Fiel testemunha: a vida e a obra de William Carey

by Elizabeth George

William Carey é universalmente reconhecido como o “Pai das Missões Modernas”. Seu nome se confunde com o período heroico do movimento missionário protestante iniciado com seus 40 anos de ministério na Índia, período que inclui a saga de outras personagens notáveis como Henry Martin, Adoniram Judson e David Livingstone, cujas vidas foram profundamente influenciadas pelo exemplo de Carey. Sapateiro, botânico, tradutor, pregador, gerente de fábrica – William Carey foi tudo isso e muito mais. Acima de tudo, ele foi uma fiel testemunha do evangelho de Jesus Cristo no meio de uma vida de sofrimento pessoal, de desprezo profissional e de discórdias internacionais. Livro de cabeceira, Fiel Testemunha o conduzirá pelos caminhos trilhados por William Carey, numa linguagem cheia de vida, de emoções e de convicções intensas, que Timothy George sabe expressar com maestria indiscutível, a exemplo de sua outra obra publicada pela Vida Nova, Teologia dos Reformadores.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Church History, Biography Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Elizabeth George is bestselling author and national speaker dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. For over 30 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth has helped countless men and women:

- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Women around the world are drawn to Elizabeth’s approach of daily starting with the Bible to handle life’s challenges. Her ability to weave biblical truth into everyday issues has led readers to make over 15 of her books bestsellers. Elizabeth’s distinctive work, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, has sold over 1 million copies and received the ECPA Platinum Book Award. Likewise, her delightful book, A Girl After God’s Own Heart, remains a treasured gift for moms and grandmothers and made the CBA Bestseller List for fourteen consecutive months.

Elizabeth also encourages women through her radio broadcast, “A Minute for Busy Women,” featured on Christian radio stations across America and at www.OnePlace.com. She is also a regular keynote speaker at women’s conferences and retreats.

In the midst of their busy writing schedule, Elizabeth and Jim love spending time with their two married daughters and eight grandchildren, taking daily walks along golden sands, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. They divide time residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and the Washington State coast.

Reviews

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une très bonne biographie de la vie de William Carey, appelé « le père des missions modernes » à juste titre.

[Marti Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

After listening to a history professor--even one who has a deconstructionist bent--speak better of William Carey than I have when he comes up in my teaching, I realized I might need to dig a little deeper. Raised a few questions, got some good answers, and confessed I'd not read anything book-length about the man and wasn't sure where to start. This was my prof's recommendation. George draws on older volumes but tells the story in something closer to a modern voice, which makes it more readable than the older books. Not a long book, but sufficiently detailed to help me "fix" my own material.

I am still, however, looking for support for this claim by Joni Erickson Tada that William Carey's sister was a quadriplegic, his confidante, and prayed for him every day (http://www.joniandfriends.org/radio/4...) . All the sources seem to cite letters "to his sisters," and George points out that Mary (also known as Polly) was his favorite. Descriptions of his boyhood come from her and mention her following him around in his tromps through woods and meadow (clearly not housebound at that point). I need to dig a little more to see when (if?) she became paralyzed.

Meanwhile, George does provide a more sympathetic picture of William's efforts to be a good husband to the woman he refers to as "Poor Mrs. Carey," his first wife, and describes other struggles and tensions in a fairly sympathetic but not too worshipful language. If asked for a good biography of Carey, I might recommend this as a good choice. Need to take a look at the newer edition if I can and see what's still in print. The earliest biographies of Carey are probably available in some form online at this point.

My prof also made a case that Ruth Tucker's assessment of Carey (and especially of his marriage) was too harsh. Wm. could have sent Dolly to an institution somewhere but was committed to kindly caring for her at home, and even if he was off pursuing his many projects much of the time, the place in Serampore was a communal home. Hannah Marshman - who somehow didn't go mad after burying six of her own 12 children - was among those who made that house a home.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic introduction to the life of William Carey, this book tells his story faithfully. Some missions biographies give you deep insights into the spiritual development of the subject and, in doing so, one feels as though they are growing along with the person at hand. I would not lump this book into that category, if memory serves me correctly. It is simply a straightforward account of God's work through Carey. That being said, Carey was highly influential as a pioneering missionary. He was one of the first to challenge the notion that if God wanted to reach the nations, He would do it himself. Carey overcame intense family struggles, opposition from others, and the loss of his translation work to fire as he sought to establish a work in India. While other accounts may take you deeper, this is a worthy read and will fuel the fire of burden for foreign missions in anyone likeminded.

[Alyssa Bohon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good - well-researched and engaging writing, encouraging, inspiring.

I appreciated the author's perspective as a theologian, as he brought out what was most spiritually edifying and instructive in Carey's experiences without being too dry. He also traced the development of the theological movements happening in surrounding history and their influence in the story. He writes as one in sympathy with Carey's vision, desiring to push it forward to the next generations. But for all that, the book reads like a good story.

The appendix contains the full text of Carey's Enquiry which is well worth reading in its own right.

[Justin Sassard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. Timothy George writes in a style that’s engaging and informative. A lot of biographies and history books feel overloaded with facts, but this book being 180 pages felt like the perfect amount to be introduced to Carey’s life. I genuinely feel so encouraged and edified by reading it. I read it for seminary but it was a joy to read. This book made me not only interested to read more about William Carey but only interested in Timothy George’s other books because it was just so well written. If you are interested in missions or Baptist history (two of the best things) this book is well worth your time.

[Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great account of an amazing missionary so unknown in this generation.
Although the writing can get a bit slow at times I really enjoyed it. Mr. Carey was an amazing man met by many different tough circumstances, but never lost sight of God or his purpose of being a missionary in India.
The fact he didn’t really have a ton of converts was surprising, but those that plant the seed don’t usually get to see the growth.
He was amazing! So humble and godly, wow!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful biography of the father of the modern missions movement. An insightful look at the life and convictions of a man whose life left a mark on my own, as one who followed in Carey’s footsteps in living and ministering in a foreign land. I am so grateful for the legacy of William Carey.

[Rodrigo Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Que história de vida impactante e encorajadora. Louvado seja Deus pela vida de Carey. O livro conta nos detalhes a sua história e como ele viveu para fazer missões na Índia. Legal que contém algumas fotos.

[Brian Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine biography of William Carey, the British missionary to India. While the biography could be more extensive, George provides enough detail to understand the impact of Carey's ministry. Carey was truly a remarkable man. That being said, George does not provide any negative details of Carey--poor decisions, failures, character flaws, etc. That might be the only real flaw in this work. However, I think George's style of writing--admiring and devotional--is preferable to a dry, disinterested account of Carey's life and work. This book contains the whole of Carey's famous "Enquiry" in an appendix that is 57 pages long.

[ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book thinking I would find an awesome, succssful story of a man who started a Christian movement in India. Instead I found a man who was very along, rejected and cheated in his desire to proclaim God to the nations. I was amazed at his passion for God, his comprehension of languages (30+), and his total dependency on God. What of his main phrases I loved was: Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God" After 40 yrs of ministry, he finally got one convert! This book inspired me to take my faith seriously and to act.

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. George does a good job of blending historical research, spiritual biography, and a well-written narrative. The resoluteness of Carey encourages me to follow God's call, even if things constantly go wrong.

[Elizabeth Busekrus]

I

[Michael Schmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and informative biography of William Carey, dealing not only with Carey but also providing more insights into the lives of some of his contemporaries and current events of the time. Very pleased to see Carey's "Enquiry" published as an appendix, which is well worth reading!