Dr. Frederick Dale Bruner (born 1932) is an American biblical scholar.
Frederick Dale Bruner, considered by many fellow scholars as one of the world's preeminent biblical scholars and teachers, is principally known for his down-to-earth teaching style (which includes stick-figure drawings of biblical stories), memorization of entire books of Scripture, and his writing, most notably his critical examination of Pentecostal theology, entitled "A Theology of the Holy Spirit," and his two, multi-volumed commentaries on the Gospels of Matthew and John (all three published by Eerdman's). He has spoken in over 25 countries and speaks/reads seven languages. Bruner, who calls himself a Reformed biblical theologian, writes principally for the Church, not the Academy, and considers this the highest calling of theological exegetes.
Bruner became a Christian under the teaching of Henrietta Mears at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. It was there that he met his wife Kathy and discerned his call to be a professor and missionary. He earned his Masters of Theology and B.D. at Princeton Theological Seminary and his Th.D. at the University of Hamburg in Germany in 1963. He entered the mission field the following year, teaching at the Union Theological Seminary in Manila, Philippines from 1964-1975. From 1975-1997, Dr. Bruner taught at Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington and held the position of George & Lyda Wasson Professor of Religion. Since his retirement, a chaired position was created in his honor, which is currently held by noted biblical scholar, Dr. James Edwards. Since 1997, Bruner has been on the adjunct faculty at the Fuller Theological Seminary, in Pasadena, California, where he continues to write and research. His current project is a commentary on the book of Romans. Bruner also taught a weekly bible study class from September 1998 through June 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, which was his home church while a college student at Occidental.
Bruner has two sons and four grandchildren and he and his wife live in Pasadena.
Bruner earned his Bachelor's Degree from Occidental College in 1954. He earned his Master's of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Theology (Th.D) at the University of Hamburg in Germany in 1963.