Reason, Faith, and Secularization: Jürgen Habermas Meets Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

Authors

  • Gerhold K. Becker

Abstract

The debate between the two leading representatives of critical theory and Catholic theology on the moral and (presumably) religious foundations of the secular state that can neither be vindicated nor ignored by secular reason has drawn great attention far across the borders that tend to separate theologians from liberal philosophers. The paper seeks to explore the historical context of the debate and to identify major areas of agreement between the two discussants before it examines some of the more important remaining differences. With the subsequent election of Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope and the programmatic implications of his Papal name the debate has taken on a new significance by highlighting the continuous need for dialogue and deeper understanding between the Church and all people of good will regardless of intellectual background or ideological affiliations.

Author Biography

Gerhold K. Becker

Assumption University

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Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2006): January - June 2006

Section

Articles

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