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| Format | Manuscript |
|---|---|
| Title, Manuscript | The German Freethinkers |
| Extent of Work | 15 pp. |
| Language or Document Type | manuscript |
| Abstract | The history of the German Free Congregations (Freien Gemeinden) began in Germany in the period of 1840-46, when both Protestant and Catholic groups revolted against authoritarianism in church government and in theological dogma, and withdrew from their orthodox churches to become independent groups. Those members who came to the United States brought with them the principles of independence of the congregation and freedom of thought for the individual which became basic in the organizations formed in thirty Wisconsin communities. The story of these independent-thinking societies belongs in the history of movements which have contributed to intellectual and religious liberalism. Their rational philosophy, democratic practices, nineteenth century science, and humanism were strong influences upon the beliefs of the Freien Gemeinden. For instance, the Freie Gemeinde of Sauk County was founded in 1852. One of the prime movers during the early years was Eduard Schroeter, who devoted his career to the free-thought movement. Schroeter, Eduard, 1811-1888 |
| Call Number | MKI P88-63 |
| MKI Terms | Freethinkers/ Wisconsin/ Forty-eighters |