Obituary for Prof. Lothar Schmidt

This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him (2 Timothy 2:11).

It is with sadness and at the same time with deep gratitude that Friedensau Adventist University (FAU) takes leave of Prof. Dr. med. Lothar Schmidt (6.02.1921 –02.02.2020). The long-standing director of the Institute of Addiction and Dependence Matters at Friedensau Adventist University gave important impulses for the development of the university and was a researcher and lecturer at the School of Social Sciences in the field of social medicine until 2012.

He was born in Königsberg, studied medicine at the Humboldt University in Berlin and devoted himself quite early to alcoholics.  He established the work of Alcoholics Anonymous in Germany, was chief physician of the department for alcoholics at the Jewish Hospital in Berlin, later also medical director of the Addiction Clinic Haus Niedersachsen in Oerrel and chairman of the Berlin State Office against the Dangers of Addiction. Until a year ago, he held specialist lectures. He was also highly appreciated internationally. For many years, he headed the International Commission for the Prevention of Alcoholism, an institution of the United Nations, as Vice President. He received many awards for his tireless work on behalf of people with addiction diseases, including the Order of Merit First Class of the Federal Republic of Germany.

In Professor Lothar Schmidt, we are losing a man who was committed to an abstinent lifestyle and who supported and critically accompanied the development of Friedensau Adventist University. He was a deeply religious man who knew that his faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life.