Overview

Even though a considerable portion of his work addresses various theological issues of his day, Lessing made no clear reference as to the nature of what he personally considered to be the absolute religious truth. Consequently, there is no consensus among scholars in this regard. This work proposes a new approach, that of the comparative study, in solving a most perplexing problem in German literature of the Enlightenment: what was the nature of G. E. Lessing's religion? Utilizing Zinzendorf's theology as backdrop shows that Lessing yearned for perfection within the realm of Christianity; his model was the early Church.

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Reviews

This thought-provoking study of Zinzendorf's writings provides a new perspective for Lessing's religious thought and dramatic practice. (J.A. McNeely, Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia) A lucid and penetrating survey of Lessing's religious beliefs, together with those of Zinzendorf: this work shows us admirably the nature of the conflict between Faith and Reason in Germany in the middle of the eighteenth century. (Mark Boulby, University of British Columbia) Die Studie besticht durch ihre umfassende Kenntnis und Verarbeitung der einschlaegigen Literatur, durch ihren klaren, methodisch reflektierten und logisch durchsichtigen Aufbau, aber auch durch hilfreiche und leserfreundliche Zusammenfassungen sowie durch solide, geschickt praesentierte Kenntnis der Quellen. (Arno Schilson, Theologische Revue)

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