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- Prof. Dr. theol. Dr. phil. Thomas Schirrmacher, PhD, DD, (born 1960) is President of the International Council of the... moreProf. Dr. theol. Dr. phil. Thomas Schirrmacher, PhD, DD, (born 1960) is President of the International Council of the International Society for Human Rights, and Associate Secretary General for Theological Concerns (Theology, Theological Education, Intrafaith and Interfaith Relations, Religious Freedom, Research), which networks churches with appr. 600 million conservative Protestant Christians, chair of its theological commission, and director of the International Institute for Religious Freedom (Bonn, Cape Town, Colombo, Brasilia), the largest research network for religious freedom and against persecution of Christians and other religions and world views.
Schirrmacher is extraordinary professor of the sociology of religion at the state University of the West in Timisoara (Romania) and Distinguished Professor of Global Ethics and International Development at William Carey University in Shillong (Meghalaya, India). He is also president of ‘Martin Bucer European Theological Seminary and Research Institutes’ with campuses in Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Chemnitz, Hamburg, Innsbruck, Istanbul, Izmir, Linz, Munich, Pforzheim, Prague, Sao Paulo, Tirana, Zurich, where he teaches social ethics and comparative religions.
Bishop Schirrmacher has given guest lectures at more than 100 universities in more than 50 countries and travels to appr. 15 countries each year.
He studied theology from 1978 to 1982 at STH Basel (Switzerland) and since 1983 Cultural Anthropology and Comparative Religions at Bonn State University. He earned a Drs. theol. in Missiology and Ecumenics at Theological University (Kampen/Netherlands) in 1984, and a Dr. theol. in Missiology and Ecumenics at Johannes Calvin Foundation (Kampen/Netherlands) in 1985, a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology at Pacific Western University [today: California Miramar University] in Los Angeles (CA) in 1989, a Th.D. in Ethics at Whitefield Theological Seminary in Lakeland (FL) in 1996, and a Dr. phil. in Comparative Religions / Sociology of Religion at State University of Bonn in 2007. In 1997 he received a honorary doctorates (D.D.) from Cranmer Theological House, in 2006 one from Acts University in Bangalore.
He has authored and edited 102 books, which have been translated into 17 languages. His newest books include ‘Corruption’ (2016), ‘Human Rights’ (2015), ‘Human trafficking’ (2014), ‘Fundamentalism: When Religion turns violent’ (2013), ‘Racism’ (2012), ‘The Persecution of Christian Concerns us All: A Systematic Theology’ (2011) and in German: ‘Suppressed Women’ (2013) and ‘Internet-Pornography’ (2008).
Schirrmacher regularly testifies in Parliament, in High Courts and at the United Nations and OSCE, e.g. in the German parlament (Deutscher Bundestag), the House of Lords, the EU Pparliament, the US Houses of Representatives or the Supreme Court of Brazil.
Bishop Schirrmacher has visited and worked with most of the heads of Christian churches, as well as leaders from all world religions. He met the old as well as the new Pope, the Ecumenical Patriarch as well as many other patriarchs on behalf of religious freedom. The German major newspaper ‘Die Welt’ calls him one of the three leading experts on religious freedom globally and “Pope Francis’ most loved Protestant”. He is known for his role in the five years process leading towards the first ever joint statement by the Vatican (PCID), the World Council of Churches and World Evangelical Alliance on world mission and human rights, published mid 2011.
He is listed in Marquis’ Who’s Who in the World, Dictionary of International Biography, International Who is Who of Professionals, Kürschners Gelehrten-Kalender, EU-Who is Who, Who is Who in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, 2000 Outstanding People of the 21st Century, 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century, International Who’s Who in Distance Learning, and other biographical yearbooks.
Beside his honorary doctorates he received several other honours. In 2002 he was named ‘Man of Achievement’ by the International Biographical Center Oxford for his achievements in the area of the ethics of international development. 2007 he received the Franz-Delitzsch-Award for his dissertation on Hitler and in 2008 the International ProFide Award (Finland) for advocating human rights and religious freedom worldwide, especially for refugees from Iraq. 2016 he received the Order of Merit of the Royal House of Ghassan (Jordan/Lebanon) and 2017 the Stephanus-Price for Religious Freedom by the Stephanus-Foundation (Frankfurt).edit
Cross-sectional country comparison for the years 2007 to 2014 (translated by Christof Sauer) Between 2009 and 2016, the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life published five global reports on religious freedom. They... more
Cross-sectional country comparison for the years 2007 to 2014 (translated by Christof Sauer)
Between 2009 and 2016, the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life published five global reports on religious freedom. They include comprehensive rankings, the development of which were compared in different variations.
A plausibility assessment at an early stage is standard procedure regarding all statistics and scientific research outcomes. It has the potential to uncover weaknesses in investigations early on without having to say where the implausible results stem from.
The categorization of individual countries in the PEW reports did not appear very plausible to me. Countries with rather liberal religious freedom received very poor evaluations, and countries with serious restrictions received positive ratings. For instance, in 2013 Germany received a Social Hostilities Index (SHI) rating of 4.5, worse than Saudi Arabia’s rating of 3.6. Additionally, a number of countries fluctuated significantly over the six years examined, during which, from my point of view, there were no notable changes standing out regarding the situation. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the classification of countries when compared to the results of other researchers.
I thus began to compare countries by looking at a number of countries over time. I then looked at countries reported on for a single year period, and then over time, and compared countries with each other. The outcome of this sample examination can be found below and raises considerable doubts regarding the reliability of the results.
One possible reason for such results could lie in the fact that the data base for the reports is very thin. There is actually no on-site research underlying the PEW religious freedom reports. Likewise, there is no elaboration by experts within the prospective countries or by external experts on those countries. [That is unusual since the Pew Foundation otherwise conducts comprehensive surveys and research on religion, etc., in many countries.] The results emanate exclusively from encoding other reports. Again, among those reports there is none which results from on-site research. Additionally, all 18 reports are highly dependent upon each other.
