Preface.

the relationship of this so-called handmaid original: "Ancilla", referring to the Latin phrase ancilla theologiae, the traditional medieval concept that philosophy should serve as the "handmaid" or assistant to theology to theology may be, history shows that the latter has always been under the influence of the former; and just as it has been brought to the brink of ruin by a half-misunderstood, faithless doctrine, so it can only be saved and restored again through a healing influence of philosophy.

This biblical dogmatics Biblical Dogmatics: the systematic study and organization of the religious truths and doctrines specifically found within the Bible is, moreover, the first part of a dogmatic course in which I intend to give my listeners an overview of the dogmatic development of the Christian religion from its origin up to our own time. The historical method of treating dogmatics is without doubt the truly Protestant one and at the same time the one now generally favored; but it is common to isolate historical comparisons too much, and thus renounce the characterization of the whole. Through my presentation, the young theologian shall be enabled to form a free judgment not only concerning the origin of the Christian religion and its original spirit

Handmaid, Theology, Philosophy, Biblical Dogmatics, Protestant, Christian Religion