This is the first discussion in English of the ethical implications of German liberal theology in the early years of the twentieth century. It avoids pejorative interpretative categories (such as `culture protestantism'), seeking instead to understand a much neglected period on its own terms. The leading figure, Ernst Troeltsch (1865-1923), is treated as a `public theologian', engaging at many different levels with his social and political context and trying to ensure that religion could continue to shape the future course of history. To understand his context he made use of the tools of the emergent discipline of sociology and also entered into dialogue with philosophers and historians. Troeltsch's public theology is contrasted with other liberal models of theology, particularly those of the New Testament scholar Wilhelm Bousset and the systematic theologian Wilhelm Herrmann, who were far more reluctant to engage seriously with their context and as a result isolated religion from its wider social and intellectual setting. Troeltsch's theological solution is also compared with Max Weber's sociological response to the problems of modernity: Troeltsch's ideas of cultural synthesis are seen as both constructive and critical and as having much to contribute to contemporary social and political theology.

How does Christianity relate to other religions? Beginning with a consideration of the biblical perspective, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen offers a detailed and comprehensive survey of the diverse explanations proposed by teachers of the church down through the ages. This indispensable guide is for anyone seeking to grasp Christianity?s relationship to world religions.

In this landmark work, Ernst Troeltsch offers a history of Christian ethics. This expansive volume relates Christian ethical ideas to the changing structures of church and society from the period of early Christianity to the end of the eighteenth century. Troeltsch's classic work, first published in 1931, continues to speak to the present condition of the church and culture. The Library of Theological Ethics series focuses on what it means to think theologically and ethically. It presents a selection of important and otherwise unavailable texts in easily accessible form. Volumes in this series will enable sustained dialogue with predecessors though reflection on classic works in the field.

This book, published in 2000, is about the Christian doctrine of the Trinity as it has developed in Germany.

"Brent W. Sockness takes as his point of departure the judgment frequently encountered in twentieth-century theological literature that the last great German liberal Protestant systematic theologians prior to the rise of dialectical theology, Wilhelm Herrmann (1846-1922) and Ernst Troeltsch (1865-1923), represent antithetical and paradigmatic alternatives in modern Christian theology. Going beyond the usual 'explanations' which invoke abstract allegiances (Kant vs. Schleiermacher, Marburg vs. Heidelberg neo-Kantianism, Ritschlianism vs. the History-of-Religions School), the author undertakes an exhaustive analysis of the nearly thirty years of mutual commentary, critique, and polemic which transpired between Herrmann and Troeltsch in both published and unpublished sources. Sockness charts the contours of their relations from their first encounters among the 'Friends of the Christian World,' through their increasingly hostile exchanges in the first decade of the century, to their personal reconciliation after the War."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Winner: 2012 The American Publishers Award for Professional and Scholarly Excellence in Theology and Religious Studies, PROSE Award. In this thought-provoking new work, the world renowned theologian Gary Dorrien reveals how Kantian and post-Kantian idealism were instrumental in the foundation and development of modern Christian theology. Presents a radical rethinking of the roots of modern theology Reveals how Kantian and post-Kantian idealism were instrumental in the foundation and development of modern Christian theology Shows how it took Kant's writings on ethics and religion to launch a fully modern departure in religious thought Dissects Kant's three critiques of reason and his moral conception of religion Analyzes alternative arguments offered by Schleiermacher, Schelling, Hegel, and others - moving historically and chronologically through key figures in European philosophy and theology Presents notoriously difficult and intellectual arguments in a lucid and accessible manner

Chapman assesses the German liberal theological tradition in the early years of the 20th century, concentrating in particular on the work of Ernst Troeltsch.

The liberal theologian Ernst Troeltsch argued that the traditional belief in Jesus as the incarnation of God could no longer be held in the modern world. This study provides a close analysis of his argument.

This study describes the origin, development and crisis of the German nineteenth-century project of theology as science. It shows the groundbreaking historical work of the two major theological schools in nineteenth century Germany, the Tübingen School and the Ritschl School, as part of a broader theological and intellectual agenda.

'The Anthem Companion to Ernst Troeltsch' offers the best contemporary work on Ernst Troeltsch, written by the best scholars currently working in this field. Original, authoritative and wide-ranging, the critical assessments of this volume will make it ideal for Troeltsch students and scholars alike. 'Anthem Companions to Sociology' offer authoritative and comprehensive assessments of major figures in the development of sociology from the last two centuries. Covering the major advancements in sociological thought, these companions offer critical evaluations of key figures in the American and European sociological tradition, and will provide students and scholars with both an in-depth assessment of the makers of sociology and chart their relevance to modern society.