Whyte, Alexander (1836-1921)

Whyte, Alexander -- from Wikipedia Article

Alexander Whyte -- from The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge

Jacob Behmen, An Appreciation -- from The Project Gutenberg eBook

Description: Whyte’s survey was the first review of the life and ideas of 17th century German mystic and theologian Jacob Behmen (in German, Jakob Böhme), and to this day it remains the most popular. As a scholar, Behmen had introduced a controversial idea to Lutheran theology: that the Fall was a necessary step in God’s narrative for the universe. For salvation to occur, creation must pass through fallenness, suffering, and evil. Behmen’s work influenced some of Europe’s most famous thinkers, including John Milton and G.W.F. Hegel. Hegel even went so far as to say that he was “the first German philosopher.”

Kathleen O'Bannon
CCEL Staff

Lord Teach Us To Pray

Description: Lord Teach Us to Pray brings together twenty-three sermons by Scottish theologian and preacher, Alexander Whyte. Divided into three parts, this collection of sermons describes the general features of prayer, certain important qualities of prayer, and a variety of examples of prayer from biblical characters. The title of the book is taken from Luke 11:1, and the sermons from several prayer series Whyte delivered from 1895 to 1906. Possessing a strong education, Whyte often incorporates the work of theologians, philosophers, poets, and scientists in his well-crafted sermons. His sermons, though originally delivered over one hundred years ago, retain their power of conviction and spiritual aptitude. Enriched with spiritual insight, Whyte's sermons demonstrate how the Lord can teach us how to pray.

Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer

Santa Teresa, An Appreciation

Description: During a rainy summer in Scotland towards the end of the nineteenth century, Alexander Whyte, minister and professor in the Free Church of Scotland, spent his mornings and evenings reading the works of Saint Teresa of Avila, beloved Reformer of the Carmelite Order in the sixteenth century. So moved by the words of the saint, Whyte wrote this short biography of Santa Teresa, along with summaries of her works. He also included selected passages from the writings of Santa Teresa on spirituality and theology, for the purpose of sharing these passages with young men and women that they might grow spiritually and intellectually. In this short tribute, Whyte passes on his adoration of Santa Teresa to the reader, along with the texts that so moved him, to bless those who read this beautiful and thoughtful work.

Laura de Jong
CCEL Staff Writer