Adolf von Harnack
May 7, 1851 – June 10, 1930
Carl Gustav Adolf von Harnack was a prominent German Lutheran theologian and church historian. He meticulously traced the influence of Hellenistic philosophy on early Christian writings, urging Christians to critically examine the authenticity of doctrines that emerged within the nascent church. Harnack questioned the historicity of the Gospel of John in favor of the Synoptic Gospels and scrutinized the Apostles' Creed, advocating for a more socially engaged interpretation of Christianity.