In the Face of Death

“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