Influential Figures in Christianity. Week 4 March

Transcription

1 Influential Figures in Christianity Week 4 March Florence Nightingale Lived: Location: Born Florence, Italy; died Park Lane, London, England Social reformer, statistician, founder of modern nursing Born into upper class, well connected British family and moved back to England when she was 1 Famous for: Named after the city of her birth Granddaughter of abolitionist William Smith Educated by her father Several experiences that she believed were calls from God in 1837 prompted desire to devote life to service of others Respected her family s opposition to her being a nurse until adulthood, announcing decision to join the field in 1844 Worked hard to educate herself in art and science of nursing, despite opposition from family and restrictive social code for wealthy young English women family intensely angry Remembered as a pretty, charming young lady but turned down marriage because she believed it would interfere in her ability to follow her calling During her travels, she witnessed a pastor and deacon in Germany working for sick and deprived turning point in her life stayed there at Kaiserswerth-am-Rhein for medical training 1853 took a superintendent post at Institute for the Care of Sick Gentlewomen in Upper Harley Street, London until father provided income so she could pursue her career comfortably Crimean War became her central focus when reports of horrific conditions for the wounded returned to England Sent to Ottoman Empire with a team of her staff in 1854 Overworked staff, official indifference, short supply of medicine, neglected hygiene, mass infections all common Sent a plea back to England for a government solution resulted in Renkioi Hospital reduced death rate from 42% to 2% and Sanitation Commission sent to improve standards Known as the Lady with the Lamp because of nightly rounds to care for sick patients Pioneer of medical tourism based on her letters people who travel elsewhere for treatment Founded the Nightingale Training School for nurses at St. Thomas Hospital in 1860 (now called Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery - at King s College)

2 Wrote Notes on Nursing in 1859 considered a classic introduction to nursing Spent the rest of her life promoting and organizing the nursing profession Achievements include fundraising for hospitals, introduction of trained nurses into workhouse system, inspiration for nurses during American Civil War, her nurses went on to become matrons at leading hospitals throughout Britain and Australia, advocating better hunger relief in India, helping to abolish harsh laws against prostitution Awarded the Royal Red Cross by Queen Victoria in 1883, Lady of Grace of the Order of St. John in 1904, first woman to be awarded the Order of Merit in 1907, Honorary Freedon of City of London in 1908 During later, bedridden years, she did pioneer work in field of hospital planning Lasting contribution has been her role in founding modern nursing profession example of compassion, commitment to care, and diligent work Remained in Church of England throughout her life, also influenced by Wesleyan tradition felt genuine religion should manifest in active care and love for others Her work was motivated by faith example to us Intense personal devotion to Christ, despite some unconventional views and criticism of organized religion disliked the role the Church of England would sometimes play to worsen the oppression of the poor Argued for secular hospitals because she was against discrimination against other denominations or religions Birthday now celebrated as CFS Awareness Day (chronic fatigue syndrome) and International Nurses Day Helped to expand the acceptable forms of female participation in the workforce Chose a life of celibacy so she could focus on work helped to change views around unmarried women, those who have the gift of celibacy Question: How can your faith motivate your work? Susan B. Anthony Lived: Location: Born in Adams, Massachusetts, died in Rochester, New York American social reformer and feminist Born Susan Brownell Anthony Born into a Quaker family committed to social equality siblings fought for abolition, suffrage

3 Educated at boarding schools until her family was financially ruined when she was 17 she went to teach to help the family Moved to Rochester with her family where they connected with other Quakers who left congregations because of restrictions on reform activities formed new organization called Congregational Friends family farm became meeting place for activists Headmistress of female department at Canajoharie Academy distressed at being paid much less for equal work Attracted to reform ideas by people such as William Lloyd Garrison and Elizabeth Cady Stanton who would become her lifelong friend Started wearing controversial but practical Bloomer dresses but quit wearing it because opponents focused on her apparel, not her ideas Anthony and Stanton became lifelong friends and coworkers complimentary skills Called herself a Quaker for her whole life, once referred to as agnostic because it was an unconventional faith saw work as worship, not simply bowing down to God Famous for: Playing a pivotal role in women s suffrage movement Involved with abolition movement collected anti-slavery petitions at age 17 In 1856 became New York state agent for American Anti-Slavery society Best known for her work on women s rights with Stanton When she started this work, she was harshly ridiculed and accused of trying to destroy the institution of marriage public perception changed radically throughout her life Founded New York Women s State Temperance Society (after she wasn t allowed to speak at a temperance conference because she was a woman), Women s Loyal National League, American Equal Rights Association (genders and race), National Woman Suffrage Association, International Council of Women Published The Revolution women s rights newspaper, worked with Stanton and Matilda Joslyn Gage on History of Woman Suffrage Arrested for voting in her hometown and convicted in a highly-publicised trial Anthony and Stanton arranged for Congress to be presented with suffrage amendment 19 th Amendment in 1920 (Anthony Amendment) Travelled extensively in support of women s suffrage Became first non fictitious woman to be depicted on US currency when her portrait appeared on 1979 dollar coin Opposed laws that gave husbands complete control over their marriage because a woman s existence was suspended in favour of the husband Worked for human rights despite opposition, often from Christian circles Her work benefits women today suffrage, human rights, etc.

