Under the Spell of Freedom

How do the history of religion and the history of political freedom relate to one another? The diversity of opinions on this in the fields of philosophy, the humanities and social sciences and in the public is vast and confusing. And yet, the sublime synthesis in which Hegel once united Christianity and political freedom is still of enormous guiding power for many – despite or maybe because of Friedrich Nietzsche’s influential provocations.

However, a different way of looking at this complex of questions evolved within the religious thought of the 20th century, as Hans Joas shows in his new book. It is based on a concept of history that is more open to the future and on an understanding of freedom that is richer than it is in Hegel’s thought. By reference to sixteen selected thinkers, Joas carves out this new understanding of religion and freedom that is neither intellectualistic nor Eurocentric. This creates a decisive plea for a global history of moral universalism.

»... it is a pleasure, almost a comfort, to follow a scholar in making traditions he cares about deeply come to life clearly and comprehensibly and in arguing fairly and constructively with those who have different opinions.« Johann Hinrich Claussen, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

»[An] extensive and very erudite study.« Otfried Höffe, Frankfurter Rundschau

»A challenging but important read for understanding religion and freedom – in Europe and beyond.« André Behr, Falter