I was blessed to know Guy Lytle for the past 20 years. I was on the search committee which hired him as the new Dean of the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. As a Senior in the School of Theology, I had seen and experienced first-hand how Biblical Christianity was being trashed in the name of academic freedom and liberalism. I will never forget the Dean of Students complaining that they needed to offer more Bible courses because so many students wanted to study Bible. This was a seminary, right??
Guy once described himself as an evangelical, charismatic, anglo-catholic, scholar. And he was!! He had an incredible love for Jesus and Truth of His Word. He lived and ministered in the full power of the Holy Spirit. And Guy had a deep appreciation and understanding for historical and sacred liturgy in worship and daily life. His incredible intellect could process and synthesize, and yet discern spiritually any material put in front of him. For Guy to become the Dean of the School of Theology was like two worlds clashing -- and clash they did! But Guy was a pastor first and he often demonstrated first hand to students how to love, respond to, and care for those who disagree with you. He did not back down from his principles and from the teaching of the Word of God. Yet, he was full of grace and the love of Jesus.
As his students will testify, Sewanee and each of our lives were better and more godly because of Guy Lytle. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.
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