Thesis (Ph. D.)--New York, University, 1934.
Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Bibliography: p. 54-55.
Thesis (Ph. D.)--New York, University, 1934.
Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Bibliography: p. 54-55.
Schaff's formal theological education followed his conversion to Wurttemberg pietism and its tolerant ecumenical outlook, after an obscure illegitimate birth in Chur and his own dismissal from Chur ...due to his participation in a "secret sin" (masturbation) group.
Only four decades ago one of the present leading medievalists in this country was not allowed to write a dissertation in the area of Catharism. In turning down the request, the director referred to ...the paucity of sources for undertaking such a study. In view of the materials currently available one nearly finds it unbelievable that such a delimited area of research has been given so much attention in the interim, in the manuscript finds, translation work, and multifold secondary source interpretations which have touched on everything from sex to song to diet! And whenever a topic in the field of history edges out biblical studies, contemporary theology, and the latest witless fad in religion in Time (the whole religion section, no less), perhaps it can be said that that topic has indeed arrived. Sparkling brilliance has been added to Catharism in the studies of the likes of Runciman, Söderberg, Borst, Dondaine, Manselli, Roché Nelli, Russell, and Wakefield. And yet, as is obvious, there are still unanswered questions and the necessity for continuing scholarship which will engage even more facets of Catharism.
