2026 Catholic Media Association Honorable Mention, Memoir

Renowned Scripture scholar, Gerhard Lohfink’s most personal book.

While many of his other books offer biblical exegesis, this book tells the story of a life. Through personal, biblical, and theological reflections, Gerhard Lohfink (1934-2024) offers readers hope for the future with a compelling glimpse into his own story of faith. In Why I Believe in God, Lohfink also considers how the Christian faith can still exist in a world filled with hatred, war, and destruction.

Interwoven with his life history, Lohfink recounts his childhood during the Nazi era and the Second World War, on his theology studies in Frankfurt and Munich, on his experiences as a priest and pastor, on his further studies in Würzburg, his time as a professor in Tübingen and the years after. He also ponders questions that play a decisive role in every Christian life: about the truth in the Bible, the role of reason in the Christian faith, and engaging with God when it comes to life decisions.