-A biography of Albert Schweitzer:.schweitzer.org

"Albert Schweitzer,1875-1965, German born theologian, philosopher, musicologist, medical missionary and Nobel.laureate.

"Born in Kaysersberg, Upper Alsace, Germany.(now Haut-Rhin Department, France), January 14, 1875, Schweitzer was educated at the universities of Strasbourg, Paris and Berlin. He was ordained as the curate.(in charge).of the Church of Saint Nicholas in Strasbourg in 1900; a year later he became principal of the theological seminary there. In music he gained fame as an organist and authority on organ construction.

"His best known musicological work, Johann Sebastian Bach, was published in French in 1905 and rewritten in German in 1908; an English translation appeared in 1911.

"In this work Schweitzer emphasized the religious nature of Bach's music and advocated the simple, undistorted style of performing Bach's works that was accepted afterward as the standard type of presentation.

"Schweitzer was world renowned as a musician, ethical philosopher and humanitarian. The variety of his interests was unified largely by the profound religious meaning he found in the natural world.(very similar to Bruno Groening {see the movie about him}).as well as in all of the accomplishments of humanity."

"Religious Writings: Schweitzer established his reputation as a theologian with.The Quest of the Historical Emmanuel, 1906; translated 1910, in which he interpreted the life of Emmanuel in the light of Emmanuel's eschatological beliefs. In such other theological studies as.The Mysticism of Paul the Apostle, 1930; translated. 1931, Schweitzer examined the New Testament from the eschatological viewpoint of its reputed authors."

"Medicine and Philosophy: From 1905 to 1913 Schweitzer studied medicine and surgery at the University of Strasbourg. He went to Lambaréné, French Equatorial Africa.(now in Gabon).in 1913 as a medical missionary and set up a hospital.

"Here he cared for some 2000 patients during his first year. In 1917-1918 Schweitzer, a German national, was interned in France. He wrote during that period two volumes of a projected philosophical study of civilization,.The Decay and the Restoration of Civilization.and,.Civilization and Ethics.(both 1923; translated 1923). Concerned in these volumes with ethical thought in history, Schweitzer contended that modern civilization is in decay because it lacks the will to love. He suggested that people should develop a philosophy based on what he termed 'reverence for life', embracing with compassion all forms of life.

"Schweitzer remained in Europe until 1924, when he returned to Africa. In spite of many obstacles, he rebuilt his hospital and equipped it to provide care for thousands of Africans, including 300 lepers. He returned frequently to Europe to lecture and give organ recitals; in 1949 he visited the United States. He received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. He died September 4, 1965. His other works include the theological studies.Indian Thought and Its Development, 1935; translated 1936,.The Kingdom of God and Primitive Christianity.(1967; translated 1968) and the autobiographical.Out of My Life and Thought, 1931; translated 1933." From Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 99. © 1993-1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

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