ATSS: Andreas Bochmann, “Lessons from the Barmen Declaration”
12 February 2025 |
The Barmen Declaration is one of the most fascinating theological documents of the Confessing Church in Germany during Nazi times. It was designed primarily by Karl Barth, Hans Asmussen, Karl Koch, Karl Immer, and Martin Niemöller and unanimously adopted in May 1934 at the Protestant Synod of Barmen, where pastors, church members, and university professors from the Lutheran, the Reformed, and the United traditions came together to discuss how to deal with developments of the time in Germany.
After visiting the last General Conference at St. Louis, my interest in the Barmen Declaration grew dramatically. I wondered if there was anything to learn from the document for our times. Since then the political developments on both sides of the Atlantic seem to suggest a certain urgency to empower each other against personality cults and dangerous “follow the leader” mentality, which even can turn into a modern idolatry.
Even though I am not a church historian, my contemplation of the Barmen Declaration led to a sermon series delivered at Friedensau Adventist University. In our ATSS I will present and discuss some major thoughts from those sermons, as I believe we can indeed learn from Barmen.
Teacher:
Andreas Bochmann, Ph.D., is Professor for Counseling and Pastoral Care at Friedensau Adventist University.
Moderator:
How to join:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87435017980
Passcode: SABBATH {ALL CAPS}
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Times in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere will vary with local time changes. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand.
- Please use your name when you sign in, so we know who we’re addressing.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Bryan Ness
- Marcelo Reis
- Andreas Bochmann
- Warren Trenchard
- Stephen Ferguson
- Maury Jackson
- Steve Case
