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Our God Loves Justice: An Introduction to Helmut Gollwitzer
Helmut Gollwitzer was a direct heir of the theological legacy of the great Protestant theologian Karl Barth. Yet, Gollwitzer's work is perhaps least appreciated and studied, especially in English, of all of Barth's immediate "descendants." A Protestant theologian and member of the Confessing Church movement in World War II-era Germany, Gollwitzer studied under Karl Barth at the Universities of Bonn and Basle and was professor of Protestant theology at the University of Berlin. Deeply influenced by his mentor, Gollwitzer appropriated the methodological principles of Barth's theology and developed in new and particularly contextual directions one of Barth's most penetrating constructive insights in the doctrine of God. At the same time, Gollwitzer, more than any of Barth's other interpreters, embraced and extended the sociopolitical impulses and implications within Barth's theology. In this, Gollwitzer embodies a salient alternative for theological and political discourse, one especially needed in the American context of increasingly intertwined theological and political discourses. This volume, the first book-length study of Gollwitzer available in English, provides a helpful introduction to the life, theology, and political thought of this crucial theologian and public intellectual and makes clear Gollwitzer's importance to the North American context.
240 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 12, 2025
“Would you like to round up your total for ____ ?”
I stumbled onto this book looking for a book that explores the doctrine of judgment, but was intrigued when I read the summary. There are respected Christian theologians advocating for socialism? Admitting some naivety on my part, but perhaps I am not so different from many Christian’s in the US. Besides a brief introduction to Marxism and the associated revolutions via podcast, my (limited) perspective on modern socialism was along the lines of: others tried it, it doesn’t work, there are many historical examples… also Bernie Sanders.
I liked that my first foray into the topic was told through the story and theology of Helmut Gollwitzer. The geographic and chronological distance between me and Gollwitzer made it easier to take in the message impartially.
The first part of this book is a bit tedious to a casual reader. The brief biography of Gollwitzer’s life, which was quite eventful (German pastor opposing the Nazis, drafted into the Wehrmacht, captured as a POW in Russia, then back to Germany and continuing his ministry). But the telling here is quite utilitarian, eschewing any hint of drama for the plain facts that feed into Gollwitzer’s political theology, which comes later. The second half is a thorough explication of Gollwitzer’s view, shared with Karl Barth, that democratic socialism is not only the right political orientation for Christian’s, but furthermore, that the gospel compels us to both take a position and act in a gospel-oriented way, which inevitably leads to socialism. There are several tangents that address things like: what about communism, isn’t it evil? If socialism is the right answer why did it begin with Atheism as a central pillar? Is capitalism really that bad?
The most compelling part of “Our God Loves Justice” is the critique on capitalism. Here is where the concepts hit home with me and the book became more than just an interesting read. There is something wrong with Christianity in the US. While I am not utterly convinced that the gospel blunts the sharp edges of Marxism enough to be a committed democratic socialist, I am utterly convinced that there is something wrong with capitalism, and that the church - or at least some of the Christian’s in the church - have clearly aligned, consciously or unconsciously, with capitalism and privilege to maintain the status quo. Now, what to do about this?…
The section on charity and philanthrocapitalism was glass shattering for me. This book is worth it for this section alone. Why do million and billion dollar corporations ask for consumers to help others? Why doesn’t the corporation just, you know, do that itself? We know the answer… but is it right?
I stumbled onto this book looking for a book that explores the doctrine of judgment, but was intrigued when I read the summary. There are respected Christian theologians advocating for socialism? Admitting some naivety on my part, but perhaps I am not so different from many Christian’s in the US. Besides a brief introduction to Marxism and the associated revolutions via podcast, my (limited) perspective on modern socialism was along the lines of: others tried it, it doesn’t work, there are many historical examples… also Bernie Sanders.
I liked that my first foray into the topic was told through the story and theology of Helmut Gollwitzer. The geographic and chronological distance between me and Gollwitzer made it easier to take in the message impartially.
The first part of this book is a bit tedious to a casual reader. The brief biography of Gollwitzer’s life, which was quite eventful (German pastor opposing the Nazis, drafted into the Wehrmacht, captured as a POW in Russia, then back to Germany and continuing his ministry). But the telling here is quite utilitarian, eschewing any hint of drama for the plain facts that feed into Gollwitzer’s political theology, which comes later. The second half is a thorough explication of Gollwitzer’s view, shared with Karl Barth, that democratic socialism is not only the right political orientation for Christian’s, but furthermore, that the gospel compels us to both take a position and act in a gospel-oriented way, which inevitably leads to socialism. There are several tangents that address things like: what about communism, isn’t it evil? If socialism is the right answer why did it begin with Atheism as a central pillar? Is capitalism really that bad?
The most compelling part of “Our God Loves Justice” is the critique on capitalism. Here is where the concepts hit home with me and the book became more than just an interesting read. There is something wrong with Christianity in the US. While I am not utterly convinced that the gospel blunts the sharp edges of Marxism enough to be a committed democratic socialist, I am utterly convinced that there is something wrong with capitalism, and that the church - or at least some of the Christian’s in the church - have clearly aligned, consciously or unconsciously, with capitalism and privilege to maintain the status quo. Now, what to do about this?…
The section on charity and philanthrocapitalism was glass shattering for me. This book is worth it for this section alone. Why do million and billion dollar corporations ask for consumers to help others? Why doesn’t the corporation just, you know, do that itself? We know the answer… but is it right?
October 29, 2017
Very good! Full review forthcoming.
