Tübingen theory
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The Tübingen theory, initiated by Ferdinand Christian Baur at the University of Tübingen, was a significant development in biblical criticism during the 19th century. Influenced by the philosopher G.W.F. Hegel, Baur viewed early Christianity as a synthesis arising from the conflict between Jewish Christianity (thesis) and Gentile Christianity (antithesis).12
Baur applied this Hegelian dialectic to the New Testament, questioning the authorship of several Pauline epistles and the Book of Acts, believing they were written to harmonize the differing Christian factions. This "tendency theory" suggested that the Gospels also revealed an authorial intent to reconcile these groups. While Baur's specific conclusions were later challenged, his rigorous historical methods profoundly impacted the study of church history and biblical scholarship.12
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