Customer Reviews (5)

Thorough and inspiring
Brabazon thoroughly researched Dr. Schweitzer through reading his personal and professional writings as well as talking to a remarkable number of people who knew him.The result is a book that goes far in providing an understanding of a remarkable personality and a marvelous soul.

Thoroughly researched, fair, and readable
Any biographer attempting to write a life of Albert Schweitzer is facing a herculean task.One must be knowledgeable in widely disparate areas of endeavor: medicine, theology, philosophy, and music.Moreoever, one has to wade through mountains of letter correspondence, books, and articles written by and about Albert Schweitzer, not to mention a willingness to research his family and geographical background.Finally, travel to the places Schweitzer lived and interviews with those who knew him take time and effort to properly digest.James Brabazon has done a magnificent job in combining all these variables into a first rate biography of an amazing man.Not only that, he has fairly evaluated the man and his ideas in light of both the praise and censure Schweitzer received.Moreover, except in a few places where technical writing was necessary, the book seldom drags and makes for good reading, the kind that keeps one interested and wanting more, even when it's time for bed.

Brabazon is clearly won over by Schweitzer's life and ideas, a true disciple.The positive side of this is that he is able to explain (and sometimes defend) Schweitzer's ideas and actions in a convincing fashion.Unlike many who criticized Schweitzer based on cursory observations, Brabazon's thoroughness and enthusiasm allow him to select various passages from letters or works to show Schweitzer's attitudes and philosophies with lucidity.The down side of this (and the reason this book gets four stars instead of five) is that Brabazon shares the same blind spots Schweitzer did, especially with respect to his dubious theology.Schweitzer simply assumed (without hard data or proof) many of his doubts about the veracity of the New Testament; from these assumptions, he built up a very elaborate system of belief that when it comes right down to it is not Christianity but rather ideas that decades later would come to be labeled as New Age.Brabazon seems to think that Schweitzer's work is "objective" and that the reason for much of its unpopularity had to do with its upsetting the status quo as well as local historical factors (such as suspicion of anything German with the advent of World War I).He never openly entertains the idea that many people just plain 'ole don't find Schweitzer's arguments convincing.Nor does he seem to see that if Schweitzer's hubristic assumptions turn out to be wrong - namely, that the New Testament IS historically reliable, that the miracles did occur, that the resurrection did occur, that Jesus did think he was the messiah, that Jesus did not die for an illusion, et. al. - his ENTIRE theological system collapses like a house of cards.(Reader's interested in an alternative to the "if miraculous, then unhistorical" bias against biblical passages may consult C.S. Lewis's essay "Modern Theology and Biblical Criticism" in the book "Christian Reflections".)

Brabazon manages to give a fairly even account of Schweitzer for almost the entire book.Unfortunately, in his epilogue, the hagiography he had been at some pains to avoid comes gushing in as he sums up Schweitzer's life with melodramatic hyperbole, e.g.,"He was normal, in fact, to an abnormal degree.He was superhumanly human.He was excessively balanced."(Abnormally normal?Superhumanly human?Balanced..excessively??)

Still, taking it all in all, this was a very, very good biography, thoroughly researched, well written, and for the most part fair.He successfully tells the STORY of Schweitzer's life and gives a good idea of what life was like for him as a youth, student, pastor, musician, and physician working under physically demanding circumstances in Gabon, Africa.The second edition is valuable for the additional light thrown on Schweitzer's marriage with Hélène and his valuable role in helping to sway public opinion to bring to light the problems of nuclear testing, eventually resulting in the Test Ban Treaty in August of 1963.If one can manage to take the theology presented in it with a very large grain of salt, one can agree with what Conor Cruise O'Brien wrote: "This biography is, I think, unlikely to be superseded."

An engrossing and thorough biography.
This second edition of Brabazon's incredible biography contains new material regarding the relationship between Schweitzer and his wife, Helene, due to the discovery of numerous letters between them. The author also adds material in the later chapters, focusing on the antagonism that erupted between the United States government and the old doctor, as Schweitzer and other activists, such as Albert Einstein and philosopher, Bertrand Russell, exposed to the public at large the fall-out hazards of the hydrogen bomb testing that the government wanted to keep secret, as the Cold War was then in full swing. This new material is rich in insight, revealing that Albert Schweitzer the myth, the modern saint, "The Greatest Man in the World", was indeed human, and whose long and arduous work in West Africa, paved the way, or at least set an example for present day and future humanitarians.

What is most striking about this man was his incredible capacity for work. He held Doctorates in three major subjects - theology, philosophy and medicine and was an accomplished organist and world expert on Bach. Schweitzer's published works in theology, philosophy and music remain in circulation, which continue to shed light in these areas. His "Reverence for Life" philosophy on the surface, appears almost too simplistic, but on closer examination, is a worldview that encompasses an attitude of mind, that if practiced, could radically change the world for the better. Schweitzer was not a philosopher of the abstract variety, at home in an ivory tower creating complex theories that only a select few would understand. As the man said and wrote many times, "he lived his argument" and his accomplishments certainly prove this.

