Friedrich Schleiermacher

by Keith W. Clements (Editor), Keith W. Clements (Editor), John W. de Gruchy (Editor)

Schleiermacher, a German theologian at the turn of the nineteenth century, is truly one of the masters of modern he sought to rebuild Protestant theology in the wake of the Enlightenment and of Kant's destruction of traditional metaphysics. He was the founder of "liberal theology" with its emphasis on inner experience and the knowledge of God as mediated through history. This volume concentrates on the key texts and ideas in Schleiermacher's thought. It presents the essential Schleiermacher for students and the general reader. Keith Clements's introductory essay and notes on the selected texts set Schleiermacher in his historical context, chart the development of his thought and indicate the significance of this theology in the development of Christian theology as a whole. Substantial selections from Schleiermacher's work illustrate key Religion as feeling and relationship The distinctiveness of redemption through Jesus Christ The nature of theology as reflection and communication conversation with history God and the world The person and work of Christ Nation, Church and State Christianity and the religions

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Religion, Church History

290 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clements has done an excellent job of giving a brief overview of Schleiermacher's life and thought, and then compiling a selection of primary sources that demonstrates his key beliefs. At that level, a very useful volume.

That said, this is a work of "Christian" theology that manages to never exegete or quote Scripture. I am tempted to label the entire project an exercise in sound and fury, signifying nothing.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-called deconstruction and progressive Christianity are not new. In 1799, German theology professor Friedrich Schleiermacher gave a series of lectures, On Religion: Speeches to Its Cultured Despisers, that started Liberal Christianity. Schleiermacher taught that true religion is not discovered through the Bible, but rather through our experiences. As such, we must turn from the external trappings of doctrines and creeds to our inward emotions. Rather than redemption from sin, Schleiermacher substitutes the experience of "God-consciousness." Ultimately this conception of
Christianity is entirely human-focused, with religion as the fullest expression of human nature. Schleiermacher also writes about hermeneutics - apparently he is considered to be the originator of this field - as he is obviously not a fan of reading the Bible literally.

While there are admittedly some beautiful statements (the writing is squarely within the German romantic movement), this book is mostly tedious.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a well curated selection of Shleiermacher's key writings, and serves as an excellent introduction to his theology. I now know enough to keep me going, and I know where to go when I need to delve deeper. I'm looking forward to reading others books in this series.

[Riley Brysch · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brain hurts now.

[Chris McLain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good selections, and a relatively readable translation from his works. Text is well organized. Though I do not personally find Schleiermacher's perspective useful, he is an important theological figure whose impact cannot be overlooked.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

As long as it remembered that you can disagree with the person about whom the book is written, this is helpful.