Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) was a German theologian, philosopher, and biblical scholar, often regarded as the father of modern liberal theology. He emphasized the importance of individual experience and feelings in understanding faith, arguing that religion is rooted in personal experience rather than dogma. His work laid the foundation for later theological developments and influenced various fields, including hermeneutics and existentialism. Schleiermacher is best known for his book, On Religion: Speeches to Its Cultured Despisers, where he defended religion against rationalist critiques. He also contributed to the field of hermeneutics, focusing on the interpretation of texts, particularly religious ones. His ideas continue to resonate in contemporary theological discussions.