Brabazon's biography of this great man is thorough. He delightfully brings together Schweitzer's letters, books, articles, and interviews with friends, colleagues and family, including sermons from his early career as a young minister, that tells us that his love of Jesus and the foundations of his philosophy was already set in his mind and spirit, well before embarking into his long and productive life. Brabazon brings Schweitzer to life in these pages as only a great biographer wholly connected to their subject can do. It is extremely well written and engaging.

If you are only slightly interested in one of the great humanitarians of the twentieth century, an intellectual, a man of God, Samaritan, healer and example of goodness, read this engrossing biography - a labor of love and inspiring in every sense.

A New Light Cast On Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer was at first ignored, then recognized and finally lionized by the world at large, though he preferred to remain at his clinic, or as he put it, "a prisoner of Lambarene." Those of us who have followed his life in serious fashion have often wondered about the exact role of his wife and soul mate, Helene, and now, thanks to James Brabazon, we know. This revised and newly edited biography is at once spell binding and searching as it delves into their relationship as well as Albert's battle with church doctrine and the powers that be. As a former seminarian, now preparing to take a one man AV show about Albert on the road ("Scenes from A Life,") I can assure prospective readers that the book will not disappoint them. If you want to meet the real Schweitzer, warts and all, this is the place to have such an encounter. It will both stun and shock, delight and dismay, but it casts a bright light upon the life of this remarkable man, arguably the quintessential heroic figure of the 20th century. Enjoy!

Revised edition due Fall, 2000
Syracuse University Press is publishing a revised edition of this book in the Fall of 2000. The new edition will be greatly expanded, making use of newly discovered correspondence covering the ten-year secret relationshipbetween Albert Schweitzer and Helene Bresslau, the woman he was to marry.To Helene alone he revealed every corner of his mind, and heart, spillingthe thoughts and feelings that he kept carefully hidden from everyone elsewho knew him. Here are the struggles of a genius in the making - and alsoan intensely passionate and quite extraordinary relationship, in whichHelene emerges as a rare woman and a worthy partner.

These "loveletters" (long thought to be lost but found in an old suitcase bySchweitzer's daughter) have been translated by Antje Lemke, SymposiumAdvisory Board member and Schweitzer scholar, and will be published in acomplete book by Syracuse University Press. Brabazon said, "I have hadthe privilege of reading these letters and can assure you that they makefascinating reading."

Also new to the general public Brabazon's newedition will give the amazing account of the deep suspicion of the U.S.State Department towards Schweitzer, due to his strong opposition to thehydrogen bomb tests and his refusal to be silenced about the genetichazards of nuclear explosions.

Lawrence Wittner, State University of NewYork, and Symposium Advisory Board Member, wrote an article,"Blacklisting Schweitzer," in the May-June,1995, Bulletin of theAtomic Scientists where he told for the first time, thanks to thethen-recent declassification of key government documents, the dimensions ofa bitter conflict between Dr. Schweitzer and the U.S. Government. AsProfessor Wittner wrote, "To millions, Albert Schweitzer was a saint.But to the Eisenhower crew, he was a dangerous nuisance."

Brabazonwill be a guest speaker and sign books on Friday, October 13, at theSouthern Festival of Books in Nashville, Tennessee. ... Read more

Product Description
The quest of the historical Jesus : a critical study of its progress from Reimarus to Wrede by Albert Schweitzer. Originally published in German: Geschichte der Leben-Jesu-Forschung. A classic work of Biblical historical criticism. The original edition was translated into English by William Montgomery and published in 1910. A review of all prior work on the question of the "historical Jesus" starting with the late 18th century. Points out how Jesus' image had changed with the times and with the personal proclivities of the various authors. Concludes with a synopsis and interpretation. Takes the position that the life of Jesus must be interpreted in the light of Jesus' own convictions, characterized as those of "late Jewish eschatology." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

It may be old but a genius is for all ages
We live in an age that hav invented the telephone, the tv, the computer and numerous electronic gadgets thefore we reson what did the people of the 18th century know. well it seems like quite a lotFrudian phycology, Einstein, Darwin and a lot in music. It turns out we will find by reading this book a lot also about literary critizim and to be more specific a lot about who wrote the bible and which parts were added later. To be more specific it is clear that our conception of what Jesus taught and beleived about himself does not coinside with what most christians belive and are certain they know. Its a shock to learn about the many errors of facts that the gospels contradict each other. Plain and simple any one of the gospels does not agree completly with any of the others. The gospels are wounderfull books in may respects but most of us have never heard or know about an indepth analizes of these writings. I urgue those interested in this subject to take a cose look with the genius Albert scheitzer.
Jake3 Loepp

Essential for Studying the Historical Jesus
Of all the books that were published in the 20th century on the subject of the historical Jesus, none have been as influential nor as widely read as Schweitzer's book. Almost every current book on the historical Jesus from the most conservative to the most liberal references this book as a starting point. As well, most seminaries and graduate programs in New Testament have this listed as required reading.

