Holy Scripture is always - wherever and whenever you open it - a well of fresh water of unfathomable depth.

— Friedrich von Bodelschwingh (1831–1910), Theologe, Diakonie-Gründer

Friedrich von Bodelschwingh

Friedrich von Bodelschwingh (1831–1910) war ein deutscher lutherischer Theologe und einer der prägenden Pioniere der Diakonie, der ab 1872 die Hilfseinrichtungen in Bethel bei Bielefeld aufbaute. Er widmete sich der Fürsorge für Menschen mit Behinderungen und Wohnungslose, stand dabei jedoch auch für ein stark patriarchalisches Leitungsverständnis und eine konservative Ablehnung politischer Reformen. Für Bibelleser veranschaulicht sein Wirken eine radikal praktische Nächstenliebe im Dienst an Ausgegrenzten, die zugleich eng an die kirchlich-gesellschaftlichen Strukturen ihrer Epoche gebunden blieb.

All quotes by Friedrich von Bodelschwingh (177)

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