Avian Theology of Johann Heinrich Zorn

Abstract

Johann Heinrich Zorn (1698-1748) was a pastor in Bavaria and an amateur but competent ornithologist. Following the many physico-theological books published in the 18th century, he wrote his Petinotheologie in which he used ornithological knowledge for theological and spiritual purposes. He included extensive descriptions of the anatomy, physiology, living and migration patterns of birds to show the orderliness and harmony in each aspect of avian lives, which was for him an undeniable proof of God’s wisdom, power, and goodness.