Adolf Keller: Ecumenist, World Citizen, Philanthropist

Synopsis: The Swiss theologian Adolf Keller was the leading ecumenist on the European continent between the two world wars. In this book the historian Marianne Jehle-Wildberger delineates his life and its achievements. Based on research in forty archives in Europe and the United States, a picture emerges that shows a wonderful man who was a personal friend oft Karl Barth, C. G. Jung, Thomas Mann, and Albert Schweitzer--and thus who was influenced by the spiritual tendencies of the twentieth century. Keller cooperated closely with the National Council of Churches. His Central Bureau of Relief in Geneva (Inter-Church Aid) was supported by American churches. His lectures at Princeton Theological Seminary on "Religion and Revolution" (1933)--in which he was one of the first commentators to denounce National Socialism in Germany--set a new standard of political discussion and are unsurpassed. Marianne Jehle-Wildbergers' book is an important contribution to twentieth-century church history and to the history of the twentieth century in general. Endorsements: "This thoroughly documented, skillfully presented, and readable study provides us with the first biography of Swiss theologian Adolf Keller, one of the most creative and influential figures in the early ecumenical movement of the 1920s and 1930s. This book leads to a deeper appreciation and a fuller understanding of Keller's immense labors to promote refugee aid during World War II. It is a welcome contribution to ecumenical studies." --Emidio Campi, Former General Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation and Professor Emeritus of Church History at University of Zurich "At long last, the biography of this cofounder of the ecumenical movement has been written. Jehle-Wildberger presents a comprehensive account of Adolf Keller's life and work based on a painstaking study of sources. The author particularly carves out Keller's strengths as a communicator, which allowed him to become one of the 'good stewards of God's varied grace' (1 Peter 4:10). As a pioneer of ecumenism, Keller shall be remembered." --Gottfried W. Locher, President of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches and President of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe Author Biography: Marianne Jehle-Wildberger is a renowned Swiss historian. She has written many books and articles on the Reformation, Pietism, and modern church history. She is a specialist on the time of National Socialism and the church struggle in Germany and taught history at the College of Sargans.