Between 2009 and 2016, the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life published five global reports on religious freedom. They include comprehensive rankings, the development of which were compared in different variations.
A plausibility assessment at an early stage is standard procedure regarding all statistics and scientific research outcomes. It has the potential to uncover weaknesses in investigations early on without having to say where the implausible results stem from.
The categorization of individual countries in the PEW reports did not appear very plausible to me. Countries with rather liberal religious freedom received very poor evaluations, and countries with serious restrictions received positive ratings. For instance, in 2013 Germany received a Social Hostilities Index (SHI) rating of 4.5, worse than Saudi Arabia’s rating of 3.6. Additionally, a number of countries fluctuated significantly over the six years examined, during which, from my point of view, there were no notable changes standing out regarding the situation. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the classification of countries when compared to the results of other researchers.
I thus began to compare countries by looking at a number of countries over time. I then looked at countries reported on for a single year period, and then over time, and compared countries with each other. The outcome of this sample examination can be found below and raises considerable doubts regarding the reliability of the results.
One possible reason for such results could lie in the fact that the data base for the reports is very thin. There is actually no on-site research underlying the PEW religious freedom reports. Likewise, there is no elaboration by experts within the prospective countries or by external experts on those countries. [That is unusual since the Pew Foundation otherwise conducts comprehensive surveys and research on religion, etc., in many countries.] The results emanate exclusively from encoding other reports. Again, among those reports there is none which results from on-site research. Additionally, all 18 reports are highly dependent upon each other.
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A Commentary based on a table of member countries of the OIC and the religion of their citizens – a statistical research project of the International Institute of Religious Freedom (2013, translated 2016)
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Even if the Armenian question does not have the importance of the Kurd question for Turkey’s domestic policy, it plays a central role for Turkey’s selfunderstanding. What lies at the center is not primarily the everyday discrimination of... more
Even if the Armenian question does not have the importance of the Kurd question for Turkey’s domestic policy, it plays a central role for Turkey’s selfunderstanding. What lies at the center is not primarily the everyday discrimination of Armenians which emanates from the population. Rather, it is the combat against those who want to designate the widespread deaths of Armenians in the course of the alleged resettlement of Armenians during World War I as genocide. It has only been since the massive opposition by governments and parliaments of numerous countries that Turkey has initiated research into genocide at all. Together with the discrimination of religious minorities, this has become a stumbling block for entry into the EU.
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Collective list of questions for the public hearing by the German Parliament’s Commission for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid on October 27, 2010 on the topic of “Freedom of Religion and European Identity”
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The ‘pornographization’ of society is reaching ever new parts of society, culture, and leisure time pursuits. One example should suffice. Although scantily clad women athletes have long been a favored means of advertising, the line... more
The ‘pornographization’ of society is reaching ever new parts of society, culture, and leisure time pursuits. One example should suffice. Although scantily clad women athletes have long been a favored means of advertising, the line between athletics, news reporting, erotic staging of athletic bodies,5 and pornography has blurred since women athletes have shown their well-trained naked bodies in order to ensure sales in Playboy and many other magazines. This is in the case where they have not themselves already offered their scarcely clad bodies in calendars or on their websites. High-circulation magazines such as Sports Illustrated live from nothing else, and pornographic video clips and late night programs are what finance a large part of a German sports television channel.
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The three-day Global Media Forum in Bonn, Germany, hosted 2.000 top journalists from 110 countries. The congress sought to examine the role the media play as they broadcast images and disseminate messages to a rapidly changing world. The... more
The three-day Global Media Forum in Bonn, Germany, hosted 2.000 top journalists from 110 countries. The congress sought to examine the role the media play as they broadcast images and disseminate messages to a rapidly changing world. The congress is organised yearly by Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international broadcaster.
Every year the International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF) of World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), an official partner of the Global Media Forum, hosts a panel, this year under the topic : The spread of extremism and of peace through internet and social media.
Every year the International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF) of World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), an official partner of the Global Media Forum, hosts a panel, this year under the topic : The spread of extremism and of peace through internet and social media.
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The following considerations are based on the Pew Forum’s 2010 “Global Restrictions on Religion” results. The report comprises 198 countries and territories which make up more than 99% of the world population, and it investigates the... more
The following considerations are based on the Pew Forum’s 2010 “Global Restrictions on Religion” results. The report comprises 198 countries and territories which make up more than 99% of the world population, and it investigates the two-year period from July 2006 to June 2008. Brian Grim summarizes the report as follows:
“On this basis our study comes to the conclusion that 64 nations – about one-third of the countries in the world – have high or very high restrictions on religion, be it as a result of government limitations, or on the basis of religiously-based hostile acts within society, or on the basis of both. Since some of the most restrictive countries are very populous, this means, however, that nearly 70 percent of the world’s population lives in countries with high restrictions on religion. As a result, the brunt often falls most severely on religious minorities.
The Government Restriction Index (GRI), which ranges from 0 (complete freedom) to 10 (no freedom whatsoever), is calculated as a result of 20 questions/ categories determining countries’ restrictions on religious freedom. Both of the country groups listed here are those having high or very high restrictions on religion imposed by the state.
The Social Restriction Index (SRI) is calculated on the basis of 13 questions/categories capturing religiouslybased hostile acts of all kind within society. Both of the country groups listed here are those having high or very high restrictions on religion by social groups. All of the following numbers are rounded, while the detailed numbers are found in the tables.
“On this basis our study comes to the conclusion that 64 nations – about one-third of the countries in the world – have high or very high restrictions on religion, be it as a result of government limitations, or on the basis of religiously-based hostile acts within society, or on the basis of both. Since some of the most restrictive countries are very populous, this means, however, that nearly 70 percent of the world’s population lives in countries with high restrictions on religion. As a result, the brunt often falls most severely on religious minorities.
