Munich: Christianity, which took shape nearly two thousand years ago, has been a decisive force in shaping Europe’s cultural, political, and social foundation. Even though church attendance has declined in many European countries today, the Christian values and heritage (christliches Erbe) remain deeply embedded in society like roots that continue to nourish its moral and social life. Let us look at how this influence is reflected in Germany’s everyday life and social thinking.
The Depth of History: The Roots of Faith in German Soil
Christianity spread across Europe after being recognized by the Roman Empire in the fourth century. In Germany, Saint Boniface (St. Bonifatius) laid the foundation for Christian communities. Iconic churches such as the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) still stand tall as symbols of German culture. While the southern and southwestern regions remain predominantly Catholic (Katholiken), the northern and eastern parts are mostly Protestant (Protestanten).
The Reformation movement initiated by Martin Luther in 1517 permanently reshaped the religious landscape of Germany and became a turning point in Christian history. These historical roots are visible even in the secular character of modern German society.
Christian Values That Shaped Social Welfare
Although secularism has grown stronger, the influence of Christianity is clearly evident in Germany’s laws and social outlook. The Kirchensteuer (Church Tax) system itself was established to support church-based social services.
Christian values such as compassion, human dignity, and a sense of social responsibility have been the moral foundation of Germany’s welfare-state concept (Sozialstaat / Social State). The churches continue to provide extensive social services through hospitals (Krankenhäuser), childcare centers (Kindergärten), and homes for the elderly (Seniorenheime).
The Christian belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person continues to play a vital role in discussions about social justice. The churches were also instrumental in laying the foundations for education and the modern university system.
Celebrations: Faith, Culture, and Community
The presence of Christianity in Europe is most visibly reflected in its festivals (Feste / Feasts) and traditions. These celebrations are deeply intertwined with the core values of Christian life.
Christmas (Weihnachten): The Advent season, a time of preparation for Christ’s birth, ushers in Germany’s world-famous Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte). These gatherings, filled with light and warmth, symbolize hope, sharing, and love.
Easter (Ostern): Celebrating Christ’s Resurrection, Easter conveys a message of new