Christian Life and Witness: Count Zinzendorf’s 1738 Berlin Speeches
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf was without question the most influential German theologian between Martin Luther and Friedrich Schleiermacher. He was the force behind modern Protestant missions, launched efforts that eventually became the ecumenical movement, and influenced some of the most significant theologians of the modern world, including Schleiermacher, Karl Barth, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
He was convinced that in important respects the Christian church of his day had lost its way both intellectually and practically. In these speeches, given to overflow crowds in Berlin, he brought to expression what he held to be the absolute and non–negotiable center of Christian existence—the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here—with passion and fervor—he laid out for public view the heart of all his activity, the guiding reality of his life.
In these speeches Zinzendorf focuses on fundamental theological themes. A reader senses the influence of the Pietist movement and of Orthodox theology on his life. One gains an appreciation for his bold idiosyncrasy, his willingness to stand apart, and to bear witness. Above all, one gains here an insight into the very heart of Zinzendorf.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Learn more about Zinzendorf with The Life of Nicholas Lewis Count Zinzendorf.
- Presents Zinzendorf’s impassioned speeches given at Berlin in 1738
- Emphasizes the gospel of Christ and what it means to be a disciple
- Explores the second article of the Apostle’s Creed
Zinzendorf’s ‘Berlin Speeches’ is his most widely read work. Now it is available in a new, modern English translation while preserving the original distinctiveness of Zinzendorf’s style. Thanks to the work of skillful translator and Zinzendorf scholar, Gary Kinkel, Zinzendorf can speak to us today.
—Paul Peucker, archivist, Moravian Church Archives
Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf has often been misunderstood by the church and ignored by scholars. In this volume, Gary S. Kinkel brings the Count back to life for the twenty-first century. The ‘Berlin Speeches,’ which reflect on Luther’s explication of the second article of the Apostles Creed, show Zinzendorf at his best as pastor and theologian.
—Otto Dreydoppel Jr., Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700—1760) was a German social and church reformer and a bishop in the Moravian Church. He opened his estate in 1772 to a population of Christians being persecuted for their faith, and sought to establish monastic-like communities. From his estate, a Moravian missions movement was launched, influencing the shape of the global church. His theology emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit and included a heavy emphasis on both the emotional and intellectual life of believers. Zinzendorf was profoundly ecumenical and taught that Christian relationships are of an other-worldy nature, radically different than secular relationships. He is commemorated as a hymnwriter and renewer of the church by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is included in the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church.
Reviews
1 rating
Rev. Michael S. Taylor
3/21/2018