Constitution and Christianity

New Book on Christian roots of the German Constitution (“Grundgesetz”) released

On this year’s May 23rd Germany celebrates the 70th anniversary of its constitution, the so called “Grundgesetz”, marking the foundation of the Federal Republic. Because of this important date I wrote a book that has a focus on the Christian roots of the German constitution. The title says: “Ewiges im Provisorium. Das Grundgesetz im Lichte des christlichen Glaubens” (that is more or less: “The Eternal in the Provisional: The German Constitution in the Light of the Christian Faith”).

How did the notion of God get into the German Constitution? What is standing behind the concepts of dignity and liberty that shaped constitutional thinking in post-war Germany? What does “life” mean in the context of the Constitution? These are some of the questions I answer in my new book, emphasizing the importance of referring to a responsibility that goes beyond the secular sphere of law, politics, and economy. The German “Grundgesetz” does so – appealing to God in the Constitution’s preamble.

The significance of the Eternal within the Provisional gets very clear in cases like abortion or assisted suicide – not “only” life is in danger, but also dignity and liberty, if considered as given by God. I try to make clear, that some of the social developments during the last decades in Germany run against the spirit of the German Constitution. The book also deals with the relationship between church and state and nevertheless with the future of the constitution, mentioning especially the ongoing debate on children's rights in Germany.

Unfortunately, the book is in German only. So, it only will be of use, if you are able to read German. All those are highly invited to check out the book and get in touch with me for further debate.