The Government Restriction Index (GRI), which ranges from 0 (complete freedom) to 10 (no freedom whatsoever), is calculated as a result of 20 questions/ categories determining countries’ restrictions on religious freedom. Both of the country groups listed here are those having high or very high restrictions on religion imposed by the state.
The Social Restriction Index (SRI) is calculated on the basis of 13 questions/categories capturing religiouslybased hostile acts of all kind within society. Both of the country groups listed here are those having high or very high restrictions on religion by social groups. All of the following numbers are rounded, while the detailed numbers are found in the tables.
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Dalits who convert to Islam or Christianity in India lose their legal status as Dalits and with that the financial and legal support to which they are entitled according to the constitution and legal code. Using the logic that as Muslims... more
Dalits who convert to Islam or Christianity in India lose their legal status as Dalits and with that the financial and legal support to which they are entitled according to the constitution and legal code. Using the logic that as Muslims or Christians they no longer belong to the lowest order of society, they lose their constitutional rights. Strangely this does not apply to Dalits who become either Buddhists or Sikhs. At least this is the way the constitution views it. Reality is at this point often something else.
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Most theologians agree about the expectations Jesus intends in concrete examples in the Sermon on the Mount, but not on His attitude towards Old Testament law. Do His commandments confirm Old Testament law or change it? All concur that He... more
Most theologians agree about the expectations Jesus intends in concrete examples in the Sermon on the Mount, but not on His attitude towards Old Testament law. Do His commandments confirm Old Testament law or change it? All concur that He condemns adultery in the heart, for example, but did the Old Testament do so, as well?
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Missions is a human right with two justifications. For one, it is derived from the right to freedom of opinion and the right to free expression of that opinion, as guaranteed by the German Constitution and the 1948 General Declaration of... more
Missions is a human right with two justifications. For one, it is derived from the right to freedom of opinion and the right to free expression of that opinion, as guaranteed by the German Constitution and the 1948 General Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations missions is nothing more than an expression of opinion and of public religious practice. Religious groups have the same civil right as political parties, conservation movements, advertisement and the media to present their view of things and to persuade others of their ideas.
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Martin Bucer, Reformed Reformer of Straßbourg, lived, preached and wrote in Bonn for one year to prepare the reformation of the state of Cologne on behalf of the Archbishop until the Archbishop was dismissed. Later his proposed church... more
Martin Bucer, Reformed Reformer of Straßbourg, lived, preached and wrote in Bonn for one year to prepare the reformation of the state of Cologne on behalf of the Archbishop until the Archbishop was dismissed. Later his proposed church order and liturgy for Cologne was used by Archbishop Cranmer in the Reformation of England. At the end of his life Bucer fled to England, taught at Cambridge, hel- ped Cranmer to revise the Book of Common Prayer and wrote his major treaties 'De regno Christi' (1550), an ethics demanding the Church to transform every part of society under Christ's rule. Martin Bucer is the only Reformer of the 16th century who had a great impact on all three branches of the Protestant Church, Lutheran, Reformed and Anglican. His theology is a combination of Reformed and Anglican elements as well as of French, German and English influences.
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The diversity among people groups and cultures is, according to the biblical witness, not principally a consequence of sin. Rather, it is desired by God. The diversity and variety between cultures is mentioned in the early chapters of the... more
The diversity among people groups and cultures is, according to the biblical witness, not principally a consequence of sin. Rather, it is desired by God. The diversity and variety between cultures is mentioned in the early chapters of the Bible, which lay the foundation for the teaching on sin found in the entire Holy Scriptures, and is not to be understood negatively as a consequence of sin. This diversity is also not to be understood as a consequence of God’s judgment that confused languages at the building of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9). By confusing languages, God wanted to achieve exactly that what prior thereto he had given to mankind as a command, namely the spreading of humanity over the entire earth (“fill the earth,” Genesis 1:28; 9:1). This brought about the division of humanity into a multitude of families and peoples as well as occupations, abilities, and cultures.
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Churches, evangelists and even politicians love to base their imperatives on the argument that we are living in the Last Days. Is that biblical? Must we really know that whether God is intending to inflict judgment or bestow grace, when... more
Churches, evangelists and even politicians love to base their imperatives on the argument that we are living in the Last Days. Is that biblical? Must we really know that whether God is intending to inflict judgment or bestow grace, when we develop evangelistic strategies? No! On the contrary, we must continue to proclaim the Gospel as we have always done in order to prevent judgement! The Bible preaches no special eschatological ethics.
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Our return flight from Jakarta, capital city of Indonesia, had been properly booked, paid for and confirmed, but when we checked in, we were told that all seats had already been taken. Our protests were in vain, so we spent an... more
Our return flight from Jakarta, capital city of Indonesia, had been properly booked, paid for and confirmed, but when we checked in, we were told that all seats had already been taken. Our protests were in vain, so we spent an uncomfortable week of the Indonesian rainy season. Fortunately, we were able to live with Christian friends. Every day, the same experience-all seats were full. Finally, my brother-in-law, who lives in the country, explained the problem: when checking-in, the counter has two layers. You lay your ticket on the top and your gift underneath. We got our seats immediately. The officials at the desk earn only a small salary, since the government assumes that they will naturally improve it with bribery – a guarantee for a neverending circle. Was it right for me as a Christian to pay the exspected sum oder should we have stayed in Indonesia for an unknown time?
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The best model available for the preparation of full time church workers is to be found in the way Jesus trained the twelve disciples and in Paul’s preparation of his associates, as well as in the educational practices of Old Testament... more
The best model available for the preparation of full time church workers is to be found in the way Jesus trained the twelve disciples and in Paul’s preparation of his associates, as well as in the educational practices of Old Testament leaders. These principles apply to all kinds of training, but are especially important in the instruction of our future leaders.
