David Straus German philosopher, historian, theologian and publicist Date of Birth: 27.01.1808 Country: Germany

Biography of David Strauss

David Friedrich Strauss was a German philosopher, historian, theologian, and publicist. He was born in Wuerttemberg and received his education at the Evangelical Seminary in Blaubeuren. One of his teachers at the seminary was the famous theologian Christian Baur, the founder of the Tübingen school. Strauss initially resisted the rationalistic influence of his professor, but his studies of Schleiermacher and especially Hegel made him reconsider his beliefs.

In 1830, Strauss became a vicar in Klein-Ingersheim in Wuerttemberg. However, in 1831, he left his position and went to Berlin to attend lectures by Hegel and Schleiermacher, but Hegel had already passed away. It was during his time in Berlin that Strauss developed the plan and main idea for his work "The Life of Jesus". In 1832, he became a tutor at the Theological Institute in Tübingen and started giving lectures on philosophy at the University of Tübingen, which gained him great fame.

In 1835, Strauss published his most significant work, "The Life of Jesus" in two volumes. The book made a profound impact on theologians and the public, although it was written in a style that was difficult for non-specialists to understand. In the book, Strauss did not deny the historical existence of Jesus, but argued that many of the beliefs about him have later origins and attempted to identify the Greek, Jewish, and Eastern elements that contributed to these beliefs. The book sparked intense controversy and led to debates among theologians. Strauss was dismissed from his position and moved to Ludwigsburg to teach in lower classes. He soon left his teaching position to focus exclusively on his literary work and settled in Stuttgart.

Strauss continued to publish various works, including "Characteristics and Criticisms" in 1839 and "On the Transitory and Permanent in Christianity" in 1839. In 1839, he was invited to a vacant professorship of theology in Zurich, but the invitation caused a political uproar and led to the fall of the government. Strauss resigned without taking up the position but received a pension of 1000 francs. This event was a great setback for Strauss both financially and morally, as he felt a calling to teach and suffered without a position.

From 1840 to 1844, Strauss focused on his poetic work and published several collections of poems. In 1842, he married a singer named Shebest and moved to Sontheim near Heilbronn. During this time, his scientific work declined, but his poetic activity flourished. However, after 1844, his poetry also declined.

In 1847, Strauss separated from his wife, and he became increasingly solitary and difficult to approach. He only maintained relationships with a few old friends and later became close with Kuno Fischer, Gervinus, and others. He constantly moved from city to city and struggled to find stability. However, in 1847, he resumed his scientific and literary work.

In 1848, Strauss entered the Frankfurt Parliament as a candidate but was not successful. He then became a deputy in the Württemberg Chamber of Deputies in May 1848. His parliamentary activities were not particularly successful, as he lacked oratorical skills and did not conform to party discipline. He resigned from his mandate in December 1848 after his constituents demanded it.

From 1849 onward, Strauss focused solely on his scientific work. He published a biography of Ulrich von Hutten in 1858, which showcased his literary talent. In 1864, he published a revised version of his first book, "The Life of Jesus," which was aimed at a broader audience. However, it did not have the same impact as his original work.

Strauss continued to publish various works, including "The Christ of Faith and the Jesus of History: A Critique of Schleiermacher's Life of Jesus" in 1865 and "The Half and the Whole" in 1865. In 1872, he published "The Old and the New Belief: A Confession," which represented his final thoughts on philosophy and politics. The book generated significant controversy but did not satisfy either radicals or conservatives.

Strauss passed away in 1874, leaving behind a legacy of thought-provoking and controversial works. His writings continue to be studied and debated to this day.