Jürgen Moltmann

Jürgen Moltmann is emeritus professor of theology at Tübingen University in Tübingen, Germany. Widely considered to be one of the most important theologians of the last fifty years, he was born in Hamburg into a secular family. Drafted into the German army near the end of World War II, he converted to Christianity after being given a Bible in a prisoner of war camp in Belgium. He began his theological studies while still a POW in England and continued in Germany, earning his doctorate in theology from Göttingen University. He served as a pastor in Bremen before becoming a professor at several universities, leading to the prestigious post he was to hold for more than a quarter of a century: professor of systematic theology at Tübingen University. His landmark book Theology of Hope, published in 1964, has been widely read and translated into many languages. His other important books include The Crucified God (1972), God in Creation (1985), and The Coming of God (1995). He has collaborated with, taught, and mentored many leading contemporary theologians, including his wife, feminist theologian Elisabeth Moltmann-Wendel. Throughout his long career, his hallmarks have been the vigorous development of kingdom-of-God theology and his commitment to the unceasing exploration he calls “the adventure of theological ideas.

Other 2007 Speakers:

• Barbara R. Rossing
• Peter J. Gomes
• James Carroll