Eberhard Jüngel

Profession: Theologian

Biography: Eberhard Jüngel was a German theologian known for his work in systematic and philosophical theology. He was recognized for bridging the historical study of Jesus Christ and contemporary systematic theology. He made significant contributions to the field, particularly on the topics of the crucified Christ and the concept of God's being as becoming.

Jüngel was born into a non-religious family and faced parental opposition in his decision to study theology. His early exposure to a communist environment influenced his turn to Christianity. He pursued undergraduate studies in Berlin and further theological education in Switzerland, where he was influenced by Gerhard Ebeling and Karl Barth.

Completing his doctorate in 1961 on the relationship between Paul and Jesus, Jüngel habilitated in systematic theology at Kirchliche Hochschule Berlin-Ost in 1962. After the construction of the Berlin Wall, he lectured on the New Testament and eventually took professorships at the University of Zürich and the University of Tübingen. He served as the director of several theological institutes and held the title of Ephorus of Evangelisches Stift Tübingen.

Jüngel's theological works delved into Christology, the dialogue between theism and atheism, and the interrelation between God and the world. Gott als Geheimnis der Welt (1982), or "God as the Mystery of the World," stands among his most influential texts, examining the nature of God in relation to worldly mysteries.

He received membership in the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the Chancellor of the Order Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts. In 1994, he was awarded the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Jüngel also held honorary doctorates from the University of Greifswald and the University of Basel.

Born: December 5, 1934
Birthplace: Magdeburg, Saxony, Germany

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: September 28, 2021 (aged 86)