EXC 2060 B3-10 - The outlines of a political-functional theory of religion in Justus Möser’s work

Basic data for this project

Type of project: Subproject in DFG-joint project hosted at University of Münster
Duration: 01/01/2019 - 31/12/2025 | 1st Funding period

Description

The Osnabrück lawyer, writer and statesman Justus Möser (1720-1794) is one of the most interesting, complex and witty personalities of his time. The religious-theoretical approach he brought to light in numerous writings, but also in his political actions, is highly original. This is due in particular to its consistently pragmatic and functional divergence. By attaching irreplaceable strategic significance to the institutionalized churches he has succeeded in catching up with the ecclesiological deficit of the theology of Enlightenment in an original manner. The related doctoral project has to face a threefold task: First of all, Möser's theory of religion is to be raised from his scattered remarks in an objective, historically disciplined order and examined for its inner consistency. Then, the relevance of Möser's theory of religion for his political work is to be critically scrutinized. Finally, the insights gained in the process must be contextualized in a comprehensive and differentiated manner within the framework of the debates and regulations on religious theory and practice at the time with regard to possible influences and interactions. Both access and availability of the relevant sources is excellent: Möser's writings and letters are available in complete editions, and the State Archives of Lower Saxony in Osnabrück has a wealth of archival material at its disposal that has not yet been considered for analysis and evaluation. Thus, this project will make an essential contribution to the tension inherent in the Enlightenment between religion and politics.

Keywords: Religion; politics; theory of religion; Justus Möser