Christmas Eve Celebration: A Dialogue

by Friedrich Schleiermacher, Terrence N. Tice (Translator)

This book is about the meanings of Christmas. It makes for a fine Christmas present--written in popular, poetic style--and is a literary classic. This little dialogue shared by women, men and children on Christmas Eve is the jewel in the crown of Schleiermacher's theological writings. It features celebrations among close friends in a traditionally decorated home--stories told by four women, doctrinal interpretations offered by four men. All these events are shared in dialogue, accompanied by singing, activities, and expressions of two young children, and exchange of homemade gifts. Beautifully written and full of evocative images, it is in effect a drama, lending itself to being read aloud.
For the first time the two original German editions (1806 and 1826) can be handily compared, though without interrupting smooth reading of the final edition from start to finish. It will serve as a brief piece for reflection by students from high school through graduate school.

"In this updated translation, we see Schleiermacher's relational sensibility in vivid color, the characters breathing with joy and life as they each contribute to what amounts to a discourse on Christian love. Tice's expertise as a translator makes the reading smooth and accessible, and his introduction and critical notes provide helpful references and commentary for readers looking for further depth. This edition is surely to become the standard, placing us in debt to Tice once again."
--Thomas E. Reynolds
Emmanuel College, University of Toronto

"Schleiermacher's Christmas Eve is perhaps the best text to use in introducing the great theologian's thought to students at every level. In it, most of the major themes distinctive to him are presented in an accessible and engaging way. Terrence Tice's able translation is quite readable, the introduction and notes extremely helpful. To have this gem in print and readably available is itself a cause for celebration."
--Ted Vial
Iliff School of Theology

"Schleiermacher's Christmas Eve Celebration is a lovely contribution to the literature of Christmas and of Christian joy. Terrence N. Tice's modern rendering of the text makes it available again to contemporary readers, with excellent critical commentary and an insightful introduction that sets the work in the context of Schleiermacher's life and thought. Tice's wonderful addition to Schleiermacher's works in English promises to capture a wide readership for this theologically rich and deeply moving Christmas meditation."
--Christine Helmer
Northwestern University

Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) is widely reputed to be the father of modern theology. This means that the results of his intensive historical-critical examinations of Christian Scripture and tradition either have positively influenced or have had to be contended with by a very wide range of thinkers
Schleiermacher served as a pastor during his entire adult life. He was cofounder of the University of Berlin, established its famous theology department, and taught both theology and philosophy there.

Terrence N. Tice, the translator, is a world-renowned interpreter of Schleiermacher's life and works. He is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Michigan and now teaches at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. He has already translated numerous works by Schleiermacher. His newly revised editions of several other major works by Schleiermacher are to appear shortly, including a first-time presentation of all three editions (1799, 1806, 1921) of On Religion (Cascade Books).

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Fiction

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2010

About the author

Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher was a German theologian and philosopher known for his impressive attempt to reconcile the criticisms of the Enlightenment with traditional Protestant orthodoxy. He also became influential in the evolution of Higher Criticism. His work also forms part of the foundation of the modern field of hermeneutics. Because of his profound impact on subsequent Christian thought, he is often called the "Father of Modern Protestant Theology", and is considered an early leader in liberal Christianity. The neo-orthodoxy movement of the twentieth century, typically (though not without challenge) seen to be spearheaded by Karl Barth, was in many ways an attempt to challenge his influence.

Reviews

[Greg Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably need to say more, but this will have to suffice for now. As an introduction to Schleiermacher’s thought it is quite a handy book. I wish more theologians wrote fiction that was teeming with theological significance. The experience of reading it was amplified by the community of a book club.

[Matt Ely · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a high 4. Structured as a Socratic dialogue, a group of adults discuss Christmas and its role in Prussian society of the early 19th century. If that doesn't sound like a riotously good time to you, well think again. The slim book talks around Christmas, defining it in the negative, as well as trying to understand it by implication. Ultimately, the group of friends abandon their inquiry, finding some value in being able to explain their joy, but more value in relishing it. It is by example, then, that one of the great historical theologians makes his point about the value and limitations of knowledge as an ultimate end. Quick and interesting look at a historical perspective on the season.

