John Baillie (theologian) facts for kids
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John Baillie (born March 26, 1886, in Gairloch, Scotland – died September 29, 1960, in Edinburgh, Scotland) was an important Scottish theologian. This means he was a scholar who studied God and religious beliefs. He was also a Church of Scotland minister, which is a religious leader. John Baillie was the brother of another well-known theologian, Donald Macpherson Baillie.
Contents
About John Baillie
Early Life and Education
John Baillie was born in a church house in Gairloch, Scotland. His father, also named John Baillie, was a minister. John grew up in the Calvinist tradition, a type of Protestant Christianity.
He studied religion at Edinburgh University. After finishing his studies there, he continued learning in Germany, at the universities of Jena and Marburg. Later, he taught in Canada and the United States.
A Life of Learning and Leadership
John Baillie became a professor at Edinburgh University in 1934 and taught there until 1959. He also led New College, which is part of the university, and was the dean of the Faculty of Divinity from 1950 to 1956.
In 1943, he was chosen as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This is a very important leadership role in the Church of Scotland. He also received special honors from universities, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Jena in 1958. In 1947, he became a religious advisor to the King.
Important Writings and Ideas
One of John Baillie's most famous books is A Diary of Private Prayer, published in 1936. Many people still use it for prayer and spiritual reflection today.
He also helped edit a large collection of books called the Library of Christian Classics. This series includes modern translations of writings by famous Christian thinkers like Aquinas, Augustine, Calvin, and Luther.
Helping the Church
During World War II, John Baillie led a special group called the "Baillie Commission" for the Church of Scotland. This group helped the Church think about its role and mission in the world after the war.
In 1948, he also helped start the Scottish Churches Ecumenical Association. This group worked to bring different Christian churches closer together.
His Family
John Baillie met Florence Jewel Fowler in France during World War I. They got married in 1919 and had one son, Ian Fowler Baillie, who was born in 1921.
John Baillie is buried with his wife in Grange Cemetery in Edinburgh. His grave is marked by a light pink granite cross.
