This intellectual biography reveals Albert Eustace Haydon's growth from a pre-scientific Christianity to a scientific study of religions in light of evolution and pragmatic philosophy. Replacing G. B. Foster in comparative religion at the University of Chicago in 1919, Haydon became one of the most important figures in the development of humanism as a religious movement in North America, providing leadership in the writing of the first Humanist Manifesto in 1933. Today Haydon's writings remain a most important interpretation of religions from a humanist perspective. This work will be valuable to classes which deal with philosophical, religious, social, and intellectual thought in North America since Charles Darwin.
«From religious conservative to radical skeptic, Haydon was a pioneer of Religious Studies in America. Readable and well-documented, Peden's book provides rich detail in an important chapter in American religious thought.» (Jerome Stone, Ph.D., professor emeritus of philosophy, William Rainey Harper College)
«Creighton Peden is a scholar of 19th and 20th century, liberal theology who, for this book, was able to draw upon previously unavailable original sources - lectures, notes, and radio broadcasts. When it comes to research, understanding, and appreciation of the topic, Peden is without peer. 'A Good Life in a World Made Good: A. E. Haydon, 1880-1975', chronicles Haydon's journey from evangelical Christian to religious humanism - pausing along the way to engage world religions. Always faithful in the pursuit of truth, Haydon was equally interested in the development of human character. No theologian, preacher, or student of American religious thought could fail to benefit from reading this intellectual biography.» (J. Edward Barrett, Ph.D., Muskingum College, Professor Emeritus, Philosophy and Religion)
«Creighton Peden is a scholar of 19th and 20th century, liberal theology who, for this book, was able to draw upon previously unavailable original sources - lectures, notes, and radio broadcasts. When it comes to research, understanding, and appreciation of the topic, Peden is without peer. 'A Good Life in a World Made Good: A. E. Haydon, 1880-1975', chronicles Haydon's journey from evangelical Christian to religious humanism - pausing along the way to engage world religions. Always faithful in the pursuit of truth, Haydon was equally interested in the development of human character. No theologian, preacher, or student of American religious thought could fail to benefit from reading this intellectual biography.» (J. Edward Barrett, Ph.D., Muskingum College, Professor Emeritus, Philosophy and Religion)