Elton Trueblood
Elton Trueblood: A Life of Faith, Scholarship, and Wisdom
Full Name and Common Aliases
Elton Trueblood was a renowned American theologian, author, and public speaker who went by his given name. He is often referred to as "Trueblood" or "Dr. Trueblood."
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 4, 1900, in Indiana, USA, Elton Trueblood passed away on May 13, 1994.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Elton Trueblood was an American citizen by birth and held the professions of theologian, author, public speaker, and pastor.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Trueblood developed a strong faith early in life. His parents, though not formally educated themselves, encouraged their children to pursue higher education. Elton's interest in theology and philosophy led him to study at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree. He later pursued postgraduate studies at Harvard University.
Major Accomplishments
Trueblood's academic career spanned over five decades, during which he held various positions as pastor, professor, and writer. Some notable achievements include:
Serving as the president of Earlham College in Indiana from 1949 to 1957.
Holding a position as a visiting scholar at Harvard University's Divinity School.
Writing numerous books on theology, philosophy, and spirituality.Notable Works or Actions
Trueblood was a prolific author who wrote over two dozen books. Some notable titles include:
_The Company of the Committed_
_The People Called Quakers_
_The Artist: A Study in Human Nature_
In addition to his written works, Trueblood was also known for his public speaking engagements and lectures on topics related to faith, spirituality, and social justice.
Impact and Legacy
Elton Trueblood's impact on modern Christianity and American society is significant. His writings and teachings influenced a generation of thinkers and leaders in the fields of theology, philosophy, and social activism. As a theologian and scholar, he helped shape the understanding of Quakerism and its relevance to contemporary issues.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Trueblood's enduring legacy is largely due to his ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner. His writings and teachings continue to inspire people from diverse backgrounds and faiths. He remains widely quoted for his insightful commentary on spirituality, social justice, and personal growth.
Through his life's work, Elton Trueblood demonstrated a profound commitment to intellectual inquiry, moral integrity, and compassionate service. His contributions to the world of theology, philosophy, and public discourse will undoubtedly continue to be felt for generations to come.
Quotes by Elton Trueblood
Elton Trueblood's insights on:

The more we study the early Church, the more we realize that it was a society of ministers. About the only similarity between the Church at Corinth and a contemporary congregation, either Roman Catholic or Protestant, is that both are marked, to a great degree, by the presence of sinners.

Thoughtful people are concerned with the future because that is the only area of experience about which anything can be done. We cannot change the past, and the present is gone as soon as it is reported, but the future is that in which we can make a difference.

If the average church should suddenly take seriously the notion that every lay member man or woman is really a minister of Christ, we could have something like a revolution in a very short time.

We need to be agnostics first and then there is some chance at arriving at a sensible system of belief.

The spoken word is never really effective unless it is backed up by a life, but it is also true that the living deed is never adequate without the support the spoken word can provide.

Religion is never devoid of emotion, any more than love is. It is not a defect of religion, but rather its glory, that it speaks always the language of feeling.

One of the noblest words in our language is “grace,” defined as “unearned blessing.” We live by grace far more than by anything else. Accordingly, I find that the one thing which I want to put into practice in my own life is the conscious and deliberate habit of finding someone to thank.

The ultimate verification of our religion consists of the changed lives to which it can point and for which it is responsible.

