John Baillie (theologian)

John Baillie (1886-1960) was a Scottish theologian, philosopher, and Church of Scotland minister. He is best known for his contributions to 20th-century Protestant theology, particularly in the areas of worship, prayer, and the problem of evil.

Life and Career:

Born in Gairloch, Scotland, Baillie received his theological education at the Free Church College, Edinburgh, and later studied at the Universities of Marburg and Heidelberg. He served as a parish minister in Scotland before becoming a professor of theology at Auburn Theological Seminary in the United States (1919-1927). He then returned to Scotland to take up the Chair of Systematic Theology at New College, Edinburgh, a position he held until his retirement in 1956. Baillie served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1943.

Key Theological Contributions:

Baillie's theology emphasized the importance of divine grace and the personal encounter with God in Christ. He was a strong advocate for the centrality of worship in Christian life, arguing that genuine worship should be both God-centered and relevant to the needs of contemporary society. His work on prayer stressed the reality of God's presence and the transformative power of communion with God.

Baillie grappled significantly with the problem of evil, particularly in his book Evil Under the Sun (1939). In this work, he rejected simplistic explanations and sought to understand suffering within the context of God's overall purpose and loving character. He emphasized the importance of solidarity with those who suffer and the hope of ultimate redemption.

Major Works:

• The Roots of Religion in the Human Soul (1926)
• And the Life Everlasting (1929)
• The Place of Jesus Christ in Modern Christianity (1929)
• A Diary of Private Prayer (1936) - A widely used and influential collection of prayers.
• Evil Under the Sun (1939)
• Our Knowledge of God (1939)
• Invitation to Pilgrimage (1942)
• What is Christian Civilization? (1945)
• Baptism and Conversion (1951)
• The Idea of Revelation in Recent Thought (1956)

Legacy:

John Baillie's writings continue to be read and appreciated for their theological depth, pastoral sensitivity, and accessible style. His Diary of Private Prayer has remained a popular devotional resource for generations of Christians. His work has influenced theologians, pastors, and laypeople alike, contributing to a renewed emphasis on the importance of prayer, worship, and a Christ-centered faith. His exploration of the problem of evil provides a nuanced and compassionate perspective on human suffering.