Research Interests: Education, Educational Leadership, Teacher Education, Leadership, Old Testament, and 11 moreChurch, Theology of Ministry/Office, Missions, Jesus Christ, Christian Ministry, Biblical Integration Training for Christian Educators, Church Leadership & Ministry, Church Education, Education/theology, Ministry of Education, and Education and Theology
In the following I want to examine the demand [issued by some Christian groups in Germany] that Arab Christians should not address God as Allah in prayer, and that we should never render the Arabic term “Allah” as “Gott” in German (resp.... more
In the following I want to examine the demand [issued by some Christian groups in Germany] that Arab Christians should not address God as Allah in prayer, and that we should never render the Arabic term “Allah” as “Gott” in German (resp. “God” in English). This demand that was specifically directed towards Peter Beyerhaus and Christine Schirrmacher.
I want to present the following arguments against this opinion and in in support of the view that Allah is the best and most natural designation for the Biblical God:
I want to present the following arguments against this opinion and in in support of the view that Allah is the best and most natural designation for the Biblical God:
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“The bland scholar and the bland university is similarly a myth, as is the apparent United Nations ideal of the bland man. No person or institution possesses the ability to be neutral and objective, to transcend itself and its historical... more
“The bland scholar and the bland university is similarly a myth, as is the apparent United Nations ideal of the bland man. No person or institution possesses the ability to be neutral and objective, to transcend itself and its historical context. This is no less true of science. Some would claim for the instruments of science, if not for scientists, this capacity for neutrality. But do scientific instruments make for objectivity? They are the refinement of a perspective, namely, that the truth or utility of a thing rests in measurement, a highly debatable proposition. Scientific instruments are helpful, towards accuracy for a perspective, but they do not thereby give it truth, objectivity or neutrality.” (Rousas John Rushoony)
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Let us have a look at one of the two political religions that have been in power on German soil and attempted to bring salvation by the State: National Socialism and Communism. It is impossible to count how many billion times the Germans... more
Let us have a look at one of the two political religions that have been in power on German soil and attempted to bring salvation by the State: National Socialism and Communism.
It is impossible to count how many billion times the Germans said ‘Heil Hitler’ during the Third Reich. To greet with ‘Heil Hitler’ was required by a strict law, and people were put into concentration camps because they refused. But only a few non-Germans realize that ‘Heil’ is the German word for ‘salvation’, which is extensively used in the German Bible translations. ‘Salvation Hitler’ or ‘Salvation by Hitler’ was the daily message every German, including nearly all Christians, preached to his neighbour daily. Although some tried to explain ‘Heil Hitler’ as wishing salvation for Hitler, the official meaning was clear: Hitler is the salvation for Germany and for the world.
That ‘Salvation Hitler’ was only a small, but revealing part of the Socialist message and practice of a new anti-Christian religion can be demonstrated
in several ways. We could discuss the roots of Hitler’s thinking, which lie in occult orders and sects. We could discuss the parallels between the salvation history of orthodox Christianity and of National Socialism. But surely the most impressive argument is the everyday songs, the poems, official rituals and lectures of the Third Reich. Most Nazis did not disguise or hide the religious character of their actions. Let us look at some samples.
It is impossible to count how many billion times the Germans said ‘Heil Hitler’ during the Third Reich. To greet with ‘Heil Hitler’ was required by a strict law, and people were put into concentration camps because they refused. But only a few non-Germans realize that ‘Heil’ is the German word for ‘salvation’, which is extensively used in the German Bible translations. ‘Salvation Hitler’ or ‘Salvation by Hitler’ was the daily message every German, including nearly all Christians, preached to his neighbour daily. Although some tried to explain ‘Heil Hitler’ as wishing salvation for Hitler, the official meaning was clear: Hitler is the salvation for Germany and for the world.
That ‘Salvation Hitler’ was only a small, but revealing part of the Socialist message and practice of a new anti-Christian religion can be demonstrated
in several ways. We could discuss the roots of Hitler’s thinking, which lie in occult orders and sects. We could discuss the parallels between the salvation history of orthodox Christianity and of National Socialism. But surely the most impressive argument is the everyday songs, the poems, official rituals and lectures of the Third Reich. Most Nazis did not disguise or hide the religious character of their actions. Let us look at some samples.
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Note 1. The following propostions are not intended to present the author‘s own theological position, but to formu- late Biblical justifications for a doctrine common to the majority of Evangelical missiologists. The author is aware that... more
Note 1. The following propostions are not intended to present the author‘s own theological position, but to formu- late Biblical justifications for a doctrine common to the majority of Evangelical missiologists. The author is aware that such a generalisation can never satisfac- torily reflect all views, and that his own opinion will always be evident. For this reason, he has chosen the title, “Biblical Reasons” rather than “the Biblical Rea- sons”, as if he represented Evangelical missiology in general.
Note 2: The following propositions do not intent to present a summary of Christian doctrine. They assume acceptance of the Apostolic Creed, of the great dogmas of the Early Church (the Trinity, Jesus truly man and truly God) and of the Soteriology of the Ref- ormation (Salvation by Grace and the Scriptures as sole authority for faith and salvation), etc.
Note 2: The following propositions do not intent to present a summary of Christian doctrine. They assume acceptance of the Apostolic Creed, of the great dogmas of the Early Church (the Trinity, Jesus truly man and truly God) and of the Soteriology of the Ref- ormation (Salvation by Grace and the Scriptures as sole authority for faith and salvation), etc.
