"Secularization" is an important and controversial term for the self-understanding of Western societies - it refers to both the disappearance of religion in modernity and its transformation. Daniel Weidner shows how secularization was discussed in the 20th century and how central these considerations were for philosophical, theological, sociological and cultural self-understanding. read more...

Conspiracy theory and "alternative theology" interpretations as well as negations of the Corona pandemic have been unusually effective in Germany since 2020; in the "liberal milieu," which is convinced of the evidence of medical and scientific expertise, they have caused considerable irritation. read more...

 

The Catholic Church is in the midst of the most serious crisis in its recent history. There are even voices that expect an imminent demise of Catholicism. But does this stand up to sociological analysis? In the 26th volume of the series "Religion and Modernity," Karl Gabriel explores the historically determined self-blockades that have led to the decline of the Catholic Church.  read more …

How did the Lutheran clergy in the royal capital of Berlin in the 18th century – an era of secularization and the emergence of bourgeois culture – move between church congregation and political authorities? Based on a wide array of sources, Florian Grumbach explores in “Predigt, Publikum and Seelenheil” (‘Sermon, audience, and salvation’), the 23rd book in the series “Religion und Moderne”, the pastoral practice and daily work of the clergy such as their sermons or publishing activities. more...

How was and how is the theological profession represented in German Parliaments? In which parties are Protestant Theologians primarily involved and during which specific epoch? Which political task fields did they primarily take in parliament? Can a specific typology of career paths be identified? more...

Migration has led to a growing religious and cultural diversity of German society. In public debates this diversity is often discussed as a societal challenge or even a cause of conflict. As David Rüschenschmidt in the Center for Religion and Modernity’s latest publication shows, the history of the Christian-Muslim dialogue does not conform to this narrative. more...