History of Religions School

A late nineteenth and early twentieth century “school” (German Schule) or scholarly movement that sought to interpret Judaism and Christianity in terms of their broader religious environment and historical legacy. These scholars, who were mostly German (such as H. Gunkel, W. Bousset, R. Reitzenstein, W. Wrede, R. Bultmann, W. Heitmüller), argued that Judaism and Christianity borrowed concepts, language and practices from other religious movements. So, for example, early Christian christology was indebted to a pre-Christian gnostic “primal man” myth, and there were antecedents for Christian baptism in the mystery religions. This movement is also known as the Religionsgeschichtliche Schule.

Arthur G. Patzia and Petrotta, Anthony J, Pocket Dictionary of Biblical Studies (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 59

Barth, Karl

Paul, as a child of his age, addressed his contemporaries. It is, however, far more important that, as Prophet and Apostle of the Kingdom of God, he veritably speaks to all men of every age. The differences between then and now, there and here, no doubt require careful investigation can only be to demonstrate that these differences are, in fact, purely trivial. The historical-critical method of Biblical investigation has its rightful place: It is concerned with the preparation of the intelligence—and this can never be superfluous. But, were I driven to choose between it and the venerable doctrine of Inspiration, I should without hesitation adopt the latter, which has a broader, deeper, more important justification. The doctrine of Inspiration is concerned with the labor of apprehending, without which no technical equipment, however complete, is of any use whatever.

Karl Barth, Preface to his commentary on Romans