Johann Christoph v. Woellner and the church policy and church reality in his time were characterized by a peculiar entanglement and tension among theological convictions, personal interests, thoughts of political power and religious habits. Based on a wide range of contemporary and largely handwritten sources, Uta Wiggermann describes these complex relationships. This is the first comprehensive description to show that historical reality eludes established schematic classifications.

The "Edict concerning the constitution of religion in the Prussian states," dated July 9, 1788, was the most significant decree on church policy in late 18th century Prussia. With this edict and the measures that followed, Johann Christoph v. Woellner attempted to counteract the theological Enlightenment in churches, schools and universities. It was not only Woellner himself, but also church policy and church reality in his time, that were characterized by a peculiar entanglement and tension among theological convictions, personal interests, thoughts of political power and religious habits. Based on a wide range of contemporary and largely handwritten sources, Uta Wiggermann describes these complex relationships. This is the first comprehensive description to show that historical reality eludes established schematic classifications.

Autorentext
Geboren 1976; Studium der Ev. Theologie in Münster; 2002-2007 Wiss. Assistentin am Seminar für Kirchengeschichte II an der Ev.-Theologischen Fakultät der Universität Münster; seit 2007 Vikarin in Paderborn; 2008 Promotion.