Albert Schweitzer: Mythos Und Wirklichkeit: Zur Rezeption in Vergangenheit Und Gegenwart

During his lifetime, Albert Schweitzer was revered in West Germany as a great role model - whether as the jungle doctor of Lambarene, the Samaritan of humanity or the genius of humanity. Something similar can be observed in the USA, where he was dubbed The Greatest Christian and eventually even The Greatest Man of the World. But it was not only in the West that Schweitzer played a major role; in the GDR, for example, Schweitzer was regarded as the great humanist and friend of peace. This volume seeks to answer the question of what motives and functions were associated with each Schweitzer image. The historical, political and social situation is likely to be of decisive importance here. It also deals with the reception of Schweitzer's thought in philosophy and theology. In addition to a critical review, the importance of Albert Schweitzer for us today will be explored.