Adoniram Judson: A Bicentennial Appreciation of the Pioneer American Missionary

Studies in Baptist Life and Thought

by Jason G. Duesing (Editor)

On February 19, 1812, Adoniram Judson, his wife Ann, and a few others set sail for the Far East from their American homeland. The launching of these missionaries by a newly formed outreach society marked the beginning of Americans formally joining the modem missions movement.

With the advent of 2012 comes recognition of the bicentennial of Judson’s departure and official start of the American missionary enterprise. This volume seeks to honor the life and mission of Judson while retelling his story for a new generation. With the occasion of the 200-year anniversary of Judson’s departure as a fitting context for such a presentation, the his- torians, theologians, and missiologists writing here under the guidance of editor Jason G. Duesing have endeavored not only to serve as Judson’s biographers of past events, but also as his interpreters of what they hope will take place in the present and future.

Contributors include Paige Patterson, Michael A. G. Haykin, Robert Caldwell, Nathan A. Finn, Candi Finch, Keith E. Eitel, Gregory A. Wills, and Daniel L. Akin.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Church History

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Serving Christ at the end of all things (1 Peter 4:7) for the glory of God (1 Peter 4:11) and the joy of all nations (Psalm 67:4), Jason G. Duesing is the academic Provost and Professor of Historical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary & College. Duesing earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology and Baptist Studies from Southwestern Seminary in 2008. He also holds a M.Div. from Southeastern Seminary and a B.A. in Speech Communications from Texas A&M University in College Station.

Duesing is married to Kalee, and together they have two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve.

Jason G. Duesing can be reached via email at jduesing [at] mbts [dot] edu, on Twitter at @JGDuesing, on Instagram at @JGDuesing, and on Facebook.

Reviews

[Matt Pitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first real introduction to Adoniram Judson came when Dr. Duesing recommended Courtney Anderson's biography of Judson called To The Golden Shore . That was several years ago, but that book remains one of my all time favorites and I am indebted to Dr. Duesing for recommending it. If you've read that book, you won't find much new here in terms of biography (though the contributors have consulted a number of biographies on Judson). You will however find a multi-faceted appreciation of the life and labor of Judson that will remind you why Judson's life is so powerful and worthy of remembrance.

If you are new to Judson, this book would be a good place to start. You will get a taste of the kind of impact Judson's story has had and catch some of the more significant parts of his life story. Once this book has whet your appetite, you'll probably want to follow this book up with Anderson's biography. The two together do an excellent job of honoring this extraordinary missionary.

If you're new to Judson, you don't know what you're missing.

As an additional note, this book is part of a series called "Studies in Baptist Life and Thought". This is my second book to read in this series (the other was on Andrew Fuller) and I must say I have been very pleased with them both. The quality of these two makes me want to read the others in the series.

[James Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read this book for seminary and had to write a much longer review, I'll simply copy and paste a portion of it here but in short, I'd recommend "To the Golden Shore" over this.

Dr. Duesing wrote clearly his proposed task: “The purpose of this volume has been to unearth this metaphorical stone and present a call to imitate Adoniram Judson in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.” In my opinion, Dr. Duesing has accomplished this task satisfactorily but not overwhelmingly so, as this text suffers from issues arising from the editor’s choice of arrangement. As a collection of nine essays rather than one flowing narrative, it does offer the reader a chance to explore in more depth the subjects of the essays. However, it also creates many issues that hinder this book from powerfully presenting the call to imitate Judson, namely, by much overlap and repetition between the essays and being very biased towards Baptist theology.

[Kenneth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal, impactful, and emotional book written about one of the great lions of the Faith.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

To commemorate the bicentennial of Adoniram Judson’s missionary journey, this collection of essays examines the motives and methods that prompted Judson to not only embark on this unprecedented journey but endure decades of unimaginable hardship. A myriad of contributors investigates Judson’s life and thought including his conversion, his reluctant yet complete embrace of Baptist beliefs, and his practices on the mission field. Occasional dryness in prose holds back an otherwise potent valuation of this remarkable pioneer.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible volume that is inspirational, encouraging, and impacting. I can't remember the last time I read a book that was so. I'd encourage anyone to read this book and get a terrific grasp of this man, his faith, his suffering, and his service to God. Brilliant.