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In many countries of the world, people still suffer persecution and discrimination, because they belong to a particular religion. Religious liberty and human rights are very closely related to each other – countries which restrict... more
In many countries of the world, people still suffer persecution and discrimination, because they belong to a particular religion. Religious liberty and human rights are very closely related to each other – countries which restrict religious freedom normally transgress against other human rights, as well. ...
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Sovereignty and Responsibility has been the topic of theology and philosophy for nearly 2000 years. Is it possible to say something new on this topic or has not everything been said? Can you do better than Augustine, Luther or Wesley? And... more
Sovereignty and Responsibility has been the topic of theology and philosophy for nearly 2000 years. Is it possible to say something new on this topic or has not everything been said? Can you do better than Augustine, Luther or Wesley? And if the author from his personal theological tradition as a leading Reformed Systematic theologian stands on one side of the old fight between Calvinist and Arminian Christians, why bother?
I am convinced that this book is a breakthrough on the topic of Sovereignty and Responsibility. On the one side the author is very old fashioned, using the Bible as governing source of theology and being deeply routed in historical theology. But his emphasis on the Bibel at the same time makes him very modern and innovative, because he does not stop with the situation playing the Bible against the Bible, as is often the case in the debate. He wants to listen to the Biblical arguments of others and prove himself very thoroughly, whether or not he has taken into account their Biblical arguments. The Church of Christ has to battle for theological unity and cannot leave out certain Biblical elements and revelations, because they do not fit in traditional theological systems. Henry Krabbendam has done the Church a major favour by asking the question, whether we really have built our Systematic theology on the whole Holy Scriptures.
Henry Krabbendam ist well prepared for his major task. He is teaching as Professor of Systematic Theology, Apologetics and Evangelism on three continents, in the USA (Covenant College), Uganda (Africa Christian Training Institute, ACTS) and in Germany (Martin Bucer Seminar, MBS) near to his origins in the Netherlands. And everywhere he is listening carefully to local Christians. And he does not only know the academic world, but has been active in evangelism, apologetics and organising Christian work in Africa and elsewhere. Thus he knows his theological “enemy” from personal encounter and working together in evangelism and theological training.
I am convinced that this book is a breakthrough on the topic of Sovereignty and Responsibility. On the one side the author is very old fashioned, using the Bible as governing source of theology and being deeply routed in historical theology. But his emphasis on the Bibel at the same time makes him very modern and innovative, because he does not stop with the situation playing the Bible against the Bible, as is often the case in the debate. He wants to listen to the Biblical arguments of others and prove himself very thoroughly, whether or not he has taken into account their Biblical arguments. The Church of Christ has to battle for theological unity and cannot leave out certain Biblical elements and revelations, because they do not fit in traditional theological systems. Henry Krabbendam has done the Church a major favour by asking the question, whether we really have built our Systematic theology on the whole Holy Scriptures.
Henry Krabbendam ist well prepared for his major task. He is teaching as Professor of Systematic Theology, Apologetics and Evangelism on three continents, in the USA (Covenant College), Uganda (Africa Christian Training Institute, ACTS) and in Germany (Martin Bucer Seminar, MBS) near to his origins in the Netherlands. And everywhere he is listening carefully to local Christians. And he does not only know the academic world, but has been active in evangelism, apologetics and organising Christian work in Africa and elsewhere. Thus he knows his theological “enemy” from personal encounter and working together in evangelism and theological training.
Research Interests:
Content 1. The Significance of Work Ethics 2. God is a God who works 3. God is the hardest worker 4. because He is the highest authority 5. God‘s work will receive its wages 6. Excursus on Marxism 7. God‘s work is work for God 8. The toil... more
Content
1. The Significance of Work Ethics
2. God is a God who works
3. God is the hardest worker
4. because He is the highest authority
5. God‘s work will receive its wages
6. Excursus on Marxism
7. God‘s work is work for God
8. The toil of work
9. Laziness and Industry in the Book of Proverbs
10. Further Texts about Work in Proverbs
11. God‘s work is divided labor
12. God‘s work is service to one another
13. Annotations
14. The author
15. Impressum
1. The Significance of Work Ethics
2. God is a God who works
3. God is the hardest worker
4. because He is the highest authority
5. God‘s work will receive its wages
6. Excursus on Marxism
7. God‘s work is work for God
8. The toil of work
9. Laziness and Industry in the Book of Proverbs
10. Further Texts about Work in Proverbs
11. God‘s work is divided labor
12. God‘s work is service to one another
13. Annotations
14. The author
15. Impressum
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Evangelicals are unconditionally opposed to active euthanasia. Indirect euthanasia is seen as simply belonging to the risks inherent in any medical intervention. Passive euthanasia is accepted if used in order to save die dignity of the... more
Evangelicals are unconditionally opposed to active euthanasia. Indirect euthanasia is seen as simply belonging to the risks inherent in any medical intervention. Passive euthanasia is accepted if used in order to save die dignity of the dying and is seen as merely ceasing to interfere with an irreversible dying process. The basis of evangelical ethics is the Bible supplemented by science and experience as a kind of natural law. Even though natural law comes under Biblical revelation, its acceptance is the reason for the similarity of the Evangelical and the Roman-Catholic position of Evangelicals. Evangelicals stress the necessity of a better counseling and investment for the deadly ill patient.
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The way we Christians talk about our responsibility for creation and to our neighbors should not be entirely controlled by the scientific and ideological arguments coming either from the right or from the left. The great biblical... more
The way we Christians talk about our responsibility for creation and to our neighbors should not be entirely controlled by the scientific and ideological arguments coming either from the right or from the left. The great biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and final restoration provides the larger story within which we should deliberate. There are also particular texts and themes in the Bible that provide crucial components of a biblically informed humane environmental ethic, such as the way in which Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were historically famous for digging wells, or the way in which the ancient Israelites talked about developments in agricultural technology. And biblically informed Christians will never want to forget the development mandate given to Adam and Eve or the way in which God has long been active in his world as both Creator and Redeemer.
