Albrecht Ritschl (1822-1889)

Major works

•          Instruction in the Christian Religion

•          The Christian Doctrine of Justification

Importance

•          German Protestant theologian who used historical criticism for his methodology                

•          His thinking influenced nineteenth and twentieth century liberal theologians

•          Taught that theology must focus on morals and ethics

•          Distinguished between “value” and “fact” judgments

•          Denied orthodox views of justification, original sin, incarnation, revelation, resurrection, church, and kingdom of God

•          Distinguished between Jesus of history and the Christ of faith

•          Viewed religion as practical not speculative