DENZINGER, HEINRICH JOSEPH. - Catholic theologian, born at Liège on 10 Oct. 1819, died at Würzburg on 19 June 1883. He studied at Würzburg and at Rome in the German College (1841-45). Ordained priest in 1844, he became professor at Würzburg, from 1854 ordinary professor of dogmatic theology, continuing his activity with great distinction for that theological faculty until his death. He effectively promoted the positive approach in theological studies.
In his most important works he pursued the emancipation of dogmatic theology from the speculations of modern philosophy and a greater adherence to the teachings of the ecclesiastical magisterium: *Vier Bücher von der religiösen Erkenntnis* (2 vols., Würzburg 1856-57); and the very well-known *Enchiridion Symbolorum* (1st ed., ibid. 1854; later editions revised and updated by Cl. Bannwart and J. B. Umberg). Various writings have a polemical-critical character. D. also edited the works of St. Bruno, bishop of Würzburg (PL 142) and the *Ritus orientalium, Coptorum, Syrorum et Armenorum* (2 vols., Würzburg 1863-64).