author
Lyman Abbott
1835–1922
A prominent minister, editor, and public thinker of the Progressive Era, he brought religious faith into conversation with social reform and national life. His writing reached a wide audience through sermons, essays, and years at the helm of The Outlook.
2 Audiobooks
Laicus; Or, the Experiences of a Layman in a Country Parish.
by Lyman Abbott
An illustrated commentary on the Gospel according to St. John
by Lyman Abbott
About the author
Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on December 18, 1835, he first studied law before turning to theology and becoming a Congregational minister. He served churches in Indiana and Boston, then expanded his reach through writing and editing as well as preaching.
Abbott became one of the best-known Protestant voices of his time. He is especially associated with the Social Gospel, a movement that urged Christians to address the moral and social problems of modern industrial society. His books and essays explored religion, democracy, and public responsibility in a way meant for general readers rather than specialists.
He is also remembered for his long editorial leadership at The Outlook, where he helped shape discussion of politics, religion, and reform in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Abbott died in New York City on October 22, 1922, leaving behind a large body of sermons, commentary, and popular religious writing.