Johann Rist
Johann Rist was a multifaceted German poet, theologian, and pastor born on March 8, 1607, in Ottensen, near Hamburg. He was raised in a religious environment, as the son of a Lutheran minister, and pursued an extensive education in theology, mathematics, and the sciences at several universities, including Reinteln and Leipzig. Rist began writing hymns and poetry influenced by his theological studies and the works of contemporaries, gaining recognition with his dramatic works such as "Perseus" and "Das friedejauchzende Teutschland." His literary contributions earned him accolades, including a poetic crown from Emperor Ferdinand III in 1644 and a noble title in 1653.
As a pastor in Wedel, Rist was actively engaged in his community and also practiced medicine, although he faced criticism for his approach to church controversies. His most enduring legacy lies in his religious poetry and hymns, which were widely sung in churches across Germany and even caught the attention of the Roman Catholic Church. Rist's collections, such as "Musa Teotonica" and "Himmlischer Leider," reflect his commitment to both public and private worship, demonstrating his influence on German religious life. His works continue to appear in evangelical hymnals today, highlighting his lasting impact on the tradition of hymnody.
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Johann Rist
Clergyman
- Born: March 8, 1607
- Birthplace: Ottensen, near Hamburg, Germany
- Died: August 31, 1667
Biography
Johann Rist, the son of a Lutheran minister, was born in Ottensen, Germany, near Hamburg, on March 8, 1607. Almost from birth, he expected to enter a religious ministry. His early education was received at the Johanneum in Hamburg and the Gymnasium Illustre in Bremen. He later studied theology at the University of Reinteln, where he began writing hymns under the influence of Josua Stegman. A precocious student, he studied mathematics, chemistry, and medicine as well as divinity at several universities, including at Leipzig, Utrecht, and Leyden.
In 1633, after his graduation, he became a tutor to the house of Landschreiber Heinrich Sager in Holstein. Two years later, he was appointed pastor to the village of Wedel, located on the Elbe River. In the spring of 1635, he married Elizabeth Stapfel, the sister of Judge Franz Stapfel. It is likely that his position at Wedel was the result of his wife’s influence. Rist was a very active pastor, and he also was a physician who tended to the needs of his congregation. Although he was sometimes accused of preaching too little against heresy and other controversies in the church, he did not hesitate to write about such subjects. He was often involved in acrimonious disputes that put him in conflict with other religious leaders and authors of his time.
Rist first came to the attention of the literary world with the publication of his drama, Perseus, published in 1634. He continued to write dramatic works throughout the succeeding years. The most notable of these dramatic works are Das friedewünschende Teutschland and Das friedejauchzende Teutschland. His works were highly celebrated, and in 1644 he was crowned laureate by Emperor Ferninand III. In 1653, he was given a noble title, and he helped found the Elbschwanen order (Elbe Swan Order). By this time he had already become a member of the literary order of Pegnitz, and he was a member of the prestigious Fruchtbringende Gesellschaft, or Fruitbearing Society.
However, Rist is best remembered as the author of religious poems and hymns. He wrote ten collections containing pieces that were intended to fit the requirements of both public and private worship. Although some of his work seemed trite and formulaic, his hymns were sung in churches throughout Germany. His hymns even intrigued the Roman Catholic Church. Several of his works still appear in evangelical hymn books. Collections of Rist’s poetry appeared under the titles of Musa Teotonica and Himmlischer Leider, published in 1634 and 1641 respectively.