This study opens up a hitherto neglected chapter in the history of theology that at the same time reconstructs exemplars of problem complexes and lines of argumentation which are of present-day relevance for the treatment of questions in “apologetics”.By clarifying the autonomy of Elert’s position, which astonishingly remained non-denominationalist until 1923, alongside the more familiar paths of liberal theology, but also of dialectic theology, the study at the same time makes a contribution to the history of early 20th century theological apologetics in both its academic interest and the interest of cultural practice.