4 Fought for abolition which eventually happened Wasn t afraid to be a leader when women were supposed to be inferior Example that some people have gift of celibacy, example to young women who feel called to work today Helped to change views that wives and women were inferior to husbands or men Quotes: "I never found the man who was necessary to my happiness. I was very well as I was." Oh, if I could but live another century and see the fruition of all the work for women! There is so much yet to be done. Question: Racism and sexism are still issues we deal with as a society, and unfortunately in many churches as well. Why do you think Christians have been so slow to start social changes? Harriet Tubman Lived: 1822~-1913 Location: Born Dorchester County, Maryland, died Auburn, New York African-American abolitionist, humanitarian and union spy during Civil War Born Araminta Minty Ross to slave parents maternal grandmother arrived in US on slave ship from Africa no other info available about ancestors Parents raised her as a Christian and mother told her Bible stories - as she grew up she rejected NT teachings that slaves should be obedient and found comfort in OT tales of deliverance 3 sisters sold by owner, separating the family forever; when youngest brother was to be sold, her mother hid him with help from free blacks in the community when new buyer came to take him, she told him the first man that comes into my house, I will split his head open and sale was abandoned influenced Tubman s believe in the possibilities of resistance As a child, she was beaten by masters when she was hired out suffered a severe head wound when hit with a metal weight injury caused disabling epileptic seizures, headaches, dream experiences throughout her life as a devout Christian, she ascribed her visions and dreams to revelations from God Married a free black man, John Tubman in 1844 but legally their kids would be slaves changed her name to Harriet, her mom s name, likely when she planned to escape (he remarried before she could return for him after her escape)

5 Famous for: Slave owner ignored laws that he had to release her family after a certain time, tried to sell her again, she began praying for him but when nothing happened she prayed Oh Lord, if you ain t never going to change that man s heart, kill him, Lord, and take him out of the way. he died a week later and she expressed regret His death meant her family could be split up she refused to wait for her fate to be decided she and 2 brothers escaped 1849, but after brothers had second thoughts they returned She then escaped alone and used the Underground Railroad (informal but well-organized whites, blacks, abolitionists) travelled at night guided by the North Star and reached Philadelphia In the meantime, US Congress passed Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, making it mandatory for law officials to assist in capture even in free states many headed to Canada Instead, she worked odd jobs and then returned to Maryland to help other family members each return trip increased her confidence William Lloyd Garrison called her Moses did this for 11 years 13 trips rescuing 70 slaves including her brothers, their wives and kids, also giving instructions for another 50+ who escaped Usually made these trips in winter and she used a variety of tactics to stay safe pretending to read (illiterate), dressing as a slave, etc. Trusted in God to keep her safe on these journeys, and she never lost a passenger on the Railroad Served as a nurse in Port Royal Worked as a Union Spy during American Civil War because of her knowledge of covert travel Became first woman to lead an armed assault during the Civil War guided 3 steamboats around Confederate mines on Combahee River freed 750 slaves during this raid Worked for Union for 2 years tended to newly freed slaves, scouted Confederate territory, nursed wounded soldiers Remained in constant poverty for unpaid work, no pension from war until 1899, and constant humanitarian work Spent later life caring for her elderly parents working odd jobs is how she met second husband, and they adopted a daughter Also worked to promote women s suffrage worked alongside Susan B. Anthony speaker for women s rights and was keynote speaker at National Federation of Afro-American Women in 1896 Last words - "I go to prepare a place for you." Considered one of the most famous civilians in American history Lasting example of bravery and determination to fight for what is right Viewed struggles and disability as a gift from God to do his work Truly relied on God for safety during this time

