Historical and Theological Introduction to Religious Disputes

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While it would certainly be desirable that the divine truths, by which human salvation original: Seeligkeit. This refers to the state of eternal blessedness or the saving of the soul, a central concern of 18th-century theology. is promoted, could be presented and put into practice in such a way that one had no need to refute the erroneous opinions of others; yet, anyone who knows the nature of human minds original: Gemüther. A term encompassing the heart, soul, and disposition of a person. and the state of the Christian churches, and rightly considers that such a thing is impossible, will easily judge it so. For since, in this day and age, the truth is surrounded by countless errors which obscure it—or prevent many from being able to recognize it—the duty of all people concerned for their salvation, but especially of those appointed as teachers Walch refers here to the "Lehramt," the official body of clergy and professors responsible for religious instruction. (who must not only choose the right path for themselves but also show it to others), requires them to carefully distinguish the true from the false, and the light from the darkness. Furthermore, truth—especially in spiritual and theological matters—can in no way be regarded as such an indifferent matter that—