Religion expert John Newport dies at 83

FORT WORTH, Texas — One of Southern Baptists’ leading authorities on the New Age, cults and world religions has died.

John P. Newport, distinguished professor emeritus of philosophy of religion at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, died Aug. 18 in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 83. He suffered a stroke in June and had been hospitalized ever since, spending much of the time in a coma.

Born in Buffalo, Mo., Newport served at Southwestern 1952-76 and 1979-90. In addition to his teaching duties, Newport also was vice president for academic affairs and provost. He continued to teach at Southwestern after retirement until 1999.

He taught at Baylor University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary before going to Southwestern and was a visiting professor at Princeton Theological Seminary.