The book flows very well. The first half of the book is largely a summary of the 18th and 19th century biographies of Jesus. Schweitzer details their methodology and the author's social situation and also provides his own commentary on the matter. The second half of the book is his own ideas and thoughts on the situation.

Whether or not you agree or disagree with Schweitzer, this is a good starting point for the issue, whether or not you end up reading John Dominic Crossan or N.T. Wright on the subject.

Orthodox Point of View
I am surprised the reviews are so one-sided over such a controversial subject matter.Let me provide an orthodox counterview.

Schweitzer spends 18 chapters going through various Germanic attempts at trying to remove all miracle and supernatural content within the Gospel texts while maintaining some coherent historical documentation that corrects the historical record.

The elimination of miracle and the requisite substitution of storyline from the imaginations of these men to fill the gaps leave Schweitzer to admit in more than one instance the ridiculousness of the "new history".

Schweitzer, however misses the starting point of what is at issue in his book.He presumes as axiomatic that neither miracles nor a theophany can happen in history.By definition this cannot be axiomatic because many great minds throughout history stedfastly believe both to be possible.

At a minimum Schweitzer should have presented the circular argument of Hume ("Miracles do not exist because I haven't witnessed any, therefore miracles cannot exist") before he began to present 18 meandering chapters of various theories from arm-chair historians postulated 19 centuries after the fact.

A tiring theme that Schweitzer harps on and on about is the sequence of events in the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and John.However, the only Gospel that claims to record events in historical sequence is Luke and therefore Schweitzer is making an argument where there is none.

Opposed to the arm-chair theologians is the veracity of the text claimed to be told by eyewitnesses or close associates of eyewitnesses to the events and the price paid by them (death in over 90% of the cases) for the story they held to.

"The Quest of The Historical Jesus" will confirm, regardless of which side of the debate you are on, the following points:

1) The belief on Jesus Christ is a matter of Faith.
2) The Gospels stripped of miracles and the divinity of Christ become nonsense and incoherent.
3) The Christ of Schweitzer, who is merely a philosophical ideal of the early church rather than the God/Man in history, is no threat to the spirit of any age and does not get in the way of man being "the measure of all things."

It should not surprise that the Early Church and the power of its Miraculous Jesus of History, from a position of weakness, was able to transform the Roman Empire into the Holy Roman Empire, while the German Church of Schweitzer and his contemporaries with their philosophical ideal, from a position of strength and acceptance, could not withstand the forces of evil in Germany that would haunt mankind in the 20th century.

Quest of rhe Historical Jesus
The writing is a little thick at times, surely due to a combination of a century-old writing style together with the translation from German.However, the translation ends up being brilliant and captures the heart and soul of what Schweitzer was trying to say.I got caught up in the book.For anyone interested in the history behind the "Quest," or its current roots and currents, this book is a "must."For some Christians, parts of its contents may be troubling -- I believe in a way that challenges faith in a positive way, and ultimately, deepens it for many people.

Hasn't Lost a Bit of Relevance
Though it could benefit from 20th-century discoveries about the nature of Jewish apocalyptic, Schweitzer's majestically written, often devastating analysis of the covert theology-as-history of German academia is timeless. He gives all a fair shake, particularly Strauss, certainly the 19th century's boldest and most original quester, and finally shows that all are insufficient to account for the (apparently quite embarrassing) fact of Jesus' intense eschatology. His work is still applicable to the innumerable "liberal" portraits we're treated to nowadays (one thinks especially of John Dominic Crossan, though I find much of his work laudatory for other reasons), to say nothing of the televangelist's Jesus or the nauseating, "your best friend" youth-group Jesus. Indispensable. ... Read more

Product Description

Published to commemorate Albert Schweitzer's only visit to the United States 60 years ago, this anniversary edition of his autobiography gives 21st-century readers a unique and authoritative account of the man John F. Kennedy called "one of the transcendent moral influences of our century."

Schweitzer is celebrated around the world as a European pioneer of medical service in Africa, a groundbreaking philosopher and musical scholar, and a catalyst of environmental and peace activism. Yet people most revere Schweitzer for his dedication to serving others and his profound and influential ethic of reverence for life. For Schweitzer, reverence for life was not a theory or a philosophy but a discovery -- a recognition that the capacity to experience and act on a reverence for all life is a fundamental part of human nature, a characteristic that sets human beings apart from the rest of the natural world.

This anniversary edition coincides with several high profile celebrations of his 1949 visit, as well as the release of a new feature film starring Jeroen Krabbe and Barbara Hershey. In addition to a foreword by Nobel Laureate and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, this edition features a new foreword by Lachlan Forrow, president of The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship.

Customer Reviews (12)

Inspiring
Reading the autobiography of any special woman or man, understanding "special" as someone whose thoughts and/or actions help to lead mankind to a happier future, is always moving and inspiring. Trying to emulate them is a must if we expect to prepare a better world for our children even knowing how far we still are of being like them.

