The Quest for Faithfulness: A Memoir

An individuals life story can provide insights into the character of a particular nation the events of a specific time period and the hopes and challenges faced by human beings as they strive to live a life that is consistent with the ideals that they espouse. This memoir of Helmut Hartmanns first seventy years of life serves such a multifaceted purpose. Hartmann was born shortly before Adolf Hitler and the National Socialists gained power in Germany. His memories of his childhood include impressions of a society in turmoil and of the persistent suffering experienced by segments of German society particularly the Jewish community. In his adult years Hartmann served as a pastor of the Evangelical Church in the German Democratic Republic. His account of his diverse pastoral ministry; his travels both within and outside the Soviet Bloc countries; his engagement with the Communist political leaders; and his diligent quest for justice highlights the religious political economic and social challenges faced by East German citizens while they were ruled by a political regime that was ardently anti-religious and eagerly exercised its dictatorial authority. Hartmanns memoir invites readers to consider what it means to be a follower of Christ and how their faith might inform their responses to the societal political and economic challenges of their particular time and place.