The German historian and theologian Johannes Josef Ignaz von Döllinger (1799-1890) represented the Catholic wing of the great German historical movement of the 19th century.

On Feb. 28, 1799, J. J. I. von Döllinger was born in Bamberg. His father was professor of physiology and anatomy at Bamberg and later at Würzburg and, though Catholic, markedly anticlerical. This influence was offset by the piety of Döllinger's mother, and the boy's interest turned to theology after a few semesters in Würzburg studying philosophy and philology. He entered the seminary at Bamberg and was ordained a priest in 1822. Disillusioned with academic studies, he desired only a country pastorate but, after serving as curate for barely a year, he was prevailed upon by his father to return to academic life.

Döllinger then taught canon law and Church history at the gymnasium...