[Bruce Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will have a Critical Book Review available in the next couple of days. This isn't a novel, but a very good and inspirational read. Judson was such a godly man and so important to Baptist missions. The book doesn't leave out the three godly women this twice-widowed man was blessed to marry.

[Phil Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This is a inspiring collection of essays on Adoniram Judson. It made me want to go back and re-read To the Golden Shore.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series of articles on the life of Adoniram Judson.

There is some interesting historiography here but mostly repetitive. Strongest articles were in the Missiological and Theological Evaluation section.

[Jacob Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phenomenal story of the father of missions. The life of Judson is an inspiration for young aspiring missionaries. Though his life was rich in successful ministry through the sufferings of a missionary lifestyle, Duesing seems mostly interested in the conversion and baptism story of Judson, the specific deaths of his three wives, and how he ended up in prison for 17 months. You can tell this by each chapter sharing the same story with a different flavor of writing.

I get that each author feels the need to summarize events up until their specific section. That being said, you’d be fine reading through chapter 4 and putting the book down. The repetitive storytelling of topical information reduces the power behind the story of Judson and his wives.

Love the story, dislike the writing. I’ll be looking for a greater analysis of Judson in the future.

[KaTsun Tsang · Rating 4 out of 5]

In spite of this volume being a biography of a famed missionary in the nineteenth century, the life of Adoniram Judson is virtually obscured by the God he came to love and proclaim to the world. The positives far outweigh the negatives in Adoniram Judson and thus should be a book on the shelves of scholars and laymen alike. Readers will be informed, encouraged, and challenged to emulate the zeal of the Judsons for fulfilling the Great Commission.

My full review: https://katsuntsang.wordpress.com/202...

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a helpful, in-depth look at Adoniram Judson’s life and ministry, which was instrumental in bringing the modern missions movement to America. A couple of the early chapters threatened to divert the attention away from Judson as they gave some historical context, but the rest of the book gives an accurate representation of Judson, both the good and the bad. An encouraging and inspiring read!

[Jennifer Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't typically enjoy reading biographical-type essays but I had to read this for a class I'm in and I must say that I really enjoyed it. I've never heard of Adoniram Judson before this class and I can honestly admit that this was the perfect dip into his life. I learned quite a bit and am curious to see what else I can find on him.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to the first American missionary, Adoniram Judson. What an incredible story! I will definitely read To The Golden Shore, which serves as a more extensive biography to Adoniram. I pray God continues to raise up more men and women who are obedient to our Kings marching orders, like Judson was. I commend the book!

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays rather than a flowing and smooth account, there is some repetition throughout. The subject is an important one, though, so it was worth wading through. This book would be valuable to those wanting to research more in depth the life and impact of Adoniram Judson, as it takes many more angles than a traditional biography could.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an encouraging read- definitely makes me want to read another biography about him and his wives. It does read like a textbook, which makes sense as it was a textbook for one of my husbands seminary classes, so for the average non-seminary student another biography may be more approachable and less choppy feeling.

[Jonathan Fontenot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all. The man was a pioneer. His efforts in Burma are still being felt long after his death in 1849. The book is well researched and well written. The chapter on Judson's wives was the most impactful to me.

[Rainer Erani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to write a longer review for a class. Feel free to reach out if you want to read the whole review. But overall, I don’t think I’d recommend this book to many people, even though I learned a lot from it.

[Othym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Account

If you are looking for a summary of Hudson's life and legacy, this is a must read. I recommend it.

[Chance Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Good opportunity to be encouraged by the life and ministry of Judson. I will say it felt slightly repetitive at times Jaime of its content, but he content was insightful.

[John Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to Judson

I hadn't read much about Judson, so this was a really helpful introduction to His life, work, and ministry in Burma.

[Joey Dutcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book that analyzes Judson’s life and work. I would recommend “To The Golden Shore” by Courtney Anderson instead. The biography provides this information and stirs the heart much more.

[Alec Holloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good content found in here, but repetitive half of the book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little repetitive but an good intro to the lives and works of the Judsons.

[M.J. Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both inspiring and informative. Enjoyed finding out more of the details concerning Judson's theological background, his changing positions on baptism, and his endurance through unspeakable sufferings as a missionary.

[Erik Spohr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compilation of essays and papers on this pioneer missionary, and his faithful commitment to the cause of Christ in Burma.