Hermann Samuel Reimarus

Hermann Samuel Reimarus (1694–1768) was a German philosopher and writer of the Age of Enlightenment. He is primarily remembered for his contributions to Deism, the philosophical belief that reason and observation of the natural world are sufficient to determine the existence of God and ethics, thus rendering revelation unnecessary. Reimarus significantly challenged traditional religious doctrines by denying the supernatural origins of Christianity. He is recognized as one of the first influential critics to delve into the concept of the historical Jesus. Reimarus posited that Jesus was a mortal Jewish prophet and that his followers, the apostles, established Christianity as a religion distinct from Jesus' original teachings and ministry. His work, particularly the posthumously published "Apologie oder Schutzschrift für die vernünftigen Verehrer Gottes" (An Apology for, or Some Words in Defense of, Rational Worshippers of God), profoundly influenced theological discourse and the development of historical-critical research into the New Testament and the figure of Jesus.