23 Sep 2006
Dr. Josef Bohatec
Robert D. Knudsen, Th.M.
From: JASA 6 (December 1954): 17-18.
It is without hesitation that I interrupt the series of columns I was planning on faith and culture to give honor to a great figure in Christian scholarship, Dr. Josef Bohatec of Vienna.
I shall never forget the evening I had the privilege of attending the exercises for the 70th anniversary of the Free University of Amsterdam, where Bohatec, long known for his profound and extensive erudition, received another degree, the honorary doctorate in law. In Holland the honorary doctorate is not achieved as easily as here. Though it is not always given as the direct reward for scholarly work, it is really much harder to attain than an “earned” degree. One who is considered for a degree honoris causa must be a person of great accomplishments. Knowing what a scholarly reputation belonged to this man, I was deeply moved to hear the expression of deep Christian faith which pervaded and exalted his every statement. This was not the tinny blasting of a calliope but the full-throated peal of a great organ.