This book deals with a politically and intellectually exciting period in the history of
Catholicism. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries massive changes took place especially
in the German-speaking regions. First the Holy Roman Empire ceased to exist and new states
emerged. Secondly the Enlightenment exercised a significant effect on the wider culture as
did Classical German Philosophy. Both aspects had a significant impact on Catholic theology
too. Benjamin Dahlke offers a comprehensive account of these developments which have influenced
Catholicism up to this day. In this sense the book enables the reader to identify lasting
substantive challenges and to gain a clearer understanding of the institutional framework of
Catholic theology.
