In the Face of Death: Thielicke—Theologian, Preacher, Boundary Rider

by Fabian F. Grassl, Timothy J. Wengert (Foreword), Wolfram Thielicke (Foreword)

"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 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.

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2020

Reviews

[Christopher Raffa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theologically and academically rigorous in its language, nonetheless it offers great insight, and deep points to ponder, especially in regards to suffering and the Christian life. Thielicke is not a theologian that I have spent much time reading, but this book has certainly wet my apatite.