Bach Among the Theologians

Bach Among the Theologians by Jaroslav Pelikan, 140 pages

 

Jaroslav Pelikan was undoubtedly one of the most important American theologians of the twentieth century.  As a young man, however, he had seriously considered pursuing a career as a concert pianist.  His love of music and theology combine to make this short study of the religious context and content of the work of JS Bach both lively and enlightening.

 

Pelikan carefully explicates Bach's position in the struggles between the Pietist and Orthodox factions within eighteenth century Lutheranism, and how the composer managed to reflect the best characteristics of each theological approach through his unique musical genius.  Furthermore, Pelikan demonstrates how Bach reached back through Luther to embrace and transfigure centuries of Christian faith and music.

 

A wonderful portrait of Bach, his life, his faith, his music, and his world.