In the Face of Death: Thielicke—Theologian, Preacher, Boundary Rider
Ebook
Overview
”My theological work was always only a superstructure placed upon the experiences and sufferings of my life . . ." --Helmut Thielicke Thielicke’s story is one of extraordinary circumstances. Especially as a young man, living through Germany’s darkest hour, he was time and again put on the brink of death by fatal sickness, Nazi oppression, and war. These experiences left an indelible mark on his worldview. In this thoroughly researched study, Fabian F. Grassl takes a fresh and original look at Thielicke’s turbulent life through the specific lens of suffering and death. He paints an intimate portrait of a boundary rider whose theology uniquely developed in the face of death. As a result, new light is cast on one of the outstanding theologians, ethicists, and preachers of the twentieth century. The reader is invited to explore a world of thought decidedly shaped by the “eschatological existence" of an intriguing personality; a flawed human being like the rest of us yet endowed with a fascinating theological prowess, taking his stand amongst Germany’s major historical upheavals of the last centenary.
“In this exhaustively researched and carefully developed study
Fabian Grassl uncovers the experiential roots of Helmut Thielicke’s
theology. In particular, Thielicke’s experience of life-threatening
illness as a young man and his constant encounters with death
during the years of Nazi rule left an indelible mark on the shape
of both his theology and his preaching. Grassl examines these
influences in detail, offering an appreciative but also critical
assessment of a theology marked deeply by the experience of
suffering and death. Both those who have a particular interest in
Thielicke’s work and those who want to think about the strengths
and weaknesses of a theology shaped so strongly by experience will
profit from Grassl’s excellent work.”
—Gilbert C. Meilaender, Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso
University and the Paul Ramsey Fellow at the Notre Dame Center for
Ethics and Culture
“In the middle decades of the last century Helmut Thielicke was
likely the most quoted German-Lutheran theologian in North-American
Protestant churches, more so than Bonhoeffer or any of the other
‘big names.’ Translations of Thielicke’s best-selling sermons and
other writings were regular fare for many American clergy and
laity, while his academic work in systematic theology and ethics
were routinely studied by U.S. seminarians and graduate students.
Dr. Grassl here unveils in a masterful way those life experiences
of Thielicke that had a profound impact on his thinking, preaching,
and pastoral care. Dr. Grassl not only provides insights into
Thielicke’s biography—frequently on the basis of previously
unexplored archival material—but he also helps the reader to
understand more clearly the principal themes in Thielicke’s complex
theology. This is now the best introduction in English to this
important theologian’s life and work.”
—Matthew L. Becker, Professor of Theology, Valparaiso
University
“Theologian, ethicist, and preacher Helmut Thielicke lived in
death’s shadow from an illness in his youth that nearly claimed his
life to his experiences ministering to those who lost loved ones in
World War II. Thielicke’s theology, especially his eschatology,
bears the indelible imprint of his own biography. Grassl carefully
examines both Thielicke’s life and his theology in the context of
his times. His research is rich with illuminating insights for
those who seek to understand one of the most significant
theologians of the last century.”
—John T. Pless, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and
Missions; Director of Field Education, Concordia Theological
Seminary
“After a period of relative neglect, Helmut Thielicke and his
theological legacy are receiving renewed attention. With its
well-researched and closely argued account of the formative
interaction between Thielicke’s personal life and the central
themes of this theology, Grassl’s fine study sets an important
benchmark for future work.”
—Philip G. Ziegler, Professor of Christian Dogmatics, University of
Aberdeen
“As a pastor who often faced danger, suffering, war, and death,
Thielicke is well-equipped to give us wise insight yet today. Not
only has Grassl made Thielicke—long one of my favorite authors—a
living, breathing human being, but he has also provided a
comprehensive and profound perspective on this amazing, durable,
and complex pastor and theologian who still has so much to say to
us today.”
—Daryl McCarthy, Director, European Academic Network and Cambridge
Scholars Network
- Title: In the Face of Death: Thielicke—Theologian, Preacher, Boundary Rider
- Authors: Wolfram Thielicke, Fabian F. Grassl, Timothy J. Wengert
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781532655494, 9780227907207, 9781532655470, 9781532655487, 1532655495, 0227907205, 1532655479, 1532655487
- Resource ID: LLS:9781532655494
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T14:47:42Z
Fabian F. Grassl has studied theology and philosophy in the United States, Northern Ireland, and the Principality of Liechtenstein, where he is currently conducting research at the International Academy of Philosophy (www.iap.li). Originally from the Bavarian Forest, Germany, he is happily married to Anja and thankful father of three girls. His personal website is www.fabiangrassl.org.