Friedrich Heitmüller und die »Freie evangelische Gemeinde Hamburg«: Eine deutsche Freikirche und ihr Leiter im 20. Jahrhundert

Ulrike Heitmüller M.A.

doi:10.5771/9783689006358

Summary

Friedrich Heitmüller (1888–1965) was a preacher, writer, leader of a free church with an associated foundation, and holder of international leadership positions. He was initially an opponent, then a supporter, and finally a victim of persecution by the Nazis; he is remembered as a repentant penitent—yet remained an antisemite. His influence endures to this day, and this study identifies the reasons: his charisma, the cohesion of his free church, and the specific form of religiosity that is today referred to as 'evangelical.' His granddaughter, the journalist Ulrike Heitmüller, highlights both unique and exemplary aspects and analyzes the challenges involved in engaging with literature from the evangelical sphere.