Title of Collection
Document Type
Finding Aid
Publication Date
8-31-2022
Inclusive Dates--Span
1938-1991
Inclusive Dates--Bulk
1938-1991
Scope and Content Note
The collection contains several manuscripts concerning debates, the deaconate, Christianity before and after modernism, the views of divorce in the Old and New Testament, and sermon outlines. One of the debates included here was between Bales and Burton Barber where they examine whether instrumental music ought to be used as an aid in worship or not. The second was conducted between Bales and Woolsey Teller, concerning the existence of God. Correspondence requesting clarification and additional information for future debates has also been kept. The collection also contains a notebook from Bales with notes on biographical psychology. Finally, the collection includes an edited manuscript of Bales's "The Scope of the Covenants" and 35mm slides concerning his research and speaking on communism. An accrual included a group photograph from the Twenty-Second Annual Air War College National Security Forum; two gospel meeting posters; bulletins from the College Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas; two folders containing some of Dr. Bales’ correspondence; articles on evolution; and additional photographs and negatives.
Biographical Note
James David Bales was born in Tacoma, Washington, on November 5, 1915 and passed in Searcy, Arkansas, on August 16, 1995. Bales obtained his BA at Harding College, his masters at George Peabody College, and his doctorate at University of California at Berkeley. After he completed his studies Bales returned to Harding College and taught Bible classes. He went on to become well known at the college where he became the National Education Program chief researcher. Bales was also part of various debates concerning atheism, communism, and evolution. He retired in 1981.
Donor Note
Acquired by McGarvey Ice in stages from about 2007-2022 from a private collector. Contained among Bales' papers was correspondence from George S. Benson, which has been separated into MS #81.
Arrangement
The processors retained the original order as received. The material in each box has kept the authors’ original order and is in alphabetical order.
Content List
See PDF finding aid for inventory.
Language
ENGLISH
Extent of Collection
4.5 linear feet (3 boxes)
Manuscript Number
Center for Restoration Studies Manuscripts #82
Physical Location
Center for Restoration Studies
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [file or folder name], James David Bales Papers, 1938-1991. Center for Restoration Studies MS #82. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.
Use Restrictions
Open to researchers. Contact Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives to make an appointment.
Processing Status
Processed
Finding Aid created by
Natali Gonzalez, Audrey Schaffner, Brady Cox, Troy Wade, Kayla Sanderson, Mac Ice, Amanda Dietz, and Avery Reinoehl
Subjects--Personal Names
Bales, James D., 1915-1995; Benson, George S., 1898-1991; Teller, Woolsey; Barber, Burton W.; Deaver, Roy
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
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