Johnson and Schirrmacher have teamed up to present essays which attempt to articulate and address selected themes in environmental ethics that unite a proper concern for creation care with loving our neighbors. Read, and then try to think farther along the paths they suggest.
Johnson and Schirrmacher have teamed up to present essays which attempt to articulate and address selected themes in environmental ethics that unite a proper concern for creation care with loving our neighbors. Read, and then try to think farther along the paths they suggest.
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Contents: God wants you to learn: Jesus as Master Educator • God wants you to work: Trinity and Work • God wants you to love: Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law: With the Law Dies Love • God wants you to help: Social Responsibility in the... more
Contents: God wants you to learn: Jesus as Master Educator • God wants you to work: Trinity and Work • God wants you to love: Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law: With the Law Dies Love • God wants you to help: Social Responsibility in the New Testament Church according to Acts 6 • God wants you to Go: Biblical Reasons for Evangelical Missions: 31 Propositions • Appendix: Bribery and Corruption
Research Interests: Ethics, Education, Christian Education, Love, Christian Ethics, and 12 moreWork and Labour, Luke-Acts, Social Responsibility, History and Theology of Missions, Missions, Bribery, Jesus Christ, World Missions, Acts of the Apostles, Coruption, Corruption, Bribery and Corporate Crime, and Early New Testament Church
This commentary emphasising the ethical aspects of Galatians seeks to prove that Galatians is not only fighting legalists but also a second party of Paul’s opponents, who were totally opposed to the Old Testament and the Law, and lived... more
This commentary emphasising the ethical aspects of Galatians seeks to prove that Galatians is not only fighting legalists but also a second party of Paul’s opponents, who were totally opposed to the Old Testament and the Law, and lived immorally in the name of Christian freedom, a view especially endorsed by Wilhelm Lütgert’s commentary of 1919. Paul is fighting against the abrogation of the Old Testament Law as well as against using this Law as way of salvation instead of God’s grace.
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This volume contains in-depth essays in English by the ethicist Thomas Schirrmacher, who is known for representing Christian-ethical standards. He is actively engaged in pastoral counseling in German churches and the Third World and in... more
This volume contains in-depth essays in English by the ethicist Thomas Schirrmacher, who is known for representing Christian-ethical standards. He is actively engaged in pastoral counseling in German churches and the Third World and in the fight against abortion and pornography. His treatises are not only profound in thought, but propagate practical consequences that are understandable for every Christian.
Included is the well-known section “National Socialism as Religion” with prayers to Hitler and other unknown sources.
Included is the well-known section “National Socialism as Religion” with prayers to Hitler and other unknown sources.
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This book is the official theme volume of the congress “Hope 21”, which took place from 27 April to 1 May 2002 in Budapest (Hungary). It is about the question of how Christians can justify and represent biblical hope, both among... more
This book is the official theme volume of the congress “Hope 21”, which took place from 27 April to 1 May 2002 in Budapest (Hungary).
It is about the question of how Christians can justify and represent biblical hope, both among themselves and outwardly. Thomas Schirrmacher’s theses offer a working basis for the development of a biblical foundation and a theological basis.
With a foreword by Peter Regez.
It is about the question of how Christians can justify and represent biblical hope, both among themselves and outwardly. Thomas Schirrmacher’s theses offer a working basis for the development of a biblical foundation and a theological basis.
With a foreword by Peter Regez.
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At the end of the ‘Calvin-Year’, in which Christians all over the world celebrate Calvin’s 500th birthday, this books emphasizes Calvin’s role for establishing a Protestant mission theology which later led to a worldwide expansion of... more
At the end of the ‘Calvin-Year’, in which Christians all over the world celebrate Calvin’s 500th birthday, this books emphasizes Calvin’s role for establishing a Protestant mission theology which later led to a worldwide expansion of Protestant Christianity. The book presents major articles on the topic through 125 years of history and from different viewpoints from 1882 to 2002.
Some of the articles discuss Calvin and his writings and thinking on mission alone. Some add the question, what kind of mission has been organized from Geneva during Calvins time, because Calvin did not only speak about evangelism and mission, but also helped establish it in reality, even though on a quite small scale compared to later centuries. Some articles go further, and follow the students and followers of Calvin and their relation to mission through history. Thus sometimes the wider topic of ‘Calvinism and Mission’ is included.
This book has not been edited to defend ‘Calvinism’ and its dogmatic system. This has even from Calvinism’s own firm position to be done on exegetical grounds. Nevertheless some of the authors wrote their articles as a defence of Calvinism or at least as very convinced Calvinists. Others write more from a neutral point of view as historical researchers.
Some of the articles discuss Calvin and his writings and thinking on mission alone. Some add the question, what kind of mission has been organized from Geneva during Calvins time, because Calvin did not only speak about evangelism and mission, but also helped establish it in reality, even though on a quite small scale compared to later centuries. Some articles go further, and follow the students and followers of Calvin and their relation to mission through history. Thus sometimes the wider topic of ‘Calvinism and Mission’ is included.
This book has not been edited to defend ‘Calvinism’ and its dogmatic system. This has even from Calvinism’s own firm position to be done on exegetical grounds. Nevertheless some of the authors wrote their articles as a defence of Calvinism or at least as very convinced Calvinists. Others write more from a neutral point of view as historical researchers.
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Is Involvement in the Fight Against the Persecution of Christians Solely for the Benefit of Christians? – “But with gentleness and respect”: Why missions should be ruled by ethics – Persecution – May a Christian Go to Court? – Putting... more
Is Involvement in the Fight Against the Persecution of Christians Solely for the Benefit of Christians? – “But with gentleness and respect”: Why missions should be ruled by ethics – Persecution – May a Christian Go to Court? – Putting Rumors to Rest – Human Rights and Christian Faith – There Has to Be a Social Ethic.
