Autor: Benjamin Funk

John Kline (1797–1864) was a prominent figure in the history of the Church of the Brethren, perhaps best known for his pacifist stance and his tragic death, which earned him the title “the Martyr Missionary”. His commitment to peace and to his faith community”s principles endured throughout the tumultuous times of the American Civil War, which ultimately led to his demise at the hands of Confederate sympathizers who opposed his peacekeeping missions. The book “Life and Labors of Elder John Kline, the Martyr Missionary” highlights not only Kline”s contributions to the church but also his influence as a community leader, a healer, and a staunch advocate for non-violence. Kline”s literary style, as evidenced in his works, is reflective of the era”s religious narratives—rich in didacticism and imbued with an earnest call for virtue and piety. His writings furnish historians and theologians alike with valuable insights into the religious disposition and the socio-political environment of his time. While Kline may not have sought out literary fame, his profound legacy is enduringly captured within the pages of his biographical account, granting posterity a glimpse into the life of a man who personified the very essence of self-sacrifice and moral conviction.