Don Carson Announces Heath Challenges in Recent Christmas Letter
The Gospel Coalition has requested prayers for co-founder Don Carson, best known as D.A. Carson, following his recent Christmas letter, has ceased all upcoming speaking engagements due to Parkinson's disease.
"The physical limitations arising from my Parkinson's Disease slow me down, but the cognitive limitations constitute a more serious impediment," Carson wrote in the letter, according to Church Leaders. "A few weeks ago, for several minutes, I tried to convince my neurologist that we are living in 2008."
Carson noted that he "could not remember the name of the first president of the United States. (I thought of offering to provide the name of the first Prime Minister of Canada, which I could remember, but I doubt that the neurologist would have been impressed.)."
"I am still serving on the elders board of our church, but no longer in any public capacity. At the end of November, I attended what will probably turn out to be my last conference of the Evangelical Theological Society," Carson said.
In TCG's statement, the organization expressed gratitude for Carson's contributions and vision for the ministry.
"Please be in prayer for The Gospel Coalition's co-founder, Don Carson," the statement read. "As Don shared in a recent Christmas letter, the physical and cognitive limitations arising from his Parkinson's disease have forced him to end his speaking engagements and other ministry involvements."
"Along with scores around the world who have been touched by his decades of biblically faithful writing, teaching, and church leadership," the statement continued, "we want to express gratitude to Don for the founding vision and ongoing guidance he has provided TGC, which marks its 20th anniversary next year."
"Please ask the Lord to show mercy to Don and his family, granting them the knowledge of him and the sweetness of his presence as they walk through this trial," TGC continued. "Though he's slowing down and facing significant health challenges, we take comfort in the truth Don is fond of reminding us: 'I am not suffering from anything that a good general resurrection can't fix.'"
TCG, described as "a fellowship of evangelical churches in the Reformed tradition", was launched in 2004 by Carson and co-founder the late Tim Keller.
Photo Credit: ©Facebook/The Gospel Coalition
Originally published December 23, 2024.
