Edward Judson (theologian)

Edward Judson (1844-1914) was an American Baptist minister and urban social reformer. He was the son of Adoniram Judson, a pioneering Baptist missionary to Burma.

Born in Moulmein, Burma, Edward Judson returned to the United States at a young age and was educated at Madison University (now Colgate University) and Brown University. After graduating from Brown in 1865, he served as a chaplain during the Civil War.

Following the war, Judson became pastor of the Berean Baptist Church in New York City. He is best known for founding and leading the Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village. Completed in 1893, the Judson Memorial Church was designed by Stanford White and included social service facilities, reflecting Judson's commitment to addressing the needs of the poor and working class in the surrounding neighborhood.

Judson was a strong advocate for the Social Gospel movement, which sought to apply Christian ethics to social problems. He actively promoted initiatives such as affordable housing, education, and healthcare. His theology emphasized the practical application of faith in everyday life and the importance of social justice. He also advocated for the rights of workers and was involved in various labor reform movements.

Judson was a prolific writer and speaker, contributing to numerous publications and lecturing widely on religious and social topics. He played a significant role in shaping the social conscience of American Baptists and the broader Protestant community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His legacy continues to inspire those seeking to integrate faith and social action.