Can One Be Christ Like and a Liberal Theologian?
Albert Schweitzer had a high intellect and sought to improve the lives of many people through hard work, and dedication while sacrificing position and individual wealth. The man could have been a university professor of theology and philosophy, a Pastor of a prestigious church or a wealthy doctor. He became an accomplished organist as a musical artist, playing concerts to large audiences, and an expert in organ building; He wrote a book that became a standard in how quality instruments are to be built. Albert Schweitzer was a man of much intelligence and accomplished skills. After forging a bright future for himself he had an epiphany to be Christ like was to serve his fellow man. So he studied to become a medical doctor, so he could practice medicine where one was remote from what constituted modern society in the early twentieth century to practice medicine in Africa.
This is an interesting read. The autobiography ends in 1932, so 25 years of his life is missing. I disagree with how this man perceived God and Jesus. He interpreted the Bible as if it were purely man made; that the Christian faith evolved through time. He determines theology based on the idea Jesus was a confused individual that expected one thing and events made Him adjust his thoughts. His view makes Jesus out to be quite pathetic. The author also believed Paul's thoughts were more informed and formed by events and his surrounding culture. Albert Schweitzer did not believe God's word was inspired through the Holy Spirit but by individual interpretation and culture.

This book is an interesting read. How this man worked as a doctor - a physician in Africa yet still pursued practicing playing the Organ and intellectual pursuits. He even did this when he became a prisoner of war in the Great War. Where he eventually served as camp doctor to his fellow prisoners?I found this book a relatively easy read.

Jewels of Wisdom and Perspective
This book is not an easy read, but it is an interesting and worthwhile read.The chapter on why Dr. Schweitzer chose to be a medical missionary to Africa is especially interesting and meaningful.His thoughts on "Reverence For Life" are interesting and worthwhile reading, most provacative. His wide array of talent, abiltiy and interests are amazing and especially interesting, almost beyond belief and comprehension. His experiences as prisoner of war are revealing and somewhat shocking. At times the book gets tedious, especially in his philosophical thought,but don't let that stop you for slow you down.This book is well worth the read.

Do men like Albert Schweitzer exist anymore?Could or would our culture let them exist?

A book that matters...
This is an elegant though brief memoir written by the great man himself. One should not expect too much detail, however, as the text only gives us glimpses into the man's life and the singular events that shaped who he was and what he became and, more importantly, what he accomplished. Schweitzer focuses mainly on the development of his theological and philosophical thought, beginning with his early endeavours leading to his famous work, `The Quest for the Historical Jesus'. From this point, he continues on towards the shaping of his magnum opus, `Philosophy of Civilization'. It is in this section of the text that he discusses two worldviews of life-affirmation and life-denial and pessimism. This work evolves into his philosophical perspective of Reverence for Life.

The biography ends in the year 1931, well before the advent of the Second World War. Schweitzer was only fifty-six years of age when he penned this work, well before receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, living and working for another forty-four years. Curiously, when his publisher requested that he write an autobiography, he was hesitant, as he was more or less still in his prime. However, as he wrote to his publisher fourteen years later on his seventieth birthday, memory fades with age, and he believed that writing about himself at that stage of his life, he could put down those important memories that remained fresh in his mind.

Schweitzer is certainly an inspiration - a man of immense strength, physically, emotionally and spiritually, with an almost endless capacity for work. The man worked in the most difficult of circumstances. Practicing medicine in intense tropical heat, day after day, disease run rampant; constant worry over funds to purchase much needed medical supplies. Moreover, the terrible events of two world wars - the odds he worked against to maintain the Lambarene Hospital, to my mind, is simply unimaginable. But the man persisted, rising every morning to meet disease, suffering, violence, death and loneliness.

This is an inspiring little book, charming and entertaining.

For students of this great mind, this is a must read.
There is no better short book available on the mind and thoughts of Albert Schweitzer than this book.His theology on Jesus and Paul, his thoughts on Bach and organ building, his philosophy on Reverence for Life are all laid out here.

George Marshall (see my review of Marshall's excellent biography: Schweitzer) once asked Dr. Schweitzer what professors would best provide him an education on Schweitzer's thoughts.He replied that Marshall should not go to professors but "read my books!No one can express the ideas of a man as well as he has expressed them himself.... read my books".

Bob Frost of "Biography Magazine" once wrote, "Albert Schweitzer is not exactly forgotten today, but his name won't crop up in daily conversation. Fifty years ago, though, people talked about Schweitzer all the time. An American magazine selected him, ahead of Albert Einstein, as the "world's greatest living nonpolitical person."He was the subject of an Oscar-winning documentary, won the Nobel Peace Prize, and appeared on the cover of Time magazine. Fueled by idealism and burning spiritual passion, this medical missionary led one of the most intense lives of the 20th century."

