Johann Christian Konrad von Hofmann

1810-1877. German theologian. He is widely regarded as the most significant of the Erlangen School of theologians which represented a modified form of Lutheran orthodoxy. He taught at Erlangen from 1845. His writings include Weissagung und Erfüllung (1841-44), Der Schriftbeweis (1852-56), and Die heilige Schrift (1862- 78). Hofmann laid great emphasis on biblical exegesis which he coupled with stress on Christian experience. The latter is expressed historically in salvation history, of which Scripture is the record prior and subsequent to the coming of Christ. Hofmann interpreted this within the framework of an orthodox theism which saw world history rooted in the Trinitarian character of God and His purposes for man. The ultimate goal of the historical process is the union of God and man in Christ. Hofmann's rejection of the penal satisfaction view of atonement caused considerable controversy. Satan, he held, is defeated because Jesus maintained His oneness with God even in His greatest extremity on the cross.