Johann Arndt (Arndt (Arnd) Johann)

(1555-1621)
Born December 27, 1555 in Ballenstedt (Anhalt) in the family of a Lutheran pastor and was orphaned early. Arndt studied medicine, theology and the humanities and natural sciences, enthusiastically read the works of medieval mystics - Bernard of Clairvaux, Johann Tauler, Thomas a Kempis, German theologian anonymous (Theologia Teutsch). In 1583-1590 was a pastor in Badeborne, but left this place, because his views on the sacrament did not coincide with the prevailing Calvinistic doctrine. In 1590-1599 he lived in Quedlinburg, and then became a pastor in Braunschweig. There, he led a successful and fruitful pastoral work and published the first part of the work On the True Christianity (Vom wahren Christentum, 1605), based on his sermons. Then he was invited to Eisleben, where the other four came out of his book (1609).
Expert on theology, Arndt was also interested in alchemy, natural history and medicine. His knowledge he used in his famous work On the true Christianity and the book of prayers in the Garden of Eden (Paradiesgrtlein). Others of his works have remained in the shadow of these books, which are the key works of Protestantism. Available in all European languages, they differ a clear, juicy popular, even poetic, expressing his sincere faith, warmed by the warmth. In the idea of true Christianity, according to Arndt, merge faith and life, justification and sanctification. In the living unity of Protestant orthodoxy, it combines with mysticism. This concept was at the center of theological disputes of his time. Arndt died in Celle (Hannover) 11 May 1621.