The Life, Work, and Influence of Wilhelm Loehe (1808-1872)
Erika Geiger narrates Pastor Wilhelm Loehe's story with accuracy, sympathy, and vigor. Avoiding hagiographic impulses she paints a picture of Loehe that allows readers to see his humanity in the multiple scenes of his life: a boy saddened by the premature death of his father, a struggling student of theology, a disenchanted pastor wondering if he had a place in the church, a grieving widower, an energetic preacher, a caring shepherd, a determined organizer of missions, and an aging and somewhat broken old man yet living in Christian hope. This first, full length biography of a key player in Lutheran history is accessible to lay audiences and appreciated by scholars. ---Prof. John T. Pless, MDiv, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry & Missions, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Co-President of the International Loehe SocietyThose looking for a model for pastoral ministry with integrity do well to emulate Loehe. Few pastors have mobilized their congregations for mission as he. Steady, patient preaching and teaching, combined with scholarship, zeal for outreach, and all from a pastor's heart, placed Loehe to move his congregation and ministry to have both a local and an international impact. Loehe's work was guided by a thorough commitment to Jesus Christ and a love for the church the center of a vibrant service grounded in Scripture and guided by the Confessions leading to liturgical renewal, social mercy, diaconal ministry, and missional outreach. May this fine translation help shape and inspire a new generation to do ministry in the spirit of Loehe. ---Prof. Mark Mattes, PhD, Professor of Religion and Philosophy, Grand View University, Des Moines, IAWe have so much to learn from this visionary and yet practical pastor with his emphasis on the connection between liturgy and sacramental spirituality, private absolution and pastoral care, diaconal work and world mission, the ordained ministry and the life in community, local congregation and the church catholic, our reception of Christ's body and blood in the sacrament and the call to holy service in the world. This biography is by far the best introduction in English that I know to this humble Lutheran pastor who embodies the best of classical Lutheran piety in a way that cannot but appeal to those post-modern Christians who are drawn to the mystery of Christ and his embodied presence in the church. ---John W. Kleinig, MDiv, PhD, Emeritus lecturer and former head of the Biblical Department, The Australian Lutheran College, North Adelaide, South Australia