Harry Emerson Fosdick

Date of Birth: May 24, 1878

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: October 5, 1969

Biography

Harry Emerson Fosdick was an influential American clergyman born in Buffalo, New York. He became one of the most prominent liberal ministers in the early 20th century, advocating for modernism in religion during a time of significant theological conflict. Fosdick was known for his eloquent preaching and progressive viewpoints, addressing contemporary social issues and promoting a more inclusive, open-minded Christianity. He served as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in New York City and later the Riverside Church, which was funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Fosdick’s sermons reached a wide audience through radio broadcasts and publications, making him a national figure in religious circles.

5 Interesting Facts about Harry Emerson Fosdick

1. Fosdick wrote the famous hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory.”

2. He was a vocal opponent of fundamentalism, which led to significant controversy within the Presbyterian Church.

3. Fosdick’s sermon “Shall the Fundamentalists Win?” is considered a pivotal moment in the modernist-fundamentalist controversy.

4. He was the first pastor of the interdenominational Riverside Church in New York City.

5. Fosdick received numerous honorary degrees, including from Princeton and Yale.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Emerson Fosdick

1. “The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.”

2. “He who chooses the beginning of a road chooses the place it leads to. It is the means that determine the end.”

3. “Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have.”

4. “Hating people is like burning down your own house to get rid of a rat.”

5. “The tragedy of war is that it uses man’s best to do man’s worst.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Harry Emerson Fosdick’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as his primary contributions were in the religious and social spheres rather than in accumulating personal wealth.