Gregor Koehler

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Book title page, 1792

Gregor Köhler (born February 2, 1733 in Weitersweiler as Johann Stephan Köhler , † 1819 in Mainz ) was a German Benedictine priest and theologian .

Life

Köhler joined the Benedictine order in 1751 and studied theology at the University of Mainz . In 1756 he was ordained a priest . He then became a pastor of the Mainz garrison . In 1758 he was awarded a Dr. theol. PhD .

In addition to his pastoral work, Köhler also took on the role of theology teacher in the Mainz Benedictine monastery in 1765 . 1786 or 1787 he was appointed as professor of pastoral theology and liturgy at the University of Mainz appointed . He was the second holder of this chair . There he taught until the university was abolished by the French in 1798. Köhler was also a member of the Academy of Charitable Sciences in Erfurt .

After the monastery had been closed in 1802, Köhler asked to join the Mainz diocesan clergy in 1809. During this time he appeared again as Johann Stephan Köhler. During the French era, he adhered to revolutionary ideas and wrote the publication Confession to the Frankish Republic . Bishop Joseph Ludwig Colmar reprimanded this work emphatically and first requested a written revocation in order to be able to return to church service.

Quote

“As a teacher, the pastor has to present the doctrines of faith and morals thoroughly and convincingly: to examine dubious cases, to correct them, and to prevent dangerous ones. As a judge he has to judge and determine the actions of his subordinates according to the prescription of reason, the deposited laws and ordinances. As a doctor he has to choose and prescribe the most appropriate means for the healing of the soul. As a comforter he must know the various needs of his community and at the same time have the means in readiness to either improve them or at least to alleviate them. As a shepherd he must watch carefully over his flock, lead it to a good pasture, and protect it from all harmful ones. As the dispenser of the secrets of salvation, he has to distribute the means of salvation made strong by the blood of Jesus Christ to those who are well prepared; But to withhold from others, and to treat them for yourself with dignity and respect.
What deep knowledge and understanding of human nature must not a pastor have in order to properly know the flock entrusted to him? How much experience, how much common sense, is not required in order not to be deceived in this important business by the pretense of hypocrites? What constant zeal in order not to tire in this arduous field? What practical science, tremendous cleverness, and the presence of the spirit are not required to always find the right and best? "

- Instructions for the practical instruction of future pastors in the Mainz high ore pen . Mainz 1789, preface

Works (selection)

  • Principia Theologiae Liturgicae , Wailandt, Mainz 1788.
  • Instructions for the practical instruction of future pastors in the Mainz high ore pen , university bookshop , Mainz 1789.
  • Instructions for practical pastoral care workers for sick people and deathbeds , University Bookstore , Mainz 1792.
  • Instructions for practical pastors in the confessional , Andreä, Frankfurt am Main 1796.

literature

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. Georg May : The right to worship in the Diocese of Mainz at the time of Bishop Joseph Ludwig Colmar (1802-1818) , Grüner, Amsterdam 1987, p. 720. ADB states 1809 differently.
  2. Review in the Theologische Literaturzeitung , June 1998 edition, Sp. 647–649.
  3. Title page to instructions for practical pastoral care workers on sick and dying beds , University bookstore , Mainz 1792.
  4. Georg May: The right to worship in the Diocese of Mainz at the time of Bishop Joseph Ludwig Colmar (1802-1818) , Grüner, Amsterdam 1987, p. 720 f. (Digital view) .
  5. Digitized instructions for the practical instruction of future pastors in the Mainz high ore pen (last accessed on June 12, 2019.