“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

German polymath from Alsace

Albert Schweitzer was a German thinker from Alsace, active as a theologian, organist, musicologist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician. He became known for a life that joined scholarship, faith, and practical service. As a Lutheran minister, he questioned both the secular historical-critical portrait of Jesus and the traditional Christian reading of him. He is also known for his work on Pauline Christianity, especially his view that Paul’s mysticism of being in Christ is central, while justification by faith is secondary.