GELER, JOHANNES of KAYSERBERG. - Popular preacher of the pre-Reformation period, b. Schaffhausen 16 March 1445; d. Strasbourg 10 March 1510. After completing his philosophical and theological studies at Freiburg in Br., he was entrusted with the preaching in Strasbourg Cathedral from 1478 until his death, for which a special pulpit was erected for him.
Inspired by the teaching of Gerson, whose works he published (3 vols., Strasbourg 1510), he fearlessly and mercilessly denounced the deviations and vices of his time, sparing no one, neither bishops nor prelates, nor secular or regular clergy, nor the powerful or the humble. He did so in a style entirely his own, lively, original, and even in the titles of his sermons, which were greatly enjoyed by the crowd. His sermons were rich in imaginary examples (following and commenting on the work of his friend Sebastian Brant, *Narrenschiff*, of which he had given the Latin version [ibid. 1498]); but they were also too piquant, sarcastic, satirical, and even clownish. He was often considered a precursor of the Reformation, since many "reformers" made ample use of his attacks on the Church and the clergy; in reality, he remained always a devoted and obedient son of the Church, austere in life, generous to the poor and the sick. He was responsible for establishing in Strasbourg a hospital for syphilitics, who were neglected by all. His reputation for learning and virtue drew the attention of Emperor Maximilian, who would have liked to have him at his side; but G. never wished to leave Strasbourg.
His posthumous fame is due not so much to the popular form of his sermons as to the fact that their content constitutes an almost inexhaustible source for the history and customs of the clergy and the people. He was buried at the foot of the pulpit from which he had dispensed his teaching.
He wrote: *Seelenparadies* (Strasbourg 1510); *Das Buch Genesis* (ibid. 1510); *Das Buch Granatapfel* (ibid. 1510); *Das Buch der Pönitenz* (ibid. 1514); *Die Emeis* (ibid. 1516), a collection of his sermons.