In the Face of Death PB

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.

"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"After a period of relative neglect, 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 today. Not only has Grassl made Thielicke - long one of my favourite 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

• Foreword by Timothy J. Wengert | ixForeword by Wolfram Thielicke | xiAcknowledgments | xiiiKey to Primary Source Abbreviations | xvIntroduction | xxiPart I LifeChapter 1 Setting the Stage: Thielicke's Biography as Keyto His Theology | 3Chapter 2 Existence in the Face of Death: Thielicke's Childhood and Sickness as Key to His Theology | 16Chapter 3 Existence in a Culture of Death: Thielicke's Experiences during the Nazi Regime as Key to His Theology | 36Part II TheologyChapter 4 The Lutheran Way: Thielicke's Conversion andThought in Historical Context | 73Chapter 5 The Pneumatic Theologian: The Spirit's Regenerative Work as Theological Starting Point | 88Chapter 6 The Triune God: Divine Personhood and the Origin of Evil | 117Chapter 7 The Crucified God: Borderline Situations and the Cross of Christ | 149Part III ProclamationChapter 8 Orator sub specie existentiae: The Making of a Preacher Man in a Culture of Death | 179Chapter 9 Homo sub specie malis: Pastoral Challenges in the Face of Death | 187Chapter 10 Homo sub specie aeternitatis: The Pastoral Commission in the Face of Death | 206Conclusion | 232Bibliography | 237Index of Names | 257Index of Scripture Passages | 265