Abstract

This study compares the major mature doctrines of Friedrich Schleiermacher with those of Benedict de Spinoza. It seeks to determine if Schleiermacher may be properly considered a Spinozist as many of his critics charged. It examines their respective doctrines regarding epistemology, God and God's attributes and freedom and salvation. It concludes that Schleiermacher cannot be considered a Spinozist, despite his obvious admiration for Spinoza's pious spirit. It argues Schleiermacher's dialectic of knowledge is far removed from Spinoza's epistemology based on innate ideas. It points out that Schleiermacher took particular issue with Spinoza's doctrine of God which has no concept of religious feeling. It asserts that Schleiermacher's doctrine of salvation is fundamentally Christian, as he believes in Christ's work of redemption, while for Spinoza salvation is knowledge