E. Stanley Jones Biography
Intro
E. Stanley Jones (born Eli Stanley Jones) was an American missionary, theologian, and author who made a substantial influence on the world of faith, especially on the relationship in between Christianity and other religious beliefs, throughout the 20th century. Born on June 3, 1884, in Baltimore, Maryland, Jones would go on to spread the message of Christ in India for several years and release over 30 books. He passed away on January 25, 1973, at the age of 88.
Early Life and Education
Eli Stanley Jones matured in a devout Methodist household. His dad, Samuel Milton Jones, worked as a coal miner and his mom, Ida Mae Gore, was a housewife. Jones was the oldest of 5 children. From an early age, he felt a calling to serve God, which was supported and motivated by his household.
Jones participated in the City College of Baltimore, where he studied Classics. In 1903, he registered at Asbury College (now Asbury University) in Wilmore, Kentucky, a Christian liberal arts college. This decision played an essential function in shaping his future, as he started to develop an enthusiasm for faith, missionary work, and sharing the Gospel with others.
Ministry and Missionary Work
In 1907, Jones graduated with a degree in faith and was ordained as a Methodist minister. With the backing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was sent out to India as a missionary in December of that very same year. After investing a year in language and cultural studies, Jones was appointed to the city of Lucknow in northern India, where he worked as a pastor to a lively Christian neighborhood.
However, Jones rapidly recognized that conventional approaches of ministration would not work in India. He looked for more culturally sensitive methods to communicate the Christian message and recognized Christa Seva Sangha (Christan Community Service) in 1919. This organization intended to create a more indigenous expression of Christianity in India and promote understanding in between faiths.
In addition, Jones established a dialogical approach to objectives called the "Round Table Conference" approach. This involved event people of numerous faith backgrounds to engage in sincere, open discussions about faith matters. This technique drew a great deal of attention from spiritual leaders of other faiths like
Mahatma Gandhi, Nobel laureate
Rabindranath Tagore, and Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru.
Influence and Legacy
E. Stanley Jones was not just a pioneering and prominent missionary, but likewise a prolific and impactful author. Throughout his life, he authored over 30 books, many of which became best-sellers. In 1935, his book "The Christ of the Indian Road" offered over a million copies and was equated into various languages.
Jones took a trip and lectured thoroughly on the subjects of faith, faith, and objectives. In 1938, he was invited to deal with the World Methodist Council, and in 1968, TIME magazine called him the "World's Greatest Missionary Evangelist". His work also managed to bridge the divide in between Catholic and Protestant traditions.
During his life, he advocated for the racial combination of Methodist churches in the United States and contributed in the starting of several Christian organizations, consisting of the Christian Medical College in Vellore, India. He likewise initiated the E. Stanley Jones Foundation, which continues to fund missions, schools, and humanitarian efforts around the world.
Jones was a close individual friend of
Mahatma Gandhi and played a crucial function in the Indian Independence movement by delivering Gandhi's message to the United States. In acknowledgment of his contributions, the Indian Government awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1963, among the greatest civilian honors.
Personal Life and Death
E. Stanley Jones married Mabel Lossing, a fellow Methodist missionary to India, in 1911. They had 2 kids: Eunice, born in 1914, and Margaret Stanley, born in 1916. Regardless of facing various challenges, including the loss of their son-in-law and three grandchildren in an aviation mishap, Jones and his spouse continued their ministry together up until his death.
On January 25, 1973, E. Stanley Jones passed away at his home in India, leaving a lasting and transformative tradition on the landscape of worldwide Christianity and interfaith understanding.
Our collection contains 26 quotes who is written / told by Stanley Jones.
Related authors: Mahatma Gandhi (Leader), Jawaharlal Nehru (Leader), Rabindranath Tagore (Poet), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)
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