Lloyd Geering facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lloyd Geering
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Geering in 2020
|
|
| Born |
Lloyd George Geering
26 February 1918 Rangiora, New Zealand
|
| Died | 5 November 2026 (aged 108) Lower Hutt, New Zealand
|
| Education | University of Otago |
| Known for | Big religious debate in 1967 |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | ONZ, GNZM, CBE |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Religious studies |
| Institutions | Victoria University of Wellington |
Sir Lloyd George Geering was an important New Zealand theologian who taught about world beliefs and history. A theologian is a scholar who investigates religion, ancient texts, and faith traditions. He was a famous thinker who asked big questions about ancient stories, modern science, and history. During his long life, he became a well-known university teacher and writer.
He served as an honored professor of religious studies at Victoria University of Wellington. He wanted people to think carefully for themselves. In late 2006, he received the title of Member of the Order of New Zealand. This is the highest civil award in the country. Geering lived an unusually long life and became a centenarian in 2018. He was widely recognized as the oldest living man in New Zealand before passing away in 2026.
Contents
Early Life and School Days of Lloyd Geering
Lloyd Geering was born in the town of Rangiora on 26 February 1918. His parents were Alice Johnston and George Frederick Thomas Geering. When he was a boy, his family moved to Dunedin. Soon after, they travelled across the sea to Australia.
Between 1927 and 1930, young Lloyd lived in Australia. He worked very hard in his primary classes. He earned the honor of dux, which means he was the top student in his class at Warrnambool Elementary School. After four years away, his family moved back home to New Zealand.
High School Years and Sports
As a teenager, he went to Otago Boys' High School from 1931 to 1935. Lloyd loved reading books, but he was also very active outside. He played field hockey with great skill and became the vice-captain of the school team. In his final year, he finished as the top scholar once again.
University Studies and New Interests
In 1936, Lloyd entered the University of Otago to study mathematics. While solving complex math puzzles, he met new friends who invited him to local youth groups. He joined the Student Christian Movement, which changed his goals entirely.
Instead of only doing calculations, he wanted to explore history, philosophy, and ancient writings. He applied to enter Knox College to train as a church leader. Before doing that, his teachers wanted him to finish his first university studies. He took part in university debates and theater plays. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with high honours in 1940. He was also nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship.
Choices During Wartime
After getting his honours degree, Geering went back to Knox College in 1940. During World War II, many young men joined the armed forces. Geering decided he could not take part in fighting because of his peaceful beliefs. He believed that his faith called for helping people without weapons.
In 1943, he married Nancy Marie McKenzie in the city of Timaru. They had two children together. Sadly, Nancy caught an illness named tuberculosis and died in 1949. Geering later married Elaine Morrison Parker in 1951, and they raised a child together. Elaine passed away in 2001. A few years later, in 2004, he married Shirley Evelyn Adams, who lived until 2021.
Working as a Minister and University Professor
Lloyd Geering began working as a church minister in the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand in 1943. He guided different local congregations in small farming towns and big cities. Over time, his deep knowledge of ancient history led him toward teaching.
He began working as a professor of ancient scriptures in Brisbane, Australia, in 1956. By 1960, he moved back to Dunedin to teach at Theological Hall, where he soon became the head principal. He enjoyed discussing how ancient cultures wrote down their tales and laws.
Moving to Victoria University of Wellington
In 1971, Geering started a new adventure by becoming the very first professor of religious studies at Victoria University of Wellington. In this role, he did not teach people what to believe. Instead, he taught students about different global religions and how human ideas change over time.
He retired from full-time university teaching in 1984. Even after stepping down, he continued to give public talks and write books. He worked closely with study groups such as the Jesus Seminar and the Sea of Faith network. He was also involved with the Living the Questions educational project.
The Great Church Disagreement of 1967
In 1967, Lloyd Geering became famous across the entire country because of a major religious disagreement. He wrote articles explaining that modern science and historical evidence should help us understand old stories. He argued that ancient stories about Jesus should be understood as poetic symbols of hope rather than literal physical events.
Some traditional church members did not like these modern views. They claimed his teachings went against church rules, calling it heresy. A special church gathering was arranged to decide if he had broken any rules.
What Did the Church Decide?
The church leaders held a large public meeting in 1967 to examine his writings. Geering explained that historical research showed ancient lands like Palestine were full of symbolic storytelling. He told the audience that the idea of the return from the dead was meant to inspire good living, not to describe a medical miracle.
After listening to both sides, the General Assembly decided to dismiss the complaint completely. Geering was allowed to keep teaching and writing freely. The event showed that people could hold different opinions and still speak peacefully with one another.
Caring for the Planet and Living Past 100 Years
As Lloyd Geering grew older, he became deeply concerned about nature and the environment. He believed that caring for the Earth was the most important job for all humans, regardless of their personal beliefs.
Joining Climate Ambassadors
In 2021, Geering joined the Intergenerational Climate Ambassadors. This team was created by weather scientist Jim Salinger and community leader Sophie Handford, who served as a local district councillor. The group brought older thinkers and young leaders together to protect planet Earth.
Geering warned that people must take responsibility for caring for nature. He stated that rising temperatures were caused by human actions and that everybody must act wisely to safeguard our home planet.
Becoming New Zealand's Oldest Man
On 26 February 2018, Geering marked his 100th birthday, reaching the rare milestone of a centenarian. His father had also lived to be 100 years old. Geering stayed active, continued to write, and enjoyed talking with younger generations.
In September 2025, Geering officially became the oldest living man in New Zealand. He lived peacefully at his community home in Lower Hutt. He passed away on 5 November 2026 at the age of 108.
Awards and Special Recognitions
During his long career, Lloyd Geering received many honors for his educational work and leadership:
- In 1976, the University of Otago gave him an honorary Doctor of Divinity title.
- In the 1988 New Year Honours, he was chosen as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
- In the 2001 New Year Honours, he was named a Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
- In the 2007 New Year Honours, he received the highest national honor, becoming a member of the Order of New Zealand.
- During the 2009 Special Honours, he officially became a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, which gave him the title of Sir.
He also worked as an enthusiastic supporter of the Coalition for Open Government, helping promote fairness and honesty in civic life.
Books Written by Lloyd Geering
Geering was an author who wrote many books about history, ancient thinkers, and nature:
- 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 (published by Polebridge Press in 2014)
- From the Big Bang to God: Our Awe-Inspiring Journey of Evolution (2013)
- Such Is Life!: A Close Encounter With Ecclesiastes (2010)
- Coming Back to Earth: From Gods to God to Gaia (2009)
- In Praise of the Secular (2007)
- Is Christianity Going Anywhere? (2004)
- Wrestling with God: The Story of My Life (2006)
- The Greening of Christianity (2005)
- Christianity Without God (2002)
- The World to Come: From Christian Past to Global Future (1999)
- The World of Relation: An Introduction to Martin Buber's I and Thou (1983)
- Resurrection – A Symbol of Hope (1971)
