George Arthur Buttrick (1892–1980) was an American Protestant clergyman, theologian, and author who profoundly impacted American Protestantism during the mid-20th century. Revered for his inspirational sermons, theological insights, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel’s transformative power, he stood as a leading voice in his era.
Born in Seaham Harbour, England, Buttrick studied at the Victoria University of Manchester before immigrating to the United States. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree at Yale University in 1914 and a Bachelor of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in 1917.
Ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1916, Buttrick embarked on his pastoral career, serving congregations in the United States and Canada. In 1927, he was called to the prestigious Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City, where he devoted over three decades as the senior minister. Renowned for their intellectual rigor, profound insights, and compelling delivery, Buttrick’s sermons captivated and deeply touched his listeners. He actively engaged in interfaith dialogues and ecumenical endeavors, striving to foster understanding and unity among diverse religious traditions. In addition, he held esteemed teaching positions, serving as a professor of Christian morals and a preacher at Harvard University 1955–60 while also delivering lectures at Yale University, Union Theological Seminary, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Davidson College, Vanderbilt University, and the Southern Baptist Seminary.
Buttrick’s served as the editor of The Interpreter’s Bible, a widely acclaimed multi-volume commentary on the Bible. Notable works include Prayer (1943,) which explores the profound meaning, significance, and transformative power of prayer in its various forms and purposes, and Jesus Came Preaching (1958,) a contemplation of Jesus’ ministry and the essence of his message. The latter emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus’ words and the call to discipleship.
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Faith is the response of our spirits to beckonings of the eternal.
—George Arthur Buttrick
Topics: Belief, Faith
Life is essentially a series of events to be lived through rather than intellectual riddles to be played with and solved.
—George Arthur Buttrick
Topics: Inaction, Procrastination, Getting Going
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