From essence to synthesis: Ernst Troeltsch as historian and theorist of Christianity

This study traces the development of Ernst Troeltsch's conception of Christianity from his early reflections on the concept of an “essence” of Christianity through his major analysis of the history of Christianity and ending in his philosophy of history. I argue that in these works Troeltsch gradually articulates a theory of Christianity that can do justice to the internal plurality and complexity of Christianity as a historical phenomenon while simultaneously indicating its value for modern life.; In chapter one I offer a new reading of Troeltsch's 1903 essay “Was heißt ‘Wesen des Christentums’?,” distinguishing four ways Troeltsch uses the concept “essence of Christianity” and outlining the elements of an emerging theory of Christianity that he will continue to develop in subsequent projects. I argue that Die Soziallehren der christlichen Kirchen und Gruppen is one of the most important sources for understanding how Troeltsch adjusts and challenges his perspective on an “essence” of Christianity. Chapters two, three, and four together uncover the model of Christianity that Troeltsch is working out as he crafts his historical narrative in Die Soziallehren. Chapter two is devoted to an analysis of Troeltsch's conceptualization of Christian origins and their place in his larger theory of Christianity. Chapter three focuses on Troeltsch's conception of historical development, indicating the ways he accounts for continuity and change in historical Christianity and identifying normative concerns that influence his historical narrative. Chapter four examines Troeltsch's typology of church, sect, and mysticism, exploring the ways he uses these ideal types both to bolster his view of Christianity as an internally pluralistic tradition and to explore its potential contribution to modern society.; In chapter five I argue that Troeltsch's efforts in Die Soziallehren lead him to question the value of the concept of an “essence” of Christianity as a tool for conceptualizing and evaluating historical phenomena. I then explore the ways Troeltsch's late philosophy of history (as articulated in Der Historismus und seine Probleme) offers clues about how he might have conceptualized Christianity at the end of his life. I argue that Troeltsch moves from the concept “essence” to that of “synthesis” as the most appropriate tool for construing both the content and value of large historical complexes such as Christianity.