Dr. Oswald C. J. Hoffmann

Lutheran Hour Speaker, 1955-1988

On September 25, 1955, Dr. Oswald Hoffmann initiated the 23rd season as Lutheran Hour speaker. He served in that position for thirty-three years, broadcasting his last Lutheran Hour program from mainland China on Christmas Day, 1988.

Before beginning his service as speaker of "The Lutheran Hour," Dr. Hoffmann served as a pastor, as a college professor, and as director of public relations for the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Hoffmann was chairman of the translations committee of the American Bible Society, and in 1977 he was elected president of the United Bible Societies.

Recognized as one of the outstanding personalities of the Protestant world, he brought to the position a wealth of scholarship, ability, and experience. His autobiography, What Is There to Say But Amen? was published in 1996.

Dr. Hoffmann's years as speaker intersected with the Civil Rights movement, the war in Vietnam, and the Watergate scandal. His words on despair, guilt, death, forgiveness, and the hope of the resurrection seemed to have been addressed to the mood of the nation, which now, more than forty-five years later, still ring true. They still point us to the cross of Christ and His resurrection. They still call us to faith in Christ alone.