Description
This course consists of lectures on and a selection of readings from several representative theologians in the tradition of liberal theology mainly from the late 19th century up to World War I. Figures covered include Schleiermacher, Hegel, Rudolf Otto, Adolf Harnack and Ernst Troeltsch. Some consideration will also be given to 19th century theology's interest in the historical Jesus and the ways in which the historical Jesus was interpreted (e.g. Dostoyevsky, Nietzsche). The important theologians of this period formulated Christian thought in ways that are still influential in our time and very probably will continue to be in the future. This should help the student comprehend current forms of faith and religious theory, both in and outside the church.