Be apprized that "Out of my Life and Thoughts" is not an easy read.Dr. Schweitzer's theology and philosophy, though dense, is not incomprehensible.And due to the translation from French to English, you many find yourself reading a passage multiple times to get the gist his thoughts.

That said, for students of this great mind, this is a must read.Strongly recommended.4.5 stars. ... Read more

Product Description
Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), theologian, doctor, Nobel Peace Prize winner--was a remarkable figure of the twentieth century. An ordained pastor and theologian, he was also a renowned musician. He gave up this success to become a missionary doctor and founded a hospital in Africa. He is famous for his compassionate service and his "Reverence for Life."

Schweitzer's exemplary conduct, his philosophy on reverence for life and his campaign against nuclear weapons . . . remain sources of great inspiration today. H.H. the XIV Dalai Lama ... Read more

Product Description
Albert Schweitzer's social and ethical philosophy is best expressed in "The Philosophy of Civilization". Not widely available in recent years, this edition will give contemporary readers the opportunity to discover his prophetic thought. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I Agree With The Other Reviewer
This book should be more widely known.It should be taught about in schools from kindergarten on up----well, at least the main idea of "reverence for life" should be taught.It's a little "deep" in places but you'll feel enriched in the end.Recommended.

Classic of Global (NOT WESTERN) Civilization
Einstein was not the Person of the 20th Century. Not by a long shot. Albert Schweitzer wins that distinction hands down. In the 20th and 21st century, too much emphasis has been placed on the relationship between technological advances and the corresponding impact on society. Schweitzer simply transcended achievement by weaving a legacy of the most accomplished Renaissance Man in the last 200 years. Combining intellectual brilliance and an amazing thirst for humanitarian service, Schweitzer simply made the world a much better place. He accomplished more in one life time than anyone I can think of.

The Philosophy of Civilization is a monument. This was Schweitzer's labor of love, and predictably, he produced yet another masterpiece. Reading Schweitzer should be required reading in philosophy, humanities, and religious studies at all universities and colleges in America. He should be the standard by which all GLOBAL thought is measured. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

THE MAJOR WORK EXPRESSING SCHWEITZER'S OWN IDEAS ON JESUS
Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was a Franco-German theologian, organist, philosopher, physician, and profound humanitarian. He was also the most noteworthy scholar on the "life of Jesus" of his day, and his 1906 book The Quest of the Historical Jesus is one of the few absolutely "indispensable" works in the field (which both conservatives and progressives agree about).In "Quest," after surveying all of the various "lives of Jesus" that had been written until 1906, Schweitzer gave his own views as well.

However, he had earlier (1901) given a much fuller statement of his views in this book (whose German title was "The Secret of Jesus' Messiahship and Passion"), which fully develops Schweitzer'sown "thoroughgoing eschatology" interpretation of Jesus. He asserts that Jesus believed himself to be the Messiah (although he did not publicly proclaim this; hje asserts that there was no "triumphal entry into Jerusalem," for example), and expected an imminent apocalyptic end to the world. After the failure of the Kingdom to immediately appear (which Jesus expected, as in Matthew 10:23) after he sent the Twelve out to preach, Jesus rethought his mission, concluding that he "must be put to death by the secular authority as a malefactor in the sight of all the people" in order to bring about the end. Judas' "betrayal" was his revealing this "Messianic secret" of Jesus to the Jewish leaders, after which Jesus was condemned and crucified, ultimately being "crushed" by the "great wheel of history."

Here are some representative quotations from the book:

"The secret of the Kingdom of God is therefore the synthesis effected by a sovereign spirit between the early prophetic ethics and the apocalyptic of the book of Daniel ... For his contemporaries it was a question of WAITING for the Kingdom ... while for Jesus it was a question of BRINGING TO PASS the expected event through the moral renovation."
"A prophet of repentance, John the Baptist, directs men's attention to the prediction of the mighty figure of Elijah the Forerunner, and as he hears in prison of the signs of Jesus he wonders if this may not be Elijah--and does not dream that this man holds himself to be the Messiah, and that for this reason he himself will henceforth be designated in history as the Forerunner."
"When, however, the witnesses have withdrawn, the High Priest puts the question fo Jesus directly, whether he is the Messiah. To prove such a claim on Jesus' part they could not adduce the necessary witnesses, for there were none.The High Priest is here in possession of Jesus' secret.That was the betrayal of Judas! Through him the Sanhedrin knew that Jesus claimed to be something different from what the people held him to be, though he raised no protest against it."

This book is abstolutely ESSENTIAL READING for anyone interested in the study of the historical Jesus.

Jesus interpreted through the lens of Thoroughgoing Eschatology
I found myself first addicted to Schweitzer's writing while reading his "Quest for the Historical Jesus," in which he devotes the final 70 or so pages to summarizing the results of this work here, "The Mystery of the Kingdom of God."With that in mind, i thought i'd try out "Mystery" as well, and was not disappointed at all.His exegesis and reasoning skills are a first rate example and model of how it should be done.

