Ritschl, Albrecht (1822-1889)

German Protestant theologian. He lectured on theology at Bonn (1852-64) and Göttingen (1864-89) universities. His early work showed the influence of the Tübingen school, though he subsequently broke with it. He produced a Systematic Theology, unacceptable to orthodox Lutherans and Calvinists, which gained many adherents. In excluding metaphysics from religion, he taught that religious doctrines were value judgements; but he stressed the importance of the Church as the sphere of Christ's atoning work. His chief work is Die christliche Lehre von der Rechtfertigung und Versöhnung/The Christian Teaching of Justification and Reconciliation (1870-74). Ritschl was born in Berlin, Germany.