Theology and the public arena from a German point of view

Benedikt Kranemann

Faculty of Catholic Theology of the University of Erfurt

Abstract

In the face of present-day pluralism, theology must re-examine its importance in church, society, and university. It must be understood as a theology in public and as a “cultural laboratory” (Pope Francis). As a scientific discipline, it must face the challenges of the present. University research questions are also of theological significance. The university must have a genuine interest in theology. If theology is part of public scientific discourse, it is profitable for (non-Christian) society like the church. It will change theology to its advantage, because it has consequences for questions, appearance and language.

Keywords:

theology, multiple modern, social responsibility, university context, validity in public arena, Veritatis gaudium