An Inquiry into the Relationship of Evangelism and Social Action in the Missiology of Adoniram Judson

Abstract

This dissertation is a historical theological analysis of primary and secondary sources on Adoniram Judson concerning his understanding of the relationship between social action and evangelism in mission practice. This research identifies and defines the current paradigm continuum positions on the relationship between social action and evangelism, categorizes Adoniram Judson’s location on a modern continuum, and offers insights on how Judson’s view can impact the current debate. This dissertation argues that an evaluation of Judson’s missiology vis-à-vis current paradigm views demonstrates how one of the most prominent missionaries of the nineteenth century understood the relationship between social action and evangelism in mission practice. Additionally, a detailed analysis of Judson’s missiology provides a model for current missions proponents to consider as they attempt to reconcile the relationship between evangelism and social action in mission practice. I proceed through five significant steps in conducting research for this dissertation. In chapters 2 and 3, I review twentieth- and twenty-first-century literature associated with the debate between social action and evangelism. This segment of my research aims to identify the multiple positions utilized by various theologians and missiologists in order to purport their view of the relationship between social action and evangelism. In chapter 4, I synthesize the literature and present particular theological markers regarding one’s understanding of the relationship. Then, I survey existing paradigm continuums and conclude by creating an expanded paradigm continuum encompassing the various positions in the debate. In chapter 5, I analyze and determine Adoniram Judson’s view regarding the relationship between social action and evangelism utilizing particular theological markers. I synthesize the data from primary and secondary sources to conduct a comparative analysis between Judson and current paradigm positions concerning the relationship between social action and evangelism. In chapter 6, I conclude my research by offering overarching conclusions based on the findings. Also, I provide implications of how the research conclusions impact the current debate. Then, I evaluate the research design by providing the strengths and weaknesses of the research process and propose further research recommendations that offer ways to strengthen the current research findings.