Johann Friedrich Cotta (theologian)
Encyclopedia
Johann Friedrich Cotta was a German
theologian.
and Holland, and, after residing several years in London
, became professor at Tübingen in 1733.
In 1736, he moved to the University of Göttingen to become the chair of theology there. George II of England, in his capacity as elector of Hanover, had founded the university at Göttingen two years before. In 1739, however, Cotta returned, as extraordinary professor of theology, to his Alma Mater
, Tübingen, and, after successively filling the chairs of history
, poetry
and oratory
, was appointed ordinary professor of theology there in 1741. He died as chancellor
of Tübingen.
His learning was at once wide and accurate; his theological views were orthodox, although he did not believe in strict verbal inspiration.
, who devoted J. G. Cotta to the publication of many noted German authors, such as Johann von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller
.
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
theologian.
Biography
He was the son of Johann Georg Cotta, who was in turn the son of Johann Georg Cotta, the founder of the publishing house J. G. Cotta. After studying theology at the University of Tübingen, Johann Friedrich began his public career as lecturer at the University of Jena. He then traveled through Germany, FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and Holland, and, after residing several years in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, became professor at Tübingen in 1733.
In 1736, he moved to the University of Göttingen to become the chair of theology there. George II of England, in his capacity as elector of Hanover, had founded the university at Göttingen two years before. In 1739, however, Cotta returned, as extraordinary professor of theology, to his Alma Mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
, Tübingen, and, after successively filling the chairs of history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
, poetry
Poetry
Poetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
and oratory
Oratory
Oratory is a type of public speaking.Oratory may also refer to:* Oratory , a power metal band* Oratory , a place of worship* a religious order such as** Oratory of Saint Philip Neri ** Oratory of Jesus...
, was appointed ordinary professor of theology there in 1741. He died as chancellor
Chancellor (education)
A chancellor or vice-chancellor is the chief executive of a university. Other titles are sometimes used, such as president or rector....
of Tübingen.
His learning was at once wide and accurate; his theological views were orthodox, although he did not believe in strict verbal inspiration.
Works
He was a voluminous writer. His chief works are:- Johann Gerhard, Loci Theologici, as editor (1762-1777)
- Kirchenhistorie des Neuen Testaments, as author (1768-1773)
Family
His grand nephew was the publisher of the same name, Johann Friedrich CottaJohann Friedrich Cotta
Johann Friedrich, Freiherr Cotta von Cottendorf was a German publisher, industrial pioneer and politician.- Ancestors :Cotta is the name of a family of German publishers, intimately...
, who devoted J. G. Cotta to the publication of many noted German authors, such as Johann von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller
Friedrich Schiller
Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller was a German poet, philosopher, historian, and playwright. During the last seventeen years of his life , Schiller struck up a productive, if complicated, friendship with already famous and influential Johann Wolfgang von Goethe...
.