6 Inspired generations of African Americans struggling for civil rights praised across the political spectrum Her social reform work benefits us still Has an asteroid named after her Quotes: There was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other. I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can't say; I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger. Twasn't me, 'twas the Lord! I always told Him, 'I trust to you. I don't know where to go or what to do, but I expect You to lead me,' an' He always did. Question: How can we use our struggles and difficult experiences to glorify God? James Hudson Taylor Lived: Location: Born Barnsley, Yorkshire, England; died Changsha, Hunan (hoo-nan), Qing China Protestant Christian missionary to China Born into a Methodist family but rejected Chritsian beliefs of his parents At age 17, read an evangelistic tract and became a Christian 1849 committed to go to China as a missionary met Edward Cronin, member of a Plymouth Bretheren missionary party to Baghdad learned his faith mission principles from his contact with this group Began studying Mandarin, Greek, Hebrew and Latin Moved to Kingston upon Hull to be a medical assistant, began preparing himself for a life of faith and service, devoted himself to poor and trusted God to meet his needs; handed out gospel tracts and practiced open-air preaching baptised during this time Studied medicine in Whitechapel to prepare for work in China Offered himself as a missionary to Chinese Evangelisation Society Famous for: Spending 51 years in China as a missionary and founder if China Inland Mission (now OMF International) Known for his sensitivity to Chinese culture and zeal for evangelism

7 Considered one of most significant Europeans to visit China in 19 th Century, primarily because of CIM s work against opium trade Made his first trip in 1853 adopted clothing to be better received by the people (rare during that time), Preached in several varieties of Chinese, also adopted a Chinese boy during this time Met and married his wife there Returned to England to continue work translating NT in company with Church Missionary Society knew Ningbo well enough to help prepare a colloquial edition of NT written in it Completed his diploma and traveled around England promoting the needs of China during this time became friends with Charles Spurgeon who became a lifelong supporter Founded China Inland Mission during this time accepted all Protestant denominations - The society he began brought over 800 missionaries and started 125 schools conversions Returned to China after 5 years largest party of missionaries ever sent believed Gospel would only take root if missionaries were willing to affirm the culture they were seeking to reach Died in China during 11 th visit Beginning of faith missions (sending missionaries without promise of temporal support) has had a wide impact among evangelical churches to this day China Inland Mission gained notable distinction largest Protestant mission agency in the world His life has inspired generations of Christians to follow his example of service and sacrifice (including Billy Graham) His descendants continued his full-time ministry into 21 st century in Chinese communities Sets an example of engaging with different culture to win people for Christ saw the importance of adopting the culture himself and relied on Paul s teachings to become like the culture to save them Historian Ruth Tucker said, No other missionary in the nineteen centuries since the Apostle Paul has had a wider vision and has carried out a more systematised plan of evangelising a broad geographical area than Hudson Taylor. Quotes: "Let us in everything not sinful become like the Chinese, that by all means we may save some." Christ is either Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. Perhaps if there were more of that intense distress for souls that leads to tears, we should more frequently see the results we desire. Sometimes it may be that while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, the hardness of our own hearts and our feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of eternal things may be the true cause of our want of success. Question: Share your experiences with missions work and/or engaging with other cultures.

8 Charles Spurgeon Lived: Location: Born Kelvedon, Essex, England; died Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, France (French Riviera) alpmaʁee-teem British Particular (Calvinist) Baptist preacher and author Became a Christian at age 15 (1850) on his way to an appointment, a snow storm forced him to cut his journey short and turn into a Methodist chapel where God opened his heart to the salvation message (Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me and be ye saved ) Baptised a few months later in the River Lark later that year moved to Cambridge where he became a Sunday school teacher Preached his first sermon the winter after his conversion while filling in for a friend style and ability were considered above average from the very beginning 1851 installed as a pastor of a small Baptist church, where he published his first Gospel tract a couple of years later Famous for: Remains a highly influential preacher among many denominations known as the Prince of Preachers because of his excellent preaching quality considered among the best in Christian literature Estimated that he preached to around 10 million people in his lifetime many sermons translated during his lifetime (3600 sermons) Strong figure in the Reformed Baptist tradition Pastor of the New Park Street Chapel for 38 years called there at age 19 in 1854 largest Baptist congregation in London at the time Moved to a new building (Metropolitan Tabernacle) at Elephant and Castle in 1861 seating 5000 Within months his preaching abilities made him famous sermons printed and published each week Immediately following fame was criticism, yet at 22 was the most popular preacher of the day In 1856 while preaching at the Surrey Gardens Music Hall, a fire started and panic/stampede left several dead emotionally devastated and had sobering influence on his life struggled with depression for many years afterwards Together with William Carrett Lewis founded the London Baptist Association Founded Spurgeons, a charity organization that now works globally Founded Spurgeon s College (named after him posthumously) Author of commentaries, prayer books, devotionals, magazines, poetry, hymns, his autobiography, etc. (49 volumes)

