What is Christianity?

Harnack, Adolf

ISBN 10: 158509272X / ISBN 13: 9781585092727

Published by Book Tree, 2006

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: What is Christianity?
• Publisher: Book Tree
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 158509272X
• ISBN 13: 9781585092727
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Harnack's work is considered by many experts in the field of theology to be unsurpassed. His approach is not meant to prove any set of dogmatic beliefs, as many Christian scholars set out to do, but is one of objectivity. His factual approach is not colored by the bias of trying to save souls or convert readers to the faith. He states early in the book that this is simply an historical approach to the question, What is Christianity? Subjects include The Leading Features of Jesus' Message, God the Father and the Infinite Value of the Human Soul, and large sections on The Gospel in Relation to Certain Problems, and The Gospel in History. He includes a fascinating study on how Roman Catholicism came into power during the 3rd to 6th centuries, and what facets or components of the Christian religion appeared during this time.

About the Author

Adolf von Harnack (1851–1930), was a German theologian and prominent church historian. He produced many religious publications from 1873-1912. Harnack traced the influence of Hellenistic philosophy on early Christian writing and called on Christians to question the authenticity of doctrines that arose in the early Christian church. He rejected the gospel of John in favor of the synoptic gospels, criticized the Apostles' Creed, and promoted the social gospel. In the 19th century, higher criticism flourished in Germany, establishing the historical-critical method as an academic standard for interpreting the Bible and understanding the historical Jesus (see Tübingen school). Harnack's iconoclastic work is part of this tradition.