Abstract

This study of the reorganisation of the Straßburg theological faculty in the wake of the Franco-Prussian war traces the tormented path of that academic body towards the eventual calling of its own candidate Paul Lobstein to the professorship of lutheran dogmatics. The paper provides detailed insight into the welter of crossfire and intrigue that ensued as proponents of pietism, confessional lutheranism, mediating theology, and liberalism contended with strong-willed theological colleagues and with Bismarck on behalf of the Alsatian faculty. Among others, the young Adolf von Harnack was briefly considered for the post in dogmatic theology.