January 11

Wang Chongyang was born on January 11, 1113, and is regarded as the founder of the Quanzhen School of Taoism. He trained disciples who later spread his teachings across northern China. Combining Taoist practice with elements of Buddhism and Confucianism, he emphasized moral discipline. Wang was also known for his lyrical poetry, reflecting his philosophical insights. His movement influenced Chinese religious thought and martial traditions for centuries. He passed away in 1170, leaving an enduring spiritual legacy.

Born in 1630, John Rogers served as both a minister and physician in the English-American colonies. He earned a reputation for his scholarly pursuits, lecturing in languages and theology at colonial academies. Rogers also practiced medicine, offering care to settlers and indigenous communities. His work helped shape early American education and public health. His multifaceted career exemplifies the intellectual spirit of the New England colonies in the 17th century.

Nicolas Steno, born in 1638, was a Danish anatomist whose studies of tooth structure advanced early medical science. Later ordained as a Catholic bishop in northern Italy, he pursued geological investigations. Steno formulated the law of superposition, laying the groundwork for stratigraphy and paleontology. His interdisciplinary work bridged natural philosophy and religious thought. Today, he is revered as a trailblazer in both anatomy and geology, with several scientific concepts bearing his name.

Thomas Dixon was born in 1864 in Shelby, North Carolina, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After ordination as a Methodist minister, he practiced law and became involved in local politics. Dixon served multiple terms in the North Carolina legislature, advocating for education and agricultural reforms. He also delivered sermons and lectures on religious and social issues, gaining recognition in his community. Dixon's multifaceted career reflected a commitment to both spiritual leadership and public service. He continued his work until his death in 1946, leaving a legacy of civic engagement in his home state.

Born in Warsaw on January 11, 1907, Heschel fled Nazi Germany to continue his scholarship in the United States. He became a professor of Jewish Ethics at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, influencing generations of scholars. During the American Civil Rights Movement, he marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, advocating for racial justice. His major works include 'God in Search of Man' and 'The Sabbath', which explore the depths of religious experience. Heschel's blend of mysticism and ethical activism reshaped modern Jewish thought and interfaith dialogue. He died on December 23, 1972, leaving a lasting impact on theology and human rights activism.

John Piper (born January 11, 1946) is an American Reformed theologian, pastor, and author. He served as the long-time pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis and founded the Desiring God ministry to promote his writings. Piper has written over fifty books, including 'Desiring God' and 'Don't Waste Your Life', which have been influential in evangelical circles. He emphasizes the concept of Christian hedonism and the supremacy of God in Christian life. His teachings and publications have impacted churches worldwide and continue to shape modern evangelical thought.

Philip Tartaglia was a prominent figure in the Scottish Roman Catholic Church, born in Glasgow in 1951. Ordained in 1976, he served in pastoral and administrative roles before his appointment as Bishop of Paisley in 2005. In 2012, he was named Archbishop of Glasgow, overseeing Scotland's largest Catholic archdiocese. Tartaglia was known for his traditional stance on church teachings and his efforts to engage with young people. He passed away in 2021, remembered for his thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to his faith.