Martin H. Franzmann (January 29, 1907 – March 28, 1976) was an American
Lutheran clergyman and
theologian. He was also a college professor and poet who wrote numerous books and hymns.[1]
Early life and education
Martin Hans Franzmann was born in
Lake City, Minnesota. He was the son of Rev. William Franzmann (1868–1953) and Else (Griebling) Franzmann (1875–1944). His father was an immigrant from
Germany and was a Lutheran minister. Franzmann graduated from
Northwestern College before entering
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He had also studied at the
University of Chicago, but did not earn a degree. He later studied in
Greece as a Daniel L. Shorey Traveling Fellow.[2]
Career
In 1936, Franzmann accepted the position to serve as a professor of Greek and English at Northwestern until the summer of 1946.[2] In 1946, he was called to teach at
Concordia Seminary in
St. Louis, Missouri. In 1957, he became the chairman of
Exegetical Theology at Concordia. He was notable for his traditional stance on
Biblical inerrancy and inspiration against historical criticism well before the walkout that led to the
Seminex crisis.
Franzmann retired from Westfield House in 1972 and moved to
Wells, England, where he died in 1976. He was succeeded as tutor by his son John Franzmann.[3]