Belief must be something different from a mixture of opinions about God and the world, and of precepts for one life or for two. Piety cannot be an instinct craving for a mess of metaphysical and ethical crumbs.

The task of hermeneutics then was to avoid misunderstanding and to discover the author's intent. Pastorship
From 1802 to 1804 Schleiermacher served as a pastor in the Pomeranian town of Stolp. Iain G.

He also became influential in the evolution of Higher Criticism and his work forms part of the foundation of the modern field of hermeneutics. Because of his profound impact on subsequent Christian thought he is often called the "Father of Modern Liberal Theology" and is considered an early leader in liberal Christianity.