Philip Schaff

Date of Birth: January 1, 1819

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: October 20, 1893

Biography

Philip Schaff was a renowned Swiss-born Protestant theologian and ecclesiastical historian who made significant contributions to the study of church history and Christian theology in the 19th century. He was born in Chur, Switzerland, and after completing his early education, he pursued advanced studies at the University of Tübingen, the University of Halle, and the University of Berlin. Schaff immigrated to the United States in 1844, where he became a professor at the German Reformed Theological Seminary in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He was a key figure in the Mercersburg Theology movement, which emphasized the importance of church history and the sacraments in Protestant theology. Schaff is perhaps best known for his comprehensive multi-volume work, “History of the Christian Church,” which remains a valuable resource for students of church history. He was also instrumental in the American revision of the King James Bible, known as the American Standard Version. Throughout his career, Schaff was a prolific writer, producing numerous books, articles, and translations that have left a lasting impact on Christian scholarship.

5 Interesting Facts about Philip Schaff

1. Philip Schaff was fluent in multiple languages, including German, English, Latin, and Greek.

2. He played a significant role in founding the American Society of Church History in 1888.

3. Schaff’s “History of the Christian Church” is an eight-volume series that covers the first eighteen centuries of Christian history.

4. He was a strong advocate for the ecumenical movement, promoting unity among different Christian denominations.

5. Schaff was a key figure in the Mercersburg Theology, which sought to integrate Reformed theology with elements of German Romanticism and church tradition.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Philip Schaff

1. “The history of the Christian Church is the history of the greatest movement in human history.”

2. “Christianity is the root of all civilization and the source of all progress.”

3. “Theology must be lived as well as learned.”

4. “Faith and reason are not enemies, but allies in the search for truth.”

5. “A church without history is a church without a future.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Philip Schaff’s net worth was never documented in monetary terms, as his contributions were primarily academic and theological rather than financial.

Children

Philip Schaff had several children, including David Schley Schaff, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a noted theologian and church historian.