Berlin, Germany, Aug 9, 2020 / 14:01 pm
Theology in Germany, with a few exceptions, is in a crisis. This is the conclusion reached by a German theology professor, who is the William K. Warren Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Ulrich Lehner earned a doctorate in theology at the University of Regensburg, and a habilitation doctorate in history at the Central European University.
Speaking with CNA Deutsch, the professor and author of numerous books, including God is not Nice, criticized not only a "qualitative regression of German theology", while noting important exceptions, but also the way some of his colleagues work.
"I have followed many appointments in Germany and can only say: academic mediocrity is always hiring mediocrity," said Lehner. He believes a "handful of professors" give their former students appointments, "regardless of the weaknesses they have". It is noticeable that "especially those who are loyal to the Church never get a chance, because they are sorted out beforehand".
German theology in crisis