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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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October 2004 |
World-famous German theologian speaks words of hope
By Duane Coates
EVANSTON, Ill. - Amidst a global war against terrorism and a political election season in which trust and truth are in doubt, German theologian Jürgen Moltmann brought a word of hope to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
The world-famous theologian said truth telling may restore trust, even within political systems. Moltmann reminded his Sept. 15 audience, "whether we can see the possibility or not, we should be open and curious about possibilities. Don't ever give up."
In terms of political trust, Moltmann, 78, said those who speak the truth will be trusted, but those who lie will not be trusted until they admit the lie and repent. Moltmann, who was a prisoner of war during World War II, said, "in war, truth is the first casualty." Lies are told to go to war and once the war starts, citizens are told that truth should not be spoken in public, lest it aid the enemy.
However, trust can be restored, he said. Moltmann described four cases in which he has seen political trust restored in his lifetime. These are:
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The 1973-75 Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which he credits with perforating the Iron Curtain,
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German post-war efforts at reconciliation, which included the Nuremberg trials and reparation payments to Holocaust survivors,
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Peaceful transition of European states from dictatorships to social democracies, and
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The South Africa Truth Commission.
He said reaching this restoration takes confession, restitution and repentance.
"To speak the truth is the basis of trust,", "To admit a mistake is the first step to truth."
But taking steps that lead to trust requires vulnerability, he said.
"If we close ourselves (to vulnerability), we harm ourselves because if nothing touches us, we can't touch anything," Moltmann said.
The word of hope resonated with many in the audience. Bishop Edsel Ammons of Evanston said the lecture was appropriate in this political election season. "We are not far away from making decisions that would destroy truth rather than change our perceptions of it. I think he speaks a very appropriate and prophetic word," said Ammons.
Moltmann, professor emeritus of systematic theology at the University of Tübingen, is regarded as the most-widely read theologian of the later half of the 20th century.
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is one of 13 United Methodist-related seminaries and is located on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.
Duane Coates serves as communication officer at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008