Religious Individualization and Christian Religious Semantics

In the western world, there is a change in religion.

Some researchers speak of a general secularisation in the sense of a decline of religion in general.

Other researchers claim that religion, represented by the dominant churches in particular, are losing importance.

A third group are discovering religious vitality to be an inherent dimension of modernity.

The analytical profit might be the greatest if empirical researchers succeed in achieving some sort of balance between functional and substantial dimensions of religion.

This is what the authors of this book want to do. It is in this balance that the task of practical theology lies: to reflect on the tension between traditional Christian religion and actual religious practice and to open up perspectives for action in the pastoral practice and teaching.

In the western world, there is a change in religion.

Some researchers speak of a general secularisation in the sense of a decline of religion in general.

Other researchers claim that religion, represented by the dominant churches in particular, are losing importance.

A third group are discovering religious vitality to be an inherent dimension of modernity. The analytical profit might be the greatest if empirical researchers succeed in achieving some sort of balance between functional and substantial dimensions of religion.

This is what the authors of this book want to do. It is in this balance that the task of practical theology lies: to reflect on the tension between traditional Christian religion and actual religious practice and to open up perspectives for action in the pastoral practice and teaching.