Adolf von Harnack was the most outstanding student of early Christianityin modern times and one of the most persuasive exponents of liberaltheology. Although subsequent scholarship has strongly challenged manyof his conclusions, the questions he raised remain central to muchtheological endeavor.

Despite their critique of Harnack, both Karl Barth and DietrichBonhoeffer - two of his most eminent students - recognized the immensecontribution he made to Christian theology in the modern era.

This volume concentrates on the key texts and ideas in Harnack'sthought. It presents the essential Harnack for students and the generalreader.

Martin Rumscheidt's introductory essay and notes on the selected textsset Harnack in his historical context, chart the development of histhought, and indicate the significance of his theology in thedevelopment of Christian theology as a whole.

Substantial selections from Harnack's work illustrate key themes:

History as a science in the service of theology

The gospel, early Christianity, and the history of dogma and thechurch

The presence and influence of the 'religious genius' in the history ofChristianity

The religious-social imperative in the gospel and church

The personal faith of the theologian

Martin Rumscheidtis an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada and retired professor of historical theology at the University of Windsor, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Charles University, Prague. He is the translator of Act and Being (1996)in Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, English edition, and cotranslator with the late Barbara Rumscheidt of Soelle"s Against the Wind (1999) and The Silent Cry.