He has 2 basic premises - Mark wrote first of the 4 Gospels, and, Jesus thought that the Kingdom of God was within a few weeks to a few months of appearing (by "harvest time").Taking this thoroughgoing approach that ALL of Jesus' preaching and activities are directly related to the imminent appearance of the Kingdom (hence the term "thoroughgoing eschatology"), Schweitzer brilliantly sheds light on many of Jesus deeds and words, in addition to putting to a plausible historical context the reason for Jesus' execution.Schweitzer will definitely make you think, whether in the end, you agree with him or not.

It can be a tough book to read, but with good patience and with keeping a Bible handy while reading, it can offer quite a bit to consider when considering Jesus - who he was and what he was all about.Definitely worth putting in the effort.Understanding Schweitzer is almost foundational for understanding all other Jesus literature, since just about everything in this field refers to him.

Novel Interpretation of Jesus and His Kingdom!
Unhappy with the way Jesus is commonly understood, Schweitzer presents his radical reinterpretation of Jesus' life and teaching on the kingdom.Schweitzer sees the "mystery of the Kingdom" as Jesus' development of the thought of the prophets to present an "interim ethic" that not only anticipates the future arrival of the kingdom but actually brings it about.

I'll add that, though I have a master's degree in theology, for the most part I found myself completely unable to understand what Schweitzer was talking about.Reader beware. ... Read more

Product Description
This collection of essays builds on the contributions of Albert Schweitzer's philosophy of "Reverence for Life" as it pertains to our world today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Reinforcement
If you've read Dr. Schweitzer's "Reverence for Life", you should enjoy this compilation of letters and papers regarding and reinforcding Schweitzer's ethic.The included writings are authored by everyone from Graduate students to correspondents and Albert Schweitzer himself.Very enjoyable reading.

With an eclectic variety of soul-searching commentaries
Collaboratively and expertly edited by Marvin Meyer (Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies, Chapman University, Orange, California) and Kurt Bergel (Professor Emeritus, Chapman University and founder/co-director of the Chapman University Albert Schweitzer Institute), Reverence for Life: The Ethics Of Albert Schweitzer For The Twenty-First Century is an inherently impressive selection of profound essays by humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, enhanced with an eclectic variety of soul-searching commentaries on his thoughts and recommendations. Among Schweitzer's presented and scrutinized works are sermons, letters, as well as tidbits of his personal autobiography and deep philosophy. Reverence For Life is highly recommended as life-affirming, fundamental and thoughtfully constructed reading. ... Read more

Product Description
Inspiring selections on Knowledge and Discovery, Reverence for Life, Faith, The Life of the Soul and Civilization and Peace.21 photos, chronology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Albert Schweitzer - Spiritual Man of the Century
Although I am a scientist and I appreciate Einstein being chosen as Man of the Century, I feel that Albert Schweitzer would have been a more compelling choice.It is true that Einstein represents the science andtechnology that is taking us at a breathless pace into the new millenium. But just where is is taking us?

Schweitzer's scholarship in medicine,music, and religion could easily have led him to a highly successfulacademic career at a university.But he did not choose this path.Rather,he put his knowledge of medicine to use at a primitive level by servingnatives in a remote part of Africa.It was a courageous, soulworthydecision.For that reason it is worth learning everything we can aboutthis man whose mind was capable of such unique comprehension andaction.

I am very grateful that Norman Cousins put his editorial skillsto use in selecting words of Albert Schweitzer to pass on to us.Cousinsis correct in the Introduction when he says "The greatness ofSchweitzer rests not just on what he has done but on what other have donebecause of him."

The words in the text are classified under sixheadings: Knowledge and Discovery, Reverence for Life, Faith, The Life ofthe Soul, The Musician as Artist, and Civilization and Peace.Also, anexcerpt is given from Schweitzer's 1952 Nobel Peace Prize acceptancespeech.

The quotations range from humorous to subline; from "Anorgan is like a cow; one does not look at its horns so much as at itsmilk," to "The history of our time is characterized by a lack ofreason which has no parallel in the past."It is a fearsomeaccusation for a generation that prides itself on the good job it has donein harnessing reason to science.Schweitzer further reflects that "wehave sought to live and to carry on with a civilization which has noethical principle behind it."

With the example of Schweitzer's lifeof dedication and service we can perhaps see a glimmering of the ethicalprinciple that is missing in today's world.By living a life of sacrificeand service, his soul grows steadfastly without bound.

Wonderful introduction to the great humanitarian.
As printed in the Editor's Note, I first suggested the ides of this book to the publisher and corresponded with Norman Cousins.In l995 I wrote a multimedia musical dramatization called the "Words of Albert Schweitzer and the Music of Bach>"This acclaimed production is available to churches and universities.It was prsented March l at Syracuse University, New York.Thurston Moore ... Read more

Product Description
This unique and highly-acclaimed small volume shows - primarily through Dr. Schweitzer's own words - how his philosophy of "reverence for life" developed, from childhood, as his long life unfolded.

