Textbook of Christian Dogmatics Presented in its Historical Development

Perhaps, however, my hope does not entirely deceive me; I hope this attempt of mine will make many—especially among theologians—attentive to a philosophy Referring again to the philosophy of Fries, which De Wette believed could reconcile critical reason with religious feeling. that has appeared among us quietly and almost unnoticed, yet carries within itself the promise of a great philosophical revolution to come.

Regarding the principles followed in the historical investigation Ausmittelung: the process of determining or "working out" historical facts through critical inquiry, I would have wished to explain myself more extensively for those who intend to use this textbook without the benefit of my oral lectures, if space permitted. My mythical view De Wette was a pioneer of the "mythical" school of biblical criticism. He argued that many biblical narratives were not literal history but "myths"—poetic expressions of the religious ideas and spirit of the ancient Israelites. of certain narratives of the Old Testament and, by analogy, also of the New Testament, is offensive to many. However, it has been sufficiently explained for the thinking researcher through the hermeneutic Hermeneutic: relating to the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of sacred texts and critical discussions provided in my Critique of Israelite History original: Kritik der Israelitischen Geschichte. This was a foundational work by De Wette, published in 1807, which questioned the historical reliability of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible).. Thus, it would be superfluous to lose another word on the matter here. I must only note that I have proven here by deed what I claimed there (on page 398): that the mythical view is more fruitful for—