Johann Friedrich Cotta (theologian)

Johann Friedrich Cotta (12 March 1701 – 31 December 1779) was a German Lutheran theologian.

Born in Tübingen, Cotta studied theology at the University of Tübingen, earning his Magister degree in 1723. He became a Repetent (tutor) at the Tübingen Stift (theological seminary) in 1724. His academic career progressed with appointments as a Diakonus (deacon) in Göppingen in 1730, and later as a special superintendent and court chaplain in Stuttgart in 1733. In 1739, Cotta became a professor of theology at the University of Tübingen, where he taught dogmatics and church history. He was also appointed abbot of Bebenhausen Abbey.

Cotta was known for his orthodox Lutheran views and his scholarly work in the areas of systematic theology and church history. He authored several theological treatises, contributing to the theological discourse of his time. His publications include works on dogmatics, biblical interpretation, and the history of the Reformation.

His son, Johann Georg Cotta, became a prominent publisher.