Bo Giertz (1905-1998) A Swedish Lutheran Pastor and Bishop, is often remembered for his novel, The Hammer of God. In his own day, however, he was known for his powerful preaching and teaching. As liberalism swept through the Church of Sweden, Giertz persisted in calling her back to the word of God while always proclaiming the good news of the gospel. For this reason, he is remembered as one of Sweden's most influential modern theologians.