Weimar controversy: believe between secularization and society

Weimar controversy: believe between secularization and society

The "Weimar controversy" go into the next round! On June 17, 2025 at 6 p.m., the Weimar classic Foundation invites you to an exciting series of talks in the Bauhaus Museum Weimar. Here the influence of religion is illuminated today - a topic that appears more relevant than ever in times of growing secularization. This reports thib24 .

In this event, the philosophers Michael Schmidt-Salomon, known for his critical views on religiosity, and sociologist Hartmut Rosa, who emphasizes a positive role in religious in a secular society, will come into a dialogue. The conversation is moderated by Helmut Heit, the head of the Kolleg Friedrich Nietzsche. Schmidt-Salomon aims to push back the influence of churches and irrational religious worldviews, while Rosa represents the thesis that our modern, secular society needs religious to exist.

A look at the "Weimar controversy"

The "Weimar controversy" not only serve to deal with religion, they offer a space for debates about nature and gender relations as well as trust in the sciences. The series of talks is part of the annual themes of the Weimar Stiftung Foundation, which deliberately focuses on the social challenges. In 2024 there are questions about European solidarity, democracy and education, such as Klassik Foundation Weimar emphasized.

A central goal of this event is to promote a productive exchange in which various perspectives are examined on a common topic without postulating absolute truths. This is also evident in the focus of past themed years, in which, among other things, the romantic Weimar and the relationship between humans and nature were discussed.

secularization and their challenges

But why is the question of the relevance of religion so important in an increasingly secular world? The current discussion, as also in articles of bpb , shows that the separation between religion and politics is not always clear. Critics such as the anthropologist Talal Asad call for a deeper view of secularity as a dynamic social phenomenon that contains diverse social mechanisms.

A field of tension that is often overlooked is the complicated relationship between religion and state control. Secularity is sometimes seen as a regulating principle that can form religion. Against this background, the event on June 17 is not only a discussion about questions of faith, but also about the role of religion in modern society and the challenges associated with it.

Guests are cordially invited - and the best thing: entry is free! So, on June 17th in the Bauhaus Museum Weimar and let them encourage entertaining and critical thoughts on religion and secularity!