Friedrich Heiler facts for kids
Friedrich Heiler (born January 30, 1892 – died April 18, 1967) was an important German thinker. He was a theologian, which means he studied religion, and a historian who looked at how different religions developed.
Heiler grew up in a Roman Catholic family. In 1918, he started teaching at the University of Munich. Then, in 1920, he moved to the University of Marburg and became a professor there in 1922.
Heiler wasn't completely happy with the Roman Catholic Church at the time. He became interested in the Lutheran faith after meeting a Swedish theologian named Nathan Söderblom in 1919. Heiler then joined the Lutheran Church. He became very involved in the Lutheran High Church movement in Germany. This movement tried to keep some older traditions, similar to how the Catholic Church does things. In 1929, he became the leader of a group called the Hochkirchliche Vereinigung Augsburgischen Bekenntnisses.
Even though he became Lutheran, Heiler never fully left his Roman Catholic roots. He believed in something called "Evangelical Catholicity." This idea tried to combine parts of both Lutheran and Catholic beliefs. For example, he liked the spiritual ideas of the Franciscan order, which is a group within the Catholic Church. He even helped start a Lutheran Franciscan group in 1927. Later, he became a leader in another group called the Hochkirchliche St.-Johannes-Bruderschaft. He received a special blessing from a bishop of the Gallican Church to help lead this group.
As a historian, Heiler studied many religions, including those from Asia. He believed that all different faiths, even non-Christian ones, were part of "one holy church." He also thought it was important for women to have a bigger role in the church, even supporting the idea of women becoming priests.
Heiler's ideas were known by many Lutheran theologians, even those who were more traditional. This was because he tried to bring different Christian groups together. After the Second Vatican Council in the Roman Catholic Church, which also tried to bring churches closer, Heiler's work became less talked about in academic studies.
Understanding Prayer: Heiler's Ideas
Friedrich Heiler is well-known for his deep study of prayer. He looked at how people pray in different ways and came up with a system to describe them. He suggested there are six main types of prayer, and some people now think there's a seventh type too. These types show a journey from prayers focused on human needs to prayers focused on God.
Connecting with Nature: Secular Spirituality
This type of prayer is the least connected to traditional Christianity. It's about trying to connect with a higher power or feeling by focusing on the world around us. This might mean connecting with nature or simply meditating quietly inside oneself. It doesn't always include talking to a specific God.
Basic Needs: Primitive Prayer
According to Heiler, the simplest prayers come from our basic needs and fears. People pray this way when they want help getting out of trouble or danger. You can find this type of prayer everywhere, from ancient cultures to modern societies. When these prayers seem to work, people often start to pray in more structured ways.
Following Rules: Ritual Prayer
When people see that primitive prayers get results, they try to repeat what worked. Ritual prayer is about following certain rules or formulas. People might think that saying specific words or doing certain actions will make the prayer work. For example, some Christians might always end their prayers "in Jesus' name," thinking it's a rule, even though Jesus himself didn't always use such a formula. This type of prayer focuses on the method more than the true meaning.
Thinking About Society: Greek Cultural Prayer
In ancient Greek culture, prayer became more about moral and community needs, not just individual ones. This was a more refined type of primitive prayer. Important thinkers or leaders often prayed for the good of their whole society.
Deep Thoughts: Philosophical Prayer
This type of prayer goes beyond just asking for things. It's about thinking deeply about the connection between the world and its creator. At this level, people might wonder if their prayers can really change God's plan. So, instead of asking for things, these prayers often become about giving thanks. Up to this point, the prayers are often about what people can get from prayer. But Heiler believed there are two higher forms of prayer that are more about connecting directly with God.
Feeling God's Presence: Mystical Prayer
In mystical prayer, people believe that God is separate from them but can also live within them. They seek to connect with God through conversation and personal change. This type of prayer often involves seeking a special understanding or "illumination" from God, which is revealed in different steps.
Talking Directly to God: Prophetic Prayer
Heiler believed this was the highest form of prayer, like the prayers found in the Bible. In this type, there are no steps or special formulas needed. People can talk directly to God at any time, from any place, and without needing a special religious rank. It's about open and direct communication with God.
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