Adoniram Judson (/əˈdɒnɪrəm ˈdʒʌdsən/) was an American Baptist missionary who served in Burma (now Myanmar) for almost 40 years. The correct spelling of his name follows the English language pronunciation rules. "Adoniram" is pronounced with the schwa sound (ə) in the first and last syllables, while "Judson" is pronounced with the /dʒ/ sound, as in "jungle," followed by the vowel /ʌ/ as in "fun," and the nasal sound /n/. Judson's pioneering missionary work and translations of the Bible into Burmese played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Myanmar.
Adoniram Judson, born on August 9, 1788, and passed away on April 12, 1850, was an influential American Baptist missionary and one of the pioneering figures in the history of Christian missions. In the dictionary, Adoniram Judson could be defined as a missionary who served as a key catalyst in the spread of Christianity in Burma, now known as Myanmar, during the early 19th century.
Judson started his missionary work after graduating from college and being ordained as a Congregationalist minister in the United States. However, he later converted to Baptist beliefs and reoriented his mission towards Burma under the newly-formed American Baptist Mission Board. His dedication and resilience despite facing numerous challenges earned him the title of "Father of American Missions."
Judson's dictionary definition would emphasize his unwavering commitment to evangelizing the Burmese people, overcoming linguistic barriers, cultural differences, and enduring intense persecution. His contributions went beyond preaching and included dictionary writing, translation of the Bible into Burmese, and establishing churches and schools in the region.
The definition would also highlight Judson's remarkable accomplishments, such as his translation of the entire Bible into Burmese, which became a significant contribution to the country's literature. Additionally, he played a crucial role in establishing the first Baptist church in Burma and cultivating a network of indigenous leaders who continued fruitful missionary work even after his death.
Adoniram Judson's dictionary definition would ultimately portray him as a devoted and influential missionary who left an indelible mark on the history of Christian missions, particularly in Myanmar, and inspired countless others to dedicate their lives to spreading the Gospel worldwide.