Gottlob Brückner (1783-1857)

Ein Deutscher im Dienste der britischen Baptistenmission auf Java

Abstract

The German Gottlob Brueckner, who was active from 1816 until 1847 as a missionary in Java with the English Baptist Missionary Society, translated the New Testament into Javanese and published Christian writings that became catalysts for the development of Christianity in Java. Brueckner’s conversion to the Baptist principles in 1816 and his conflict with the Governor-General Johannes van den Bosch highlight two particular challenges for missionary work in a colonial context. These challenges were not able to hinder the missionary work. Brueckner’s achievements on Java offer an opportunity to European Baptists to reflect on their historical connections with Christians on the island of Java.