Shirley passed away in 2021 at the age of 95.
Career and Teaching
Sir Lloyd became a minister in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) in 1943. He worked as a minister in several places, including Kurow, Dunedin, and Wellington.
Later, he moved into teaching about religion. He was a professor of Old Testament studies in Australia and then in Dunedin. From 1963 to 1971, he was the principal of the Theological Hall in Dunedin.
In 1971, Sir Lloyd became the first professor of religious studies at Victoria University of Wellington. He held this important role until he retired in 1984. After retiring, he became a professor emeritus, meaning he kept his title and respect from the university.
Sir Lloyd is also part of groups like the Jesus Seminar and the Sea of Faith Network. These groups explore different ways of understanding faith and religion in modern times.
Disagreement Over Beliefs
In 1967, Sir Lloyd became well-known when some people in the Presbyterian Church disagreed with his teachings. They felt his ideas were different from the church's main beliefs. This was called a "doctrinal error."
During this time, Sir Lloyd shared his views that the resurrection of Jesus was not a physical return to life. He also suggested that God might not be a supernatural being who controls everything. The church discussed these differences, but the case was eventually dismissed.
Later Life and Climate Action
Sir Lloyd celebrated his 100th birthday on 26 February 2018. His father also lived to be 100 years old.
In 2021, Sir Lloyd joined a group called Intergenerational Climate Ambassadors. This group works to raise awareness about climate change. Sir Lloyd believes that humans need to take responsibility for the Earth's future. He said that the idea of God controlling everything has changed, and now we know that human actions affect the planet's temperature.
Awards and Recognition
Sir Lloyd Geering has received many important awards for his work and studies.
- In 1976, he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Otago. This is a special degree given to honour his achievements.
- In 1988, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
- In 2001, he became a Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
- In 2007, he was appointed a Member of the Order of New Zealand, which is the highest honour in New Zealand.
- In 2009, he accepted the title of Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Sir Lloyd is also a supporter of the Coalition for Open Government, which works for transparency in government.
Selected Books
Sir Lloyd Geering has written many books about religion and his ideas. Here are a few:
- Portholes to the Past: Reflections on the early 20th century (2016)
- On Me Bike: Cycling round New Zealand 80 years ago (2015)
- Reimagining God: The Faith Journey of a Modern Heretic (2014)
- From the Big Bang to God: Our Awe-Inspiring Journey of Evolution (2013)
- Wrestling with God: The Story of My Life (2006)
- Christianity without God (2002)
Images for kids
-
Geering in 2020
