I was recently given a copy of the 50th anniversary edition of Albert Schweitzer’s autobiography. He was a concert organist, a theologian, a pastor, author, medical doctor and missionary. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 and used the prize money to further the medical work in Lambarene, Gabon. He wanted his life to be a witness.
When I was in graduate school, I had read two landmark books on the New Testament which he had written, The Quest of the Historical Jesus and The Mysticism of Paul the Apostle. Though having been written over a hundred years ago, they are still well-known and used. His autobiography, Out of My Life and Thought, rehearsed the basic arguments of the books and I enjoyed reconnecting with these masterful works.
Schweitzer also wrote a landmark study of J.S. Bach and played organ recitals around the world as fundraisers for his medical work in Africa. He had a special piano in Africa with organ pedals so he could practice.
His later writing came to be focused on a collection/presentation of his ethical philosophy, Reverence for Life. His ethical philosophy held that all living beings deserve respect and compassion. He argued that philosophy had taken a bad turn with Descartes (“I think therefore I am”) and lost its understanding of life together. Science and ethics were separated.
Schweitzer’s ideas became central to his humanitarian and environmental thinking: “I am life that wants to live, in the midst of life that wants to live.” He believed that such a view was not only consistent with his own Christian faith but with the religions of the world.
Companions are more connected than we know
I was grateful for the gift of the book from my friend. I came to learn later that his father had Schweitzer as his teacher at the University of Strasbourg.
We are more connected than we know. And we have companions on this journey who encourage our best life.
