| Birth: | Nov. 5, 1915
Tacoma
Pierce County
Washington, USA | | Death: | Aug. 16, 1995
Searcy
White County
Arkansas, USA | 
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James David Bales was a professor of Bible and Theology at Harding University.
Bales earned a national reputation as an outstanding public speaker on theological issues and politics.
He was well known for his anti-communism.
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J. D. Bales was eleven when his parents were killed in a train accident. Bales went to live with his paternal grandparents.
EDUCATION
* Georgia Tech High School, Class of 1933
* Harding College - B.A. - 1937
* George Peabody College - Masters Degree - 1938
* University of Calif/Berkley, worked on Doctorate in Theological Studies
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J.D. was HUSBAND to
WIFE - Mary (Smart) Bales
They were wed in July 1940
He was FATHER to 6 children
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After finishing his PhD in 1944, Bales returned to Harding to teach. He soon developed a reputation for his wit and self-effacing humor.
Harding's President, George S. Benson, created the National Education Program (NEP) to promote American values. These
were facets such as religious freedom and the free enterprise system. Bales became the NEP's chief researcher and pamphleteer. He authored articles warning the nation about the dangers of Communism.
Bales wrote and published more than 70 books, and also authored articles for religious periodicals.
Bales's style was confrontational, aggressive, and often tinged with sarcasm when he felt he had the facts. Bales was also committed to fair play and giving his opponent an honest hearing.
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Bales took part in some 40 debates with leaders representing:
* Atheism
* Communism
* Buddhism
* Evolution
* Numerous Christian Denominations and Sects.
His most famous debate was against
astronomer Carl Sagan
Ernan McMullin
R. C. Lewontin
Thomas K. Shotwell.
This happened in Little Rock in 1966.
Jack Wood Sears, professor of biology and genetics at Harding, was Bales's debate partner.
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* After Bales 1981 retirement, Bales continued to write, lecture, and preach.
* A member of the White County Civil War Roundtable. He often brought antique guns and other relics.
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BALES QUOTE:
I had "fought the good fight and had defended the faith."
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This biography is humbly presented by
Audrey Burtrum-Stanley / Arkansas
Family links:
Spouse:
Mary Smart Bales
Note: He was cremated - buried next to his wife, Mary. | | | Burial:
Oak Grove Cemetery
Searcy
White County
Arkansas, USA |
Maintained by: I remember when
Originally Created by: Someone Who Cares...
Record added: Dec 09, 2009
Find A Grave Memorial# 45256361 |
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Added by:
Crypt Quest
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Cemetery Photo
Added by:
Arkansan
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JESUS - the never ending story
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Added: Jan. 7, 2010 |
A blue bouquet of blossoms just for Mister Bales
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Added: Dec. 10, 2009 |
'The GOOD Book' - a familiar edition to J.D. Bales!
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Added: Dec. 10, 2009 |
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