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New Testament Church Structure – Paul and his Coworkers – An Alternativ Theological Education – A Critique of Catholic Canon Law This volume contains the English translation of the chapter on the church structure from the author’s... more
New Testament Church Structure – Paul and his Coworkers – An Alternativ Theological Education – A Critique of Catholic Canon Law
This volume contains the English translation of the chapter on the church structure from the author’s “Ethics” as well as essays on Catholic canon law, on the interaction of New Testament missionaries with one another and on theological education.
This volume contains the English translation of the chapter on the church structure from the author’s “Ethics” as well as essays on Catholic canon law, on the interaction of New Testament missionaries with one another and on theological education.
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The Three Aspects of Every Decision Executives have to continually make responsible decisions. However, Christians who are executives often do not know how to build a bridge between their underlying va- lues and the continual... more
The Three Aspects of Every Decision
Executives have to continually make responsible decisions. However, Christians who are executives often do not know how to build a bridge between their underlying va- lues and the continual requirements of everyday working life.
The author sees a main problem in the way that within Christianity the three sides of ethical decisions have been played off against each other. However, one finds in the Bible that command- ments, wisdom, and the heart all belong inseparably together. Therefore, norms, the particular situation, and existential concern all have to be considered in order to make mature decisions.
Executives have to continually make responsible decisions. However, Christians who are executives often do not know how to build a bridge between their underlying va- lues and the continual requirements of everyday working life.
The author sees a main problem in the way that within Christianity the three sides of ethical decisions have been played off against each other. However, one finds in the Bible that command- ments, wisdom, and the heart all belong inseparably together. Therefore, norms, the particular situation, and existential concern all have to be considered in order to make mature decisions.
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“Everyone knows what slavery is, from school, from television documentaries, or from the movies. The abolition of slavery belongs to the triumphs of history. It is an integral component of the path to human rights, democracy, and a free... more
“Everyone knows what slavery is, from school, from television documentaries, or from the movies. The abolition of slavery belongs to the triumphs of history. It is an integral component of the path to human rights, democracy, and a free society. And it belongs to history. That is, however, a huge mistake. This is due to the fact today there are more slaves now than in any other prior century. And most of them have been treated and moved around like goods on the global market.
While classical slavery was abolished in the Western World by the first great human rights campaign in history, modern day slaves lack an advocate such as one finds in the debate over global warming. For that reason I am thankful to my readers that they are taking time to inform themselves essentially ‘in a nutshell’ about one of the worst present day atrocities that exists. The victims will also be thankful, because only through the aid of a large groundswell on the part of civil society can the battle against human trafficking again be placed among the highest priorities on the political agenda.”
While classical slavery was abolished in the Western World by the first great human rights campaign in history, modern day slaves lack an advocate such as one finds in the debate over global warming. For that reason I am thankful to my readers that they are taking time to inform themselves essentially ‘in a nutshell’ about one of the worst present day atrocities that exists. The victims will also be thankful, because only through the aid of a large groundswell on the part of civil society can the battle against human trafficking again be placed among the highest priorities on the political agenda.”
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Are “white” people more intelligent than “black” people? Are Jews devious and grabby? Intolerance and violence through racism includes slavery, national socialism in Germany, apartheid in South Africa, or the genocides in Rwanda and... more
Are “white” people more intelligent than “black” people? Are Jews devious and grabby? Intolerance and violence through racism includes slavery, national socialism in Germany, apartheid in South Africa, or the genocides in Rwanda and Bosnia. But racism is not only wrong theologically, it is not only against the dignity of humans, that guarantees their human rights, but newer genetic research also proves that the whole classification into races is without foundation. Biologically speaking all humans belong to one race. E.g., when you need a blood transfusion, you should not look for a blood donor from your “race”, but someone with the same blood group transcending all “races”.
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September 11, bomb attacks in Madrid and London with hundreds of victims, burning automobiles, homes, police stations, and churches all over the world: Truth claims paired with violence or its justification yield fundamentalism. This... more
September 11, bomb attacks in Madrid and London with hundreds of victims, burning automobiles, homes, police stations, and churches all over the world: Truth claims paired with violence or its justification yield fundamentalism. This phenomenon can be found in all religions and worldviews.
And yet a critique is justified: The term ‘fundamentalism’ is often used unjustly as a polemical form against those who think differently. This absorbing book enlightens and sensitizes to a serious problem in our terminology which hinders really understanding the problem. As a sociologist the author defines fundamentalism as a militant truth claim and then finds corresponding currents in all religions and worldviews.
And yet a critique is justified: The term ‘fundamentalism’ is often used unjustly as a polemical form against those who think differently. This absorbing book enlightens and sensitizes to a serious problem in our terminology which hinders really understanding the problem. As a sociologist the author defines fundamentalism as a militant truth claim and then finds corresponding currents in all religions and worldviews.
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Two world religions – two books which span the globe: the Bible and the Koran. Both have been and still are disseminated in the millions every year. And the contents of these two books continue to write world history. Still, in their... more
Two world religions – two books which span the globe: the Bible and the Koran. Both have been and still are disseminated in the millions every year. And the contents of these two books continue to write world history. Still, in their origin, style, and message the two books could hardly be more different.
This study of the two books does not have its center in the dogmatic differences of the two religions. Rather, it has to do with different understandings respecting Holy Scripture as ‘God’s Word.’ It is from different understandings of how God reveals himself that most other differences between the two religions originate. With that said, this book also makes an important contribution to understanding the problem of fundamentalism in both religions.
This study of the two books does not have its center in the dogmatic differences of the two religions. Rather, it has to do with different understandings respecting Holy Scripture as ‘God’s Word.’ It is from different understandings of how God reveals himself that most other differences between the two religions originate. With that said, this book also makes an important contribution to understanding the problem of fundamentalism in both religions.
