Theodor Christlieb (1833–89) was a German theologian, pastor, and professor known for his contributions to practical theology and missionary studies. A key figure in the German Gemeinschaftsbewegung (community movement,) he shaped modern theological discourse.
Born in Birkenfeld, Schwarzwald, he studied theology at the University of Tübingen (1851–55.) He served as a pastor in London (1858–65,) ministering to the German-speaking community in Islington, then returned to Germany as pastor in Friedrichshafen (1865–68.) In 1868, he was appointed Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Bonn, where he remained until his death.
Christlieb defended conservative theological views, opposing German biblical criticism while promoting missionary work and personal faith. His writings include Das System des Johannes Scotus Erigena (1857; The System of Johannes Scotus Erigena,) a study on medieval theology, and Die Aufgabe der evangelischen Kirche gegenüber dem modernen Unglauben (1877; The Mission of the Evangelical Church in the Face of Modern Unbelief,) addressing the church’s role in countering secularism.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Theodor Christlieb
An old mystic says somewhere, “God is an unutterable sigh in the innermost depths of the soul.” With still greater justice, we may reverse the proposition, and say the soul is a never ending sigh after God.
—Theodor Christlieb
Topics: God
Leave a Reply