Walter Wangerin Jr. (1944–2021) was an American author and Lutheran minister. He is best known for his religious novels, children’s books, meditation, and biblical exposition.
Born in Portland, Oregon, Wangerin attended Concordia Senior College and Christ Seminary-Seminex. After being ordained as a Lutheran pastor in 1968, he served at Trinity Lutheran Church in Evansville, Indiana, for several years. He taught at Valparaiso University in Indiana and Duke University in North Carolina. He was a guest lecturer at many other institutions.
Wangerin is best known for his works of fiction, which often draw on biblical stories and themes. His fantasy novel The Book of the Dun Cow (1978) won the National Book Award and the New York Times Best Young Adult Novel of the Year in 1980. Other notable works include The Book of Sorrows (1985,) Paul: A Novel (2000,) and The Ragman and Other Stories (1984; 2004.) Wangerin has also published several works of nonfiction, including memoirs and reflections on faith and spirituality, such as Acts of the Almighty (2019) and Storycraft: The Art of Spiritual Narrative (2022.)
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So here comes Gabriel again, and what he says is “Good tidings of great joy … for all people.” … That’s why the shepherds are first: they represent all the nameless, all the working stiffs, the great wheeling population of the whole world.
—Walter Wangerin Jr.
Topics: Christmas
Gloria, Gloria! they cry, for their song embraces all that the Lord has begun this day: Glory to God in the highest of heavens! And peace to the people with whom he is pleased! And who are these people? With whom does the good Lord choose to take his pleasure? The shepherds. The plain and nameless—whose every name the Lord knows well. You. And me.
—Walter Wangerin Jr.
Topics: Christmas
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