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“All men are free …” When the Universal Charter of Human Rights was launched in 1948, it was a great step towards a just world. Yet the road from a good declaration to reality and to specific actions can be long. Worldwide humans are... more
“All men are free …” When the Universal Charter of Human Rights was launched in 1948, it was a great step towards a just world. Yet the road from a good declaration to reality and to specific actions can be long. Worldwide humans are still treated without dignity, are suppressed, tortured, enslaved or deprived of their freedom. This book undertakes two things at the same time:
1. It tells the story of human rights and discusses their basis, their theory and their content.
2. It describes the reality of today: How are human rights violated, how far are we away from a just world?
Only those two sides taken together inform readers to take action.
1. It tells the story of human rights and discusses their basis, their theory and their content.
2. It describes the reality of today: How are human rights violated, how far are we away from a just world?
Only those two sides taken together inform readers to take action.
Research Interests:
The important term Missio Dei (Mission of God) needs a biblical foundation. The sending of God by God is a foundational motive in the New Testament. Even at the very beginning of salvation history, shortly after creation, God became the... more
The important term Missio Dei (Mission of God) needs a biblical foundation. The sending of God by God is a foundational motive in the New Testament. Even at the very beginning of salvation history, shortly after creation, God became the first missionary. In Jesus, God is the missionary par excellence, and in the Holy Spirit, God is the most successful missionary. Mission is part of the nature of God, and therefore mission can only be described holistically and in a manner that transforms human mission into the image of God’s mission.
In three chapters three important themes regarding the Missio Dei are discussed: 1. the recent history of the term in missiology; 2. the biblical and systematic foundations; 3. the debate between the Western and Eastern wings of Christianity over the “filioque,” that is the question, whether the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father alone or by the Father and by Jesus, His Son.
In three chapters three important themes regarding the Missio Dei are discussed: 1. the recent history of the term in missiology; 2. the biblical and systematic foundations; 3. the debate between the Western and Eastern wings of Christianity over the “filioque,” that is the question, whether the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father alone or by the Father and by Jesus, His Son.
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God was the first missionary. He spoke of judgment, but also of grace. Immediately after the Fall of man, when humanity’s history already appeared doomed, God did not leave things as they were. Rather, in his grace he himself came into... more
God was the first missionary. He spoke of judgment, but also of grace. Immediately after the Fall of man, when humanity’s history already appeared doomed, God did not leave things as they were. Rather, in his grace he himself came into the Garden of Eden to search for Adam and Eve and to ask, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). Like every good missionary, God was not deterred by the fact that humanity did not want to hear the good news. He proclaimed judgment to them, and then he proclaimed the coming redemption (Genesis 3:14–21).
If a missionary is someone who brings the message of judgment and God’s gracious answer for that judgment to people, not all of whom want to hear it (John 1:11: “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him”), then God himself is and was the firrst missionary. (Thesis 1)
If a missionary is someone who brings the message of judgment and God’s gracious answer for that judgment to people, not all of whom want to hear it (John 1:11: “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him”), then God himself is and was the firrst missionary. (Thesis 1)
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Currently this is the most comprehensive and biblically theological analysis of Christian persecution worldwide. “In this situation I can highly recommend Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher’s new book. It gives a clear and logical insight in many... more
Currently this is the most comprehensive and biblically theological analysis of Christian persecution worldwide.
“In this situation I can highly recommend Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher’s new book. It gives a clear and logical insight in many of the questions even people who con- sider themselves non-religious people now ask. It can best be read with an open Bible and some open daily newspaper. It will give a surprisingly new insight into what it means to live in ‘a time like this’.”
(From the preface by the Very Rev. Johan Candelin, Director of the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance)
“Suffering comes in many forms, but the one that Scripture tells all Christians to expect is persecution for one’s faith. As Thomas Schirrmacher’s theological study will demonstrate, the Bible has a tremendous amount to teach us about persecu- tion. Without a Biblical understanding, we are unlikely to fully grasp the nature of the spiritual battle. I am delighted, therefore, that his book puts the Bible’s teaching on persecution centre stage.”
(Preface by Julia Doxat-Purser. Socio-PoliticalRepresentative & Religious Liberty Coordinator for the European Evangelical Alliance)
“In this situation I can highly recommend Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher’s new book. It gives a clear and logical insight in many of the questions even people who con- sider themselves non-religious people now ask. It can best be read with an open Bible and some open daily newspaper. It will give a surprisingly new insight into what it means to live in ‘a time like this’.”
(From the preface by the Very Rev. Johan Candelin, Director of the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance)
“Suffering comes in many forms, but the one that Scripture tells all Christians to expect is persecution for one’s faith. As Thomas Schirrmacher’s theological study will demonstrate, the Bible has a tremendous amount to teach us about persecu- tion. Without a Biblical understanding, we are unlikely to fully grasp the nature of the spiritual battle. I am delighted, therefore, that his book puts the Bible’s teaching on persecution centre stage.”
(Preface by Julia Doxat-Purser. Socio-PoliticalRepresentative & Religious Liberty Coordinator for the European Evangelical Alliance)
Research Interests:
This history of indulgences and purgatory has established itself as a standard summary of the history of the theological development in stages leading to the full orbed view of the 15th century and a praxis that led to split the church.... more
This history of indulgences and purgatory has established itself as a standard summary of the history of the theological development in stages leading to the full orbed view of the 15th century and a praxis that led to split the church. The author follows the further history through the centuries through to the major changes made after the Second Vatican Council. Even though the last chapter of the book contains a detailed Protestant and Orthodox criticism of the dogmatic foundations of indulgences, the book is seen as a fair contribution by many reviewers and has earned the approval of Catholic theologians, who regret, that the planed abolition of indulgences by the Second Vatican Council did not take place finally.