Often referred to as the father of modern theology, F.D.E. Schleiermacher occasioned a revolution in theology having a decisive impact on all subsequent theology. In this original study, Jacqueline Marina argues that Schleiermachers philosophical ethics constitutes a completely original project, and is arguably his most important achievement. Marina examines Schleiermachers claim that the self relates to the whence of all that is through the ground of self-consciousness, and shows how this understanding allowed him to develop a philosophical system integrally linking religion and ethics. Because this whence relates to self-consciousness in the way of a formal cause, the most important criteria for what constitutes genuine religion are the ethical fruits expressive of a proper relation to the divine. In Christian Faith Schleiermacher argues that insofar as the personal self-consciousness has been transformed through openness to this whence, the actions that arise from it, too, will be different from those of the former self. This book is an analysis of how Schleiermacher conceived of this transformation, the conditions of its possibility, and the nature of its effects. This is accomplished through an examination of his metaphysics of the self, especially Schleiermachers understanding of the immediate self-consciousness and its relation to the divine causality, the nature of self-consciousness and personal identity, the nature of agency, and the relation between self and society. This book demonstrates that Schleiermachers achievement offers a compelling, live option for contemporary debates concerning the relation of religion and morality.

About the Author
Jacqueline Marina is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Purdue University, Indiana. She has written numerous articles on both Kant and Schleiermacher.

Reviews
Marina has correctly identified the sometimes subtle but important differences between Kant and Schleirmacher, and nicely articulates precisely those resulting strengths of Schleiermacher's thought that make him a valuable ethical resource for today. * Theodore Vial, Journal of the American Academy of Religion *
Marina's essay has notable merits...those wishing to engage with Schleiermacher's abiding significance for ethics will not want to be without it. * Jason A. Goroncy. The Journal of Theological Studies *
Jacqueline Marina's treatment of the philosopher and theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) is in many ways brilliant: she is thoroughly immersed in the texts and background, she makes no self-indulgent or hasty moves, and the continuities and discontinuities of Schleiermacher's thought are meticulously traced. This is without doubt an invaluable text for anyone studying Schleiermacher's thought. * Christopher Insole, Times Literary Supplement *
This is an important study... Beyond the stereotypes and caricatures of Schleiermacher's Christology which abound, there is material here which is best not left in the history books. * Clive Marsh, Theology *
an important contribution to the recent revival of interest in Schleiermacher's philosophy and particularly his philosophical ethics. * Wayne Proudfoot, Religious Studies *
Jacqueline Marina's book is one of the best things I have seen on Schleiermacher, giving a compelling and accessible account of his conception of ethics as a descriptive historical study. It is a major contribution to the study of German philosophy and religious thought in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. * Robert Adams, University of Oxford *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199206377
Author Jacqueline Marina
Format Hardback
Page Count 282
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 225mm * 150mm * 25mm