Adolf Von Harnack

Adolf von Harnack was the most outstanding student of early Christianity in modern times and one of the most persuasive exponents of liberal theology. Although subsequent scholarship has strongly challenged many of his conclusions, the questions he raised remain central to much theological endeavor.

Despite their critique of Harnack, both Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer – two of his most eminent students – recognized the immense contribution he made to Christian theology in the modern era.

This volume concentrates on the key texts and ideas in Harnack’s thought. It presents the essential Harnack for students and the general reader.

Martin Rumscheidt’s introductory essay and notes on the selected texts set Harnack in his historical context, chart the development of his thought, and indicate the significance of his theology in the development of Christian theology as a whole.

Substantial selections from Harnack’s work illustrate key themes:

History as a science in the service of theology
The gospel, early Christianity, and the history of dogma and the church
The presence and influence of the ‘religious genius’ in the history of Christianity
The religious-social imperative in the gospel and church
The personal faith of the theologian