It demonstrates how the philosopher-physician-musician carried out his philosophy at his African hospital, in Europe and the U.S.A and how he inspired the animal protection and environmental awakening.

It describes his bond with individual animals and how he coped with the paradox of the "will-to-live" vs. "the will-to-live."

His memorable words, the sensitive commentary and the appealing photographs combine to present forcefully and gracefully Dr. Schweitzer's guidance to all persons troubled by disrespect of the natural word and all that dwell therein.

This book, which was originally published in 1982, has gone into eight printings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

I wish Schweitzer were here now.
This small volume exposes a compassionate, caring and thoughtful man.At the time Schweitzer was living, speaking out for animals - and all living things - wasn't a popular thing to do.He wasn't shy about voicing his feelings, though, and he spoke about animals and their value with great eloquence.This book contains many wonderful quotations, gives a brief but interesting introduction to Schweitzer's life.I've had this book for many years and still find myself enjoying it, learning from it, and valuing it.

A "must have" for humane educators
There are many books about Albert Schweitzer, and I have a lot of them.If the reader is specifically interested in the "Reverence for Life" aspect of Dr. Schweitzer's life, definitely check out this book.He was such a multi-faceted man but this book is specifically about how his "Reverence for Life" philosophy related to the animal world, indeed all the natural world.In small written tidbits this book takes the reader on the whole journey from his questions about animal life as a child through to his philosophy of respect for animal life as an adult.I would still encourage any Schweitzer afficianado (sp?) to check out biography-type books of his life to get the whole picture but for those interested specifically in his views on animals and "Reverence for Life", this is the book for you!

An excellent introduction to the compassion of Schweitzer.
Albert Schweitzer (along with Joseph Campbell) should be required reading for all.No one says it better than Schweitzer and there are so many gems in this book.It is a small book which you can open to any page and read aparagraph or two.It is broken into small segments with wonderfulpictures. Schweitzer lived his message."We must realize that alllife is valuable and that we are united to all life.From this knowledgecomes our spiritual relationship with the universe" - AlbertSchweitzer.Buy ten and pass them on! ... Read more

Product Description
In The Mysticism of Paul the Apostle, Albert Schweitzer goes against Luther and the Protestant tradition to look at what Paul actually writes in the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians about the personal experience of the believer with the divine. Paul's mysticism was not like the mysticism elsewhere described as a soul being at one with God. In the mysticism he felt and encouraged, there is no loss of self but an enriching of it; no erasure of time or place but a comprehension of how time and place fit within the eternal. Schweitzer writes that Paul's mysticism is especially profound, liberating, and precise. Typically, Schweitzer introduces readers to his point of view at once, then describes in detail how he came to it, what its scholarly antecedents were, what its implications are, what objections have been raised to it, and why all of this matters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

ONE OF SCHWEITZER'S MOST IMPORTANT THEOLOGICAL WORKS
Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was a Franco-German theologian, organist, philosopher, physician, and profound humanitarian. He was also the most noteworthy scholar on the "life of Jesus" of his day, and his 1906 book The Quest of the Historical Jesus is one of the few absolutely "indispensable" works in the field (which both conservatives and progressives agree about). In "Quest," after surveying all of the various "lives of Jesus" that had been written until 1906, Schweitzer gave his own views as well.

This 1930 book expanded his earlier book, Paul and His Interpreters). He states in the Author's Preface, "My methods have remained old-fashioned, in that I aim at setting forth the ideas of Paul in their historically conditioned form... Just because Paul's mystical doctrine of Christ has more to say to us when it speaks to us in the fire of its primitive-Christian, eschatological, manner of thought than when it is paraphrased into the language of modern orthodoxy or modern unorthodoxy, I believe I am serving in this work the cause not only of sound learning but also of religious needs."

He writes, "The fundamental thought of Pauline mysticism runs thus: I am in Christ; in Him I know myself as a being who is raised above this sensuous, sinful, and transient world and already belongs to the transcendent; in Him I am assured of resurrection; in Him I am a Child of God."

He concludes on the note, "In the hearts in which Paul's mysticism of union with Christ is alive there is also an unquenchable yearning for the Kingdom of God, but also consolation for the fact that we do not see its fulfillment. Three things make up the power of Paul's thought. There belongs to it a depth and reality, which lay their spell upon us; the ardour of the early days of the Christian faith kindles our own; a direct experience of Christ as the Lord of the Kingdom of God speaks from it, exciting us to follow the same path."

