Detlef Klahr
Glaubensheiterkeit
Carl Johann Philipp Spitta (1801–1859). Theologe und Dichter der Erweckung
2. Edition 2009
366 pages
ISBN 978-3-89971-569-9
V&R unipress
plus S&H
Book
The theme of this book is the life and works of Carl Johann Philipp Spitta, one of the leaders of the 19th-century Revival Movement in Lower Saxony, Germany. It looks at his theological relevance and also sheds light on his biography as well as giving a mediculous study of the source materials. The main emphasis lies on Spitta´s role as a religious poet, preacher, and minister as well as his understanding of church and ministry. A theological interpretation of his poetry and sermons, which complement each other, reflect the revivalist theology. Spitta’s life is a excellent example of the characteristic interaction of personal devoutness and Confessional-Lutheran church life of the day. This study again brings to our attention a classic theologian who has been wrongly forgotten by posterity, one whose song collection »Psalms and Harp« (1833/1843) was one of the most widely used works of edification in the 19th century.