scholars have noted Fichte’s explicit mention of his debt to Spalding,^70
the use of Fichtean terminology in Spalding has passed unnoticed.
As Spalding does not useAnerkennungbefore 1794, one cannot
easily define whether Fichte is influenced by Spalding or vice versa. As
we will see, Spalding does not copy Fichte but formulates his own
message with the help of this new concept. The present study does not
take a stance on the historical issue of influence between them but
does make the point that Spalding highlights the concept two years
before Fichte’sGrundlage des Naturrechts.
Though relatively forgotten today, Spalding was one of the most
influential theologians of the late eighteenth century. His books were
widely distributed among intellectuals and the ruling class beyond the
borders of academic theology.^71 He is the main representative of
‘neology’, an Enlightenment style of religious reflection that stresses
morality and personal commitment, downplaying theoretical and
dogmatic theology. Spalding’s life spans from 1714 to 1806;Religion,
eine Angelegenheit des Menschenis his last major work. While it may
sound unlikely for an old author to adopt new concepts, Spalding
took over new ideas of the Enlightenment through his entire career,
engaging in dialogue with the leading thinkers of his times.
Thefirst occurrence ofAnerkennungis contained in Spalding’s
essay of 1794, entitledVon dem Wesentlichen der Religion und von
dem Unterscheidenden des Christenthums(‘The Essential in Religion
and the Distinctiveness of Christianity’). The concept appears in the
second part of the essay, dealing with the distinctive features of
Christian faith. Spalding asks whether
the distinctive significance of Christianity is found inthe practical
recognition(praktische Anerkennung)of Jesus of Nazareth, who is also
named Christ, as the original and most prominent teacher of true religion
for humankind; and who recognizes him as such, is a Christian.^72Spalding’s answer to this question is affirmative, and he repeats the
statement after some discussion.^73 Thefirst part of the essay considers
(^70) See Beutel 2014, 77, 298. In Saarinen 2015, Spalding’s German terminology is
investigated in detail.
(^71) See Beutel 2014. This book contains the best overview of Spalding and his
influence. Cf. also Beutel 2007.
(^72) Von dem Wesentlichen, 396, emphasis in original.
(^73) Von dem Wesentlichen, 402, again with italics in original, without the word
‘practical’.
128 Recognition and Religion