Briefe wider die Freidenker

Abstract

Abstract Since the middle of the 18th century, the epistolary form was increasingly used as a means of apologetics. Thereby, theologians reacted to the combination of fiction and philosophy, which gave unexpected success to religious criticism from Britain and France – especially to Voltaire. However, the alliance of apologetics and fine literature had limited viability and only lasted for about a generation. These circumstances will be demonstrated by analyzing Johann H. C. Zahn’s Letters to the Freethinkers (1764–1767) in their wider historical context.