Pauline Mystiism
What a book! A very scholarly reference by the famous Albert Schweitzer on the Mysticism of Saint Paul in his witings in the New Testament. This is not a sit down and read book, but one that must be used as reference material, and read along with your Bible. It's focus is on the Believers Union with Christ, and will provide a lifetime of study and thought. ... Read more

Product Description
Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Useful
This book is a compilation of excerpts from Schweitzer's various writings that pertain to animals. This is a very useful book if you are looking for Schweitzer's on animals (and, by proxy, nature, Reverence for Life, and nature-ethics in world religions), and the long introduction by compiler Charles R. Joy is a rich (but easy to read) resource. ... Read more

Product Description
Independent of his international renown as a humanitarian, Albert Schweitzer is well known as a great musicologist--a reputation that rests largely upon this book, one of the great full-length studies of composer Johann Sebastian Bach's life and work. Schweitzer's J.S. BACH is among the definitive reference works on Bach and is high on the list of required reading for music students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Comprehensive, authentic and very instructive.
Dr. Schweitzer himself is an excellent interpretor of Bach's music, especially his organ music. His christian belief put him closer to the heart of the great German composer. Everyone who is seriously interested in Bach should read this book which is full of information and insight. To those who not only listen music but alos feel it, the book is will be a spiritual revelation.Shortcoming: in comparsion with German version, some translation is a bit vague or inaccurate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Must -read vintage book for teens / young adults
Although there is no shortage of biographies and books written about Albert Schweitzer, this is among the best which is written with the interests of older children/teens in mind, especially since there IS ashortage of good, nonfiction books that will engage both boys as well asgirls. This book fits the bill, telling the story of Schweitzer'saccomplishments as a physician, spriitual leader and, most importantly, hisefforts to help the people of West Africa who most needed his help. Hebuilt a hospital and ministered to the needs of the people there. Whilesome parts of this book may seem dated, the essence of the writing is stillquite vivid and heart-warming. ... Read more

Product Description
In July of 1913, 38-year-old medical doctor Albert Schweitzer gave up his position as a respected professor at the university of Strasbourg, and celebrated authority on music and philosophy, in order to go as a physician to French Equatorial Africa. First published in 1931, THE PRIMEVAL FOREST is Schweitzer's own fascinating story of these eventful years--a story rich in human interest and high drama. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Aclassictext and insight into a great doctor...
Although a great admirer of Dr. Albert Schweitzer for some years, it is only now that the opportunity has presented itself to finally read and relish the doctor's own account of his beginnings and reasons for working in equatorial Africa.

Schweitzer's reason(s) for giving up his position as professor in the University of Strasbourg, his prolific literary work, his ground-breaking work on Bach, (he was the world authority at the time) and his music... the doctor writes,

"I had read about the physical miseries of the natives in the virgin forests; I had heard about them from missionaries, and the more I thought about it the stranger it seemed to me that we Europeans trouble ourselves so little about the great humanitarian task which offers itself to us in far-off lands." (P. 9)

Dr. Schweitzer has a lot to say concerning the extensive damages wrought on the native African as a result of colonialism. We take their natural resources as if they were our own; we have given them our diseases; we have given them alcoholism and we push the Word of the Lord down their throats and some how justify this pillage & plunder as "civilizing the savages". Schweitzer, first and foremost, realized that the colonized natives are experiencing great suffering in terms of the many diseases that plague the continent, and felt that he, a white man, needed to take responsibility; therefore he chose to become a medical doctor at the age of thirty. Once attaining his qualifications, he set out with his wife to West Africa amongst the many protests from his contemporaries.

This book was first published in 1922, but Schweitzer set sail for Africa in July 1913, to go on and establish his famous hospital in Lambarene, West Africa. The hardships in establishing a hospital in such primitive conditions to then begin treating the natives straight away with little or adequate medical supplies is almost unthinkable, but he forged on, building the hospital, treating horrific disease and dealing with the culture of the West African. He writes about the belief system of the native's (fetishist) and the affect of their conversion to Christianity.

There is a chapter the doctor devotes entirely to the most prevalent tropical diseases he comes across most weeks and months. These descriptions are graphic, truly conveying the horror and utter suffering the patient experiences if left untreated.

In Dr. Schweitzer's conclusion, he writes about something he calls "The Fellowship of those who bear the Mark of Pain." In distilled terms, anyone who has experienced great pain and has been treated to a successful outcome should realize the extent of pain and suffering of the native African. This empathy should awake the white man, and force them to help with the aid of modern medicine, the pain and suffering of the native African.

Any medical student or doctor thinking about working in primitive conditions in any developing country, should certainly read this book. I believe it is inspiring in every sense of the word.

deeply offensive for us natives of Gabon
I read this book out of curiosity because my grandmother remembers Dr. Schweitzer very well. I found this book very offensive because of the imperialistic language of "superior Europeans coming to the rescue of inferior childlike Blacks". He calls us "children of nature" and "savages." Read the book, it's all in there.

Candid and well written
This book will have most of its appeal to those with interest in medicine, missionary work, or anthropology.It consists of Schweitzer's medical case histories, travels, hospital administrative chores, reflections on African and European culture, and general overview of his first decade and a half in Gabon on the west coast of Africa.Schweitzer's candid comments about the Africans and the harsh conditions under which he worked help make this book better than the average account of third world philanthropic endeavors.Schweitzer shows true insight and compassion for those he came to help and I found the book highly engaging. ... Read more