Fragmente eines Ungenannten

work by Lessing

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June 26, 2026

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"Fragmente eines Ungenannten" (Fragments of an Unknown) was a publication by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, a key figure in the German Enlightenment. This work featured extracts from the writings of H.S. Reimarus, a biblical critic who had rejected core Christian beliefs. Lessing published these fragments between 1774 and 1777, presenting radical ideas that challenged religious orthodoxy.12

Lessing himself adopted a mediating stance on Reimarus's theses, but his publication ignited a significant controversy with theologians, particularly J.M. Goeze. Through this debate, Lessing championed the pursuit of truth over rigid adherence to dogma, advocating for intellectual tolerance. This period also saw the creation of his influential play Nathan the Wise, which further explored themes of religious tolerance and humanity.12

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Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Final years at Wolfenbüttel. of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Reimarus under the title Fragmente eines Ungenannten (1774–77; “Fragments of an Unknown”). Theologians viewed these publications as a serious challenge to religious orthodoxy, even though Lessing himself had taken up a mediating position toward the radical theses of Reimarus, who had rejected the basic tenets of the Christian faith.…
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Reimarus under the title Fragmente eines Ungenannten (1774–77; “Fragments of an Unknown”). Theologians viewed these publications as a serious challenge to religious orthodoxy, even though Lessing himself had taken up a mediating position toward the radical theses of Reimarus, who had rejected the basic tenets of the Christian faith.…
Read More