Here, for the first time in English, is Franz Brentano's The Teaching of Jesus, a compendium of texts Brentano assembled for publication shortly before his death that constitute a frank, public settling of accounts with the Christian religion. Originally conceived by Brentano as a volume that might help others similarly led to doubt the doctrines of Christianity, the book is remarkably free of bitterness or spitefulness. On the contrary, what makes the book of singular importance, especially now, is its careful attempt at taking stock of the positive and negative influence Christianity has had in history. This text appeals to those researchers and scholars interested in the work of Franz Brentano and his work on the philosophy of religion, in this case, Christianity.

Richard Schaefer is professor of history and religious studies at the State University of New York, College at Plattsburgh. Trained in modern European intellectual history, Schaefer received the Ph.D. from Cornell University in 2005. His research is primarily focused on the Catholic revival movement of the 19th century.