9 Invented the Wordless Book, an evangelistic tool used to minister to different languages or the illiterate Founded the Stockwell Orphanage which continued until it was bombed in WWII became Spurgeon s Child Care which still exists today Strongly opposed slave owning lost him support from Southern Baptists many sent threatening letters Controversy in 1887 known as the Downgrade Controversy published an article against the church moving in a liberal direction regarding Calvinism, sola scriptura, inerrancy of the Bible, etc. Lead to a split from the Baptist union, making his church the largest self-standing church in the world Even young people can be great leaders! While never lead altar calls, he encouraged those searching to visit him on Mondays nearly every week someone was there looking to become a Christian Set a high standard for good preaching influenced many because of this Books and sermons are widely read today still influencing people! Wordless book is a popular evangelism tool we have used it in VBS here Partnered with James Hudson Taylor to impact China Longevity of his position at his church grew it enormously Spurgeon s organization, his college, and child care are still with us today Quotes: There is dust enough on some of your Bibles to write damnation with your fingers. God s mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of its light, or make space too narrow, than diminish the great mercy of God. When I cease to preach salvation by faith in Jesus, put me into a lunatic asylum, for you may be sure that my mind is gone. Question: Have you ever felt (or been made to feel) that you were too young to do God s work? Dwight L. Moody Lived: Location: Born and died in Northfield, Massachusetts American evangelist and publisher

10 Born to a large family, father died when he was very young mom did what she could to support them, but some of her children had to be sent off to work for their room and board, including DL During those years she continued to send her children to church, raised in Unitarian church Aged 17 moved to Boston to work at uncle s shoe store requirement was that he attend the Congregational Church there converted to evangelical Christianity in 1855 when his Sunday school teacher talked to him about how much God loved him sparked start of his career as an evangelist Under his tireless labour, within a year of working in Sunday School the average attendance was 650 kids and 60 teachers newly elected President Lincoln visited and spire in 1860 Could not consciously enlist in Union army, describing himself as a Quaker in that respect instead worked with YMCA and paid visits to battlefront Famous for: Growing the Sunday School until the congregation needed a permanent, larger home started Illinois Street Church in Chicago (renamed Moody Church posthumously) 1871 Great Chicago Fire destroyed his church, home, and the homes of most members he saved nothing but his reputation and his Bible church rebuilt within 3 months Moved back to his birthplace to live on a tranquil farm, where he found rest after lengthy preaching trips town became important location as he organized summer conferences which were attended by prominent preachers and evangelists from around the world Became well known as an evangelist during trip to England in 1872 preached almost 100 times, filling stadiums up to 4000 (once as high as 30,000) This is how he met Spurgeon who promoted him and invited him to speak when he returned to America, crowds up to 20,000 were common, taking place as far as San Fran Used the Wordless Bible to do cross-cultural evangelism, adding gold to represent heaven Published books of hymns News of his revival campaigns in Great Britain, making Mr. Moody a household name as far as Sweden Moody Fever Founded Moody Bible Institute and Moody Publishers Wordless book still used to teach uncounted thousands of illiterate people around the globe Greatly influenced the cause of cross-cultural missions after meeting Hudson Taylor, supported CIM Became a hero in Sweden despite never going to a Scandinavian country esp. Swedish Mission Friends One of many who popularized revival meetings and full stadium preaching tours During early Sunday School days his teacher stated that he had seen few persons whose minds were spiritually darker than was his when he came into [his] Sunday School class, and when he

11 Quotes: started volunteering he witnessed him struggling to read the Prodigal Son story to a small boy he was holding, having to skip the words he couldn t read and thought If the Lord can ever use such an instrument as that for His honour and glory, it will astonish me and yet he grew that class significantly! We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don t fire cannons to call attention to their shining they just shine. We talk about heaven being so far away. It is within speaking distance to those who belong there. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Question: Who has been the most influential teacher in your life? How have they impacted you?