J. Wellhausen

Sull'autore

Julius Wellhausen was a prominent German biblical scholar and historian, known for his work on the history of Israelite religion and the development of the Hebrew Bible. His seminal theories on the documentary hypothesis of the Pentateuch revolutionized biblical criticism in the late 19th century. Wellhausen argued that the first five books of the Bible were not the work of a single author, traditionally believed to be Moses, but rather a compilation of texts from different sources, each reflecting distinct historical contexts and theological concerns. His works, including 'Israelitische und Jüdische Geschichte' and 'The Arab Kingdom and Its Fall', deeply influenced the field of religious studies and the understanding of ancient Near Eastern history.

Beyond his contributions to biblical studies, Wellhausen's interdisciplinary approach also engaged with sociology and anthropology, making his insights relevant across various domains. He was a key figure in the establishment of modern biblical criticism, and his ideas continue to spark debate and discussion among scholars today. Wellhausen's legacy is characterized by his rigorous methodology and his commitment to understanding the complex evolution of religious texts in their historical contexts.