Adolf von Harnack (1851–1930) was a prominent German theologian and church historian associated with the liberal Protestant tradition. His apologetics sought to defend Christianity by emphasizing its historical essence, ethical core, and relevance for modern life, stripped of what he considered unnecessary dogmatic and metaphysical elements. His approach was rooted in historical-critical methods and sought to make Christianity intellectually credible to modern audiences. Key Features of Harnack’s Apologetics : 1. Focus on the Historical Jesus : Harnack argued that the essence of Christianity lay in the life and teachings of the historical Jesus, not in later theological developments or dogmas. He emphasized Jesus as a moral teacher and a bringer of the "Kingdom of God," focusing on Jesus' ethical and spiritual message rather than miracles or metaphysical claims. This aligned with his belief that theology should return to the simple, original gospel preached by Jesus and...
https://counter-currents.com/2017/02/adolf-von-harnacks-dark-theology/ ~Freedom~ "Harnack‘s theology is liberal theology in the sense that it emphasizes the imperative of freedom: the freedom of thought, the pursuit of truth, and freedom from external interference." ~Human Power~ "He was also confident in the power of human thought and the ability to transcend one‘s subjectivity to attain genuine objectivity. In him, scrupulous reasonableness and unshakeable religious faith were combined, resting on his awareness of one‘s dependence on the absolute spirit." ~Christianity for Harnack~ According to Harnack, true Christianity was something simple and sublime: “It means one thing and one thing only: Eternal life in the midst of time, by the strength and under the eyes of God.” Gary Dorrien, Kantian Reason and Hegelian Spirit: The Idealistic Logic of Modern Theology (Chichester: Wiley Blackwell, 2015), 326-327. ~Harnack on War~ Harnack’s thought was permeated wi...
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