Hope instead of fear: clergymen in Gelsenkirchen strengthen faith

Hope instead of fear: clergymen in Gelsenkirchen strengthen faith

Gelsenkirchen, Deutschland - In Gelsenkirchen, the theologians Heiner Montanus and Markus Pottbäcker look at the Christmas days with a message of hope, despite the worrying global political situation. While conflicts and crises worldwide, both clergymen emphasize that the core of the Christmas message shines even in dark times. Montanus, superintendent of the Evangelical Church Circle Gelsenkirchen and Wattenscheid, emphasizes: "You are not alone because God goes through the dark with you." This encouragement should in particular reach people who suffer from loss, illness or unemployment. Montanus adds that the Christmas events themselves were characterized by challenges and that the good news also applies to what is desperate today, such as waz.de reported.

a light of hope in times of crisis

Propst Pottbäcker from St. Urbanus and St. Augustine is similar to Montanus in his view and speaks about the central message of hope. He describes the Christmas celebrations, which are traditionally frequented by a variety of visitors, as an "encouraging sign" that many people seek access to the church even in difficult times. This happens despite the current abuse scandals in the Catholic Church and the associated resignations. "The original of hope cannot be found on the Christmas market," he adds, which should encourage people to recognize the true meaning of Christmas. In the services, they traditionally light 70,000 tea lights.

The connection to historical religious movements is also important. Montanism, founded in the 2nd century by Montanus, a religious figure that was also known for their prophetic statements, illustrates the permanent search for spiritual renewal and hope. Montanus was convinced that the world was changing and created a rigorous community that was supposed to avert material wishes. This is reminiscent of the challenges that people face today and the continued search for a deeper meaning in the middle of uncertainty, such as "https://www.britannica.com/biography/montanus-religious-leader"> Britannica.com . These historical references strengthen the message of the theologians in Gelsenkirchen that hope can be a light of faith even in the most difficult times.