Frank C. Laubach (1884–1970)

Frank Charles Laubach (1884-1970) born in Benton, Pennsylvania, was a Congregational Christian missionary, educated at Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University, and due to his advocacy for literacy, became known as "The Apostle to the Illiterates."

This work is clearly the result of a lifetime among the poor and illiterate as a kind-hearted Christian willing to drop all dogma in order to bring food to the hungry and genuine comfort to the oppressed.

While an informed "anti-communism" drives much of his belief-system, he rejects the obsession of the evangelical church which makes it willing to become hate-driven, armament-launching and isolationist.

Writing in 1958, in the teeth of fanatic anti-communist obsessions in America, he states "Compassion is the most important theme in the world at the present time." [17] Fears of communism are missing the point. He clearly sees "Hunger as the world's chief problem".

Laubach prophetically seeks to reorient the Christians to their own faith: "We do not understand or practice the religion we profess." [19]

As a world traveler, and living among its peoples, Laubach has seen the effects of communism and its ruthless starvation and oppression which led to at least 60 million deaths. "Communists have done what they ought not to have done, but we have left undone what we ought to have done." [20]

He is prescient about the rise of the Chinese in spite of their oppressive rulers. And he is realistic about technology, understanding it as just as likely to leave us either enslaved or annihilated. [22]

This work spells out the rationale for feeding the hungry. And he relentlessly ties this task to the Biblical message of Isaiah, Micah, and Christ. [24]

Whatever evil is said or done to missionaries, and in some cases said or done by them, the work of missionaries has left monuments of good in the face of individual and institutional oppression. For example, "The fight of missionaries against slavery in Africa is one of the most heroic stories of all time." [39] Their graves cover the continent. [41]… (mehr)

This old Spiritual Classic arose in the first half of the 20th century to help address the growing secularization of that day. Drops not only in church attendance, but in the clear presentation of Christ in preaching, meant that Laubach could say that most people we're having their thoughts turn to Christ for less than 10 minutes a week. How could anyone practice the presence of God under such circumstances? The Game With Minutes was Laubach's suggestion of a way forward. Turning our thoughts to Christ moment by moment, and considering how many minutes an hour we do so, suggested a Spiritual Practice to him which could help bring people back to Christ, of course not merely to think thoughts about Him, but to become increasingly aware of His presence, and so also then to be made like Him. Readable within 1/2 an hour, this text introduces an interesting devotional tool that can be introduced and deployed easily in a retreat setting.… (mehr)

I liked this little hardcover book as it provided little bits of advice for the Christian to think on, deepening their walk with God. It offers advice on ways to make it a daily practice to seek His presence, and how to become a bit more effective in their prayer life. I was able to read it in one day, but it is surely one I will continue to refer back to. Here is a bit about Frank C. Laubach from the back of the book: "Frank C. Laubach, often cited as 'apostle of literacy' began his missionary career in the Philippines in 1913. A few years later, he worked out the first edition of the now world-famous picture-word literacy charts and, in 1930, originated the volunteer method of promoting literacy known as "Each One Teach One" campaign. Through these Laubach teaching processes, more than 60 million people speaking in 200 different languages and dialects have learned to read in their native tongues. Dr. Laubach is widely known and loved as the author of numerous books, most of which carry definitive inspirational emphasis."
I found what he had to say, not only about his personal life, but also his career inspirational and fascinating.
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https://twogalsandabook.com/2018/01/23/christian-unity-week/#more-5391… (mehr)