KLEE, HEINRICH. - Theologian, b. at Münstermaifeld (Coblenza) on 20 April 1800, d. at Monaco on 28 July 1840. He studied at the Seminary of Magonza, where he was also a professor. In 1829 he moved to Bonn, teaching theology and exegesis there. His solid and sound doctrine was at first received unfavorably by his Hermesian colleagues; but he succeeded in gaining recognition through his tact and learning, while vigorously, and at times harshly, combating their errors. In 1839 he moved to the University of Monaco, replacing J. A. Möhler.
K.'s scholarly production displays harshness and obscurity of style, as well as some errors (concerning the origin of the human soul and the fate of children who die without Baptism); nevertheless, he must be regarded as one of the renewers of theology in the nineteenth century. Among his works, besides the Commentaries on the Gospel of St. Giovanni (Magonza 1829), on Romans (ibid. 1830), and on Hebrews (ibid. 1833), the following should be recalled: Die Ehe (ibid. 1833), Katholische Dogmatik (3 vols., ibid. 1834–35, with various editions, his most important work); Lehrbuch der Dogmengeschichte (2 vols., ibid. 1837–38).