Farewell to the Theory of Secularization Challenge to the Protestant Theology of the Present following Friedrich Schleiermacher and Karl Barth

Subsequent to Max Weber's interpretation, the theory of secularization pursues two aspects: the emancipation movement and individualization as well as the repudiation of transcendence. Supported by Friedrich Schleiermacher and Karl Barth, this essay reestablishes the idea that Protestantism is characterized by a specific rationality, thus making a more sophisticated understanding of secularization possible. As a result, transcendence can be affirmed without contrasting religion with emancipation and autonomy. © Mohr Siebeck 2013.