In four sections, this work develops Friedrich Scheiermacher's overall conception of theology as a university discipline together with its sub-disciplines. It achieves this by giving a formal definition of the functions of theology both as a whole and in its parts.

Friedrich Scheiermacher's "Brief Account" ("Kurze Darstellung"), published, as was his "Christian Faith", in two seperate editions in 1811 and 1830, summarizes his "whole view at that time of the study of theology". In four sections (introduction, philosophical theology, historical theology and practical theology) it develops Scheiermacher's overall conception of theology as a university discipline together with its sub-disciplines. It achieves this by giving a formal definition of the functions of theology both as a whole and in its parts. The "Brief Account" shows the great force of Scheiermacher's systematic thought and is basic to the study of his understanding of theology. The study edition in the "de Gruyter Texts" series is based on the Complete Critical Edition (KGA I/6). It shows the pagination and line numbering of the KGA, so that it is possible to quote by the KGA. The volume opens with a comprehensive introduction by Dirk Schmid.