Franz Volkmar Reinhard


Franz Volkmar Reinhard was a German Protestant theologian born in Vohenstrauß.

Biography

In 1780 he became an associate professor of theology and philosophy at the University of Wittenberg, where he served as rector in 1790–91. In 1792 he was appointed Oberhofprediger to the Saxon court in Dresden.
Reinhard was one of the more influential Protestant ministers of his era, and was an important representative of "enlightened theological supernaturalism". He was not opposed to contemporary rationalist thought, yet at the same time stressed the importance of divine supremacy and Biblical authority. In his sermons and lectures he attempted to establish the "truth of Lutheranism" by rational means.
Reinhard was a prominent figure in the Leben-Jesu-Forschung movement, a concept initiated by Hermann Samuel Reimarus. He also exerted considerable influence upon the German educational system.

Published works

Among written works attributed to him was a 39-volume collection of his sermons that were published between 1793 and 1837. Other noted publications by Reinhard include: