Gerhard J. Bellinger, a German theologian born in 1931, devoted three decades of his career to training prospective teachers at the Technical University of Dortmund. His extensive body of academic work spans the fields of religion, mythology, and the New Testament, resulting in specialized books translated into thirteen different languages before his death in 2020.
Academic Formation
Bellinger began his higher education at Paderborn University and LMU Munich, where he studied philosophy, history, and theology. During his time at Munich, he was instructed by notable figures including Michael Schmaus, Romano Guardini, and Helmut Kuhn. In 1961, he resumed his studies at the University of Münster, focusing on catholic theology under professors such as Joseph Ratzinger and Walter Kasper. He earned his doctorate in 1966 with a thesis on the Roman Catechism, supervised by Theodor Filthaut.
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Following his doctoral graduation, Bellinger took a position as a scientific assistant in Münster. His academic trajectory led him to an appointment as professor ordinarius at the educational university in Hagen in 1970. By 1976, he transitioned to the educational university at Dortmund, later serving as dean for the faculty of catholic and Protestant theology from 1977 to 1979. In 1980, he joined the Technical University of Dortmund, where he taught until his retirement in 1996.
Research and Publications
Bellinger authored over 800 reference articles and numerous specialized books. His publications included the 'Great Bible Guide' and the comprehensive 'Jesus: life – working – fate'. His work in the history of religion produced the 'Great Religions Guide' and the 'Great Encyclopedia of the mythology', both of which achieved international reach through translations. Additionally, he conducted focused research on the history of denominational catechisms, specifically examining the 1504 manual by Diogo Ortiz de Vilhegas.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 March 1931, Bochum
- Died: 20 June 2020, Bonn
- Nationality: German
- Doctoral Degree: Doctor theologiae (1966)
- Primary Employer: Technical University of Dortmund
- Retirement Year: 1996
- Field of Study: Theology, Religion, Mythology
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Gerhard J. Bellinger research?
He focused on the theology of the New Testament, the history of Christianity, denominational catechisms, mythology, and the religions of the world.
Did he hold a foundation in his name?
Yes, the Professor Dr. Bellinger Foundation exists under the trusteeship of the SOS Children's Villages foundation to support education and training for children and young people.
Achievements
- Held posts at Technical University of Dortmund
- Fields: theology, religion and mythology
