Books in the Making of Modern Theology series

Von Harnack was the most outstanding student of early Christianity in modern times, and one of the most persuasive exponents of Liberal Theology.

Offering the only anthology of Hegel's religious thought, Vanderbilt University's Professor Peter C. Hodgson provides sympathetic and clear entree to the German philosopher's religious achievement through his major relevant texts starting with early theological writings and culminating with Hegel's1824 lectures on the philosophy of religion.

Adolf von Harnack was the most outstanding student of early Christianityin modern times and one of the most persuasive exponents of liberaltheology. Although subsequent scholarship has strongly challenged manyof his conclusions, the questions he raised remain central to muchtheological endeavor.Despite their critique of Harnack, both Karl Barth and DietrichBonhoeffer - two of his most eminent students - recognized the immensecontribution he made to Christian theology in the modern era.This volume concentrates on the key texts and ideas in Harnack'sthought. It presents the essential Harnack for students and the generalreader.Martin Rumscheidt's introductory essay and notes on the selected textsset Harnack in his historical context, chart the development of histhought, and indicate the significance of his theology in thedevelopment of Christian theology as a whole.Substantial selections from Harnack's work illustrate key themes: History as a science in the service of theologyThe gospel, early Christianity, and the history of dogma and thechurchThe presence and influence of the 'religious genius' in the history ofChristianityThe religious-social imperative in the gospel and churchThe personal faith of the theologian