Kulturkatholizismus

Book Description

In the early twentieth century, German Catholics found themselves at a cultural crossroads, seeking to bridge their faith with the broader intellectual landscape of their nation. Otto Weiss explores this pivotal period when Catholic intellectuals faced exclusion from mainstream German culture, often dismissed as backward and resistant to progress in a predominantly Protestant empire.

This compelling historical examination reveals how Catholic thinkers navigated the tension between preserving their religious identity and participating in national cultural life. The struggle played out dramatically in newly established journals, particularly through the influential publications Hochland, led by Karl Muth, and Schönere Zukunft, edited by Josef Eberle. These publications became battlegrounds for fierce debates about the path forward for Catholic culture.

Weiss traces the journey of Catholic intellectuals from the turn of the century through the rise of the Third Reich, introducing readers to the key figures who shaped this cultural movement. The book illuminates how these thinkers grappled with questions that remain relevant today: How does one maintain authentic spiritual values while engaging with secular society? What role should faith play in cultural and intellectual discourse?

Through detailed portraits of the protagonists and their ideological battles, this work offers insight into a fascinating chapter of religious and cultural history. Readers interested in the intersection of faith, culture, and social change will discover valuable perspectives on navigating spiritual identity within broader societal contexts.