Christianity proposes claims that stand in some relation to history. This linkage was captured in an image proposed by G.E. Lessing in the 18th century when he spoke of an "ugly ditch" between historical and religious truths. There exists a "ditch" because of the conceptual divide between discrete, contingent occurrences and religious truths of a presumably universal significance. The "ditch" is ugly because there has been no obvious way of mediating this conceptually odd divide. This book aims to disclose the ways we have been misled or confused by the use of Lessing's image, the net effect of which is a series of misplaced theological battles due to an incorrect naming of the enemy. The book is an effort to untangle those issues intrinsically important yet debated in confusing ways; it is a piece of philosophical writing with a theological interest. The conclusion is that while this theological shadowboxing has been occurring, the crucial, substantive issue posed by Lessing's image has been neglected. This is the issue of historical revelation and its relation to natural modes of human knowing and apprehension.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729-81) stands as a key figure in German intellectual history, a bridge joining Luther, Leibniz, and German idealism. Despite his well-recognized importance in the history of thought, Lessing as theologian or philosopher of religion remains an enigmatic figure. Scholars refer to the "riddle" or "mystery" of Lessing, a mystery that has proved intractable because of his reticence on the subject of the final conclusions of his intellectual project. Toshimasa Yasukata seeks to unravel this mystery. Based on intensive study of the entire corpus of Lessing's philosophical and theological writings as well as the extensive secondary literature, Yasukata's work takes us into the systematic core of Lessing's thought. From his penetrating and sophisticated analysis of Lessing's developing position on Christianity and reason, there emerges a fresh image of Lessing as a creative modern mind, who is both shaped by and gives shape to the Christian heritage. The first comprehensive study in English of Lessing's theological and philosophical thought, this book will appeal to all those interested in the history of modern theology, as well as specialists in the Enlightenment and the German romantic movement.

Alister McGrath’s Christian Theology: An Introduction is one of the most internationally-acclaimed and popular Christian theology textbooks in use today. This 5th edition has been completely revised, and now features new and extended material, numerous additional illustrations, and companion resources, ensuring it retains its reputation as the ideal introduction to Christian theology. Fully updated 5th edition of the bestselling textbook, incorporating expanded material, numerous student features and new illustrations Features new sections on Copernicanism and Darwinism Includes extended discussions of Augustine’s doctrine of creation, Trinitarian theologies of religion, and the relation of Christianity to other faiths May be used as a stand-alone volume, or alongside the Christian Theology Reader, 4th edition for a complete overview of the subject Retains the chapter structure of the 4th edition, ensuring comparability with earlier editions and courses based on these Accompanied by a revised instructor’s website featuring expanded resources including study questions and answers; visit www.wiley.com/go/mcgrath for more details and to register for access

Lessing's Spinozism looms up out of the numerous intellectual riddles of the past. Almost everything has been tried in an effort to sound and weigh the exact amount of Spinozism Lessing betrayed in his conversations with Jacobi.

This study asserts that the Lessing in the Postscript can only be understood within Kierkegaard's usage of pseudonymous figures to fulfill the requirements of indirect communication.

This comprehensive study analyzes the theological concerns of the major Protestant thinkers in Europe and the United States during the early part of the nineteenth century. The discussion ranges from such influential literary religious thinkers as Carlyle and Emerson to theological critics such as Feuerbach and Kierkegaard.