[Chris Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read Schleiermacher before until this little book of his. It's a beautiful vignette of some of his theology of joy, humility, and a God found tangibly in and through our human experience. I found myself reading it several times this Advent season. I also find it remarkable how highly he favored and respected women and their perspectives given he lived during the 18th century!

[Jonathan Hatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to his thoughts, even if his thoughts are garbage

[Simon Rowbory · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short introduction to Schleiermacher in a well produced edition.

[Elle VanGilder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet introduction to some of Schleiermacher’s theological issues, including some of what made him known as the “Father of Modern Liberal Theology.” Easy fiction reading.

[Summer Bohannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

If nothing else, Schleiermacher needs to be commended as a masterful writer. Though I find him wrong on many points, his piety and delicate presentation of his beliefs cannot be denied.

[Charles Puskas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A variety of noteworthy reflections on the meaning of Christmas (as a social & religious event) at a home gathering of friends, authored by the "Father of Modern Protestant Theology," the 19th century German philosopher & theologian, Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher. The novella is arranged as a Platonic dialogue with a diverse list of characters: the host & hostess with their young passionate daughter, a young engaged couple, a mother expecting her third child, a caustic attorney, and a thoughtful young woman, concluding with the arrival of a celebrative guest. Prof. Schleiermacher was known for his impressive attempt to reconcile the criticisms of the Enlightenment with some of the Romantic ideals of Protestant orthodoxy. He also became influential in the development of historical criticism and philosophic hermeneutics. A new translation and critical edition of his The Christian Faith (in 2 volumes) has been published by Westminster John Knox, in 2016.

[Sooho Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm teetering between 3-4 stars. This is considered one of Schleiermacher's most cherished yet minor works. This is my first Schleiermacher read besides the first few pages of his The Christian Faith, so it's hard for me to map "Christmas Eve."

This is certainly intriguing, modeled after Plato's Symposium. But the translation is dated, the syntax tiresome, and page layout cumbersome, making it a challenging read. The appendix by Dr. Carl Schwarz at the end was surely helpful.

This is a good example of Schleiermacher's budding theology explored in dialogue form: each person -- even the annoying ones -- represent some aspect of Schleiermacher's thoughts or influence. Theology is a dialogue, maybe even a debate.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Dialogue is a fascinating representation of Schleiermacher's different perspectives on the meaning of the Incarnation. It may seem a bit stiff, but in consideration of the era in which Schleiermacher lived, this is quite free and joyful. Schleiermacher had a uniquely sympathetic perspective on the feminine spirit and woman's contribution to the household. It is interesting to read his analysis of gender roles through the conversations between the characters. To study theology through a dramatic dialogue is much fun, and somewhat reminiscent of reading the peripatetic philosophers of old.

[Kelle Craft · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly worth reading. His influence can surely be seen today in the “spirit of Christmas” that is prevelent in our culture today. The importance of Christmas for Schleiermacher is that we become like children, treasuring Jesus in our heart. Reading this may warm your heart from time to time, but it will not reassure you of the importance of the historic Christian faith that is intrinsically tied to events in history. If you want mysticism, go for Schleiermacher. If you want orthodox Christianity that expounds the true meaning of Christmas, read Machen.

[Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if it's the translation, but I found the dialogue stiff and unnatural. The formal conception of the dialogue -- its participants, order, and location -- seem sound, but the result fell flat with me. There is an interesting view of the incarnation and redemption being advanced but in a way that I find hard to appreciate.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I too found the dialogue a little stiff. Is it the translation or the time period?

This was one of those books I should have read in college back in the seventies. I finally read it all the way through. Due to illness, I spent a quiet Christmas, the perfect time to start reading it again and explore Christmas through the eyes of my German heritage.

[Elisabeth Sepulveda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this quickly, but for the potential of this ideas, I didn't think the perspectives were as artfully developed and incorporated as they could have been.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps good as historical theology, but not enjoyable reading.