December 28, 2017
This book introduces the reader to Confessing Church pastor and theologian Helmut Gollwitzer. An overview of the reception of Gollwitzer in America, his life and various works, the dialectical theology he embraced, his theological politics, prophetic marching orders for the church all provide answers to the reality of systemic injustices the church must confront at the intersection of its theology and politics. The church cannot avoid being political, and the fact that it always chooses a side challenges God's people with the decision as to which side it will be on...whether it be the powers of the world, or the side of those who are poor and know their need of mercy. There are many provocative ways this book speaks relevant words to current issues in the United States. As a pastor, I was constantly pushed and challenged to consider how I, and the church I serve, see the local community we live in and the role we choose to play in God's redemption of it. The evangelical church has recently been largely absent from real conversations and work affecting everyday ordinary people who find themselves marginalized, oppressed, and struggling. McMaken's book seeks to give Gollwitzer's words a voice to declare to today's Christians, "Now is the time to bear the image of the One who loves justice to the world." Whether one is a pastor, professor, layperson, or simply a curious reader, this book with widen the scope of one's theology, politics, and hope for the church's living witness in today's world.
February 21, 2018
I had heard the name Helmut Gollwitzer, but I have known little about him. He was a prized student of Karl Barth and was considered to be his successor at Basel. Unfortunately for Basel or Gollwitzer, he was turned down due to his political activism, even though he was following Barth's lead. He was, like Bonhoeffer, a Confessing Church pastor. Drafted into the German army, he served as a medic, mostly on the Eastern Front, despite his opposition to Hitler. He was captured at the end of the war, and spent five years in Soviet prisoner of war camps, before returning to Germany, where he took up a teaching position first at Bonn and then at Berlin.
Travis McMaken has done an excellent job making known this theologian who was a socialist and committed to political action, not in spite of his Barth-influenced theology but because of it. We see in this portrayal, which is more theological explication than biography, a theological method that embraced social science and political theory. We see a German theologian conversant in the Black theology of James Cone.
It's an intriguing book about an important theological figure who is not well known to Americans. That is the purpose of the book -- an introduction for American readers.
Travis McMaken has done an excellent job making known this theologian who was a socialist and committed to political action, not in spite of his Barth-influenced theology but because of it. We see in this portrayal, which is more theological explication than biography, a theological method that embraced social science and political theory. We see a German theologian conversant in the Black theology of James Cone.
It's an intriguing book about an important theological figure who is not well known to Americans. That is the purpose of the book -- an introduction for American readers.
February 23, 2018
Excellent introduction to Helmut Gollwitzer and his theology! McMaken does an excellent job of sticking closely to the source material of Gollwitzer's writings and maintaining conversation with Gollwitzer's contemporaries.
Our present political, economic and religious context has come as a result of the world of the early twentieth century, a world in which Gollwitzer spoke in. As a result, Gollwitzer becomes a conversation partner for today, one who speaks to us and asks us to consider if the last few decades of "progress" truly represents the agenda of God.
Gollwitzer was political, yes. However his politics were steeped deeply in a theological worldview that sought to promote the love of grace of God rather than the oppressive tendencies of institutionalism. Even if a reader may not conclude with Gollwitzer's political conclusion, one cannot deny that Gollwitzer has much to say to the Church today.
When the church is not political, it is not theological and not missional. Let us confront our troubled times with a perspective that "our God loves justice!"
Our present political, economic and religious context has come as a result of the world of the early twentieth century, a world in which Gollwitzer spoke in. As a result, Gollwitzer becomes a conversation partner for today, one who speaks to us and asks us to consider if the last few decades of "progress" truly represents the agenda of God.
Gollwitzer was political, yes. However his politics were steeped deeply in a theological worldview that sought to promote the love of grace of God rather than the oppressive tendencies of institutionalism. Even if a reader may not conclude with Gollwitzer's political conclusion, one cannot deny that Gollwitzer has much to say to the Church today.
When the church is not political, it is not theological and not missional. Let us confront our troubled times with a perspective that "our God loves justice!"
August 21, 2020
This incredible introduction to a great theologian provides not only a solid biography explaining the origins of his beliefs, but also an insight into the specific topics Gollwitzer had great interest in. With McMaken's very clear and concise explanations of these theological and political topics, he truly represents Helmut Gollwitzer's passion for people and the world they live in, and the political responsibilities that this gives as a Christian. I can guarantee that this book will engage, as well as leave you with plenty more reading to do as you begin to understand this great theologian.
December 17, 2019
A solid introduction to an inspiring and relevant theologian. The argument for Christian democratic socialism is nuanced and convincing, and I found the discussion of privilege particularly helpful. I've come away from this book wanting to read more Barth, as well as questioning my own political involvement. A timely publication.
January 10, 2019
W. Travis McMaken’s book, "Our God Loves Justice: an introduction to Helmut Gollwitzer," is a superb engagement of both the life and works of Helmut Gollwitzer. From the first page to the last, McMaken takes his reader by the hand and guides her into a robust relationship and encounter with this rather unknown early 20th century, German, Protestant theologian—by the close of the book, Gollwitzer is a dear friend and most valuable teacher. Throughout, McMaken exposes not only his ability to achieve the high standards needed for good academic research and presentation, but also that he’s truly a teacher at heart. His ability to communicate both the details of Gollwitzer’s life and the complicated intricacies of his theological conceptions in terms that do not place a demand on the reader for her to have previous theological degrees or engagement many of his peers. As someone who teaches religion and theology at the high-school level, with confidence I could hand this book to a student without needing to subsequently monitor the student’s engagement with the text—it’s that well written and presented. Anyone can take up and read Our God Loves Justice; and you should.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews