Josiah Strong

Date of Birth: April 14, 1847

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 28, 1916

Biography

Josiah Strong was an influential American clergyman and writer, best known for his role in the Social Gospel movement and his advocacy for social justice and Christian missionary work. Born in Naperville, Illinois, Strong was a Congregationalist minister who utilized his religious platform to address the social issues of his time. He is most famous for his book “Our Country: Its Possible Future and Its Present Crisis” (1885), which argued for the missionary expansion of Anglo-Saxon Protestantism as a means of addressing social problems and spreading Western values. Strong’s work significantly influenced American attitudes towards imperialism and social reform during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He believed in the superiority of the Anglo-Saxon race and felt it was their duty to spread Christianity and civilize other races, a viewpoint that was both praised and critiqued. Strong was also involved in various organizations that promoted social justice and was a proponent of better living conditions, education, and labor reforms.

5 Interesting Facts about Josiah Strong

1. Josiah Strong’s book “Our Country: Its Possible Future and Its Present Crisis” sold over 175,000 copies, making it one of the most influential books of its time.

2. Strong was a key figure in the Social Gospel movement, which aimed to apply Christian ethics to social problems, particularly issues of social justice such as economic inequality, poverty, and alcoholism.

3. He served as the General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance for the United States, an organization that promoted Christian unity and social reform.

4. Strong was an advocate for the Americanization of immigrants, believing that assimilating into American society was essential for their moral and economic success.

5. He played a significant role in the founding of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America, which aimed to foster cooperation among various Christian denominations.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Josiah Strong

1. “It is our duty to lift up and help those who are less fortunate, for in doing so, we lift up humanity itself.”

2. “The Anglo-Saxon race is destined to lead the world in righteousness and progress.”

3. “Social justice is not merely an ideal but a necessity for the survival and advancement of society.”

4. “Christianity is the cornerstone of a moral and just society, and it is our mission to spread its teachings.”

5. “Education and reform are the twin pillars upon which a just society must be built.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Josiah Strong did not achieve significant personal wealth through his work. His primary focus was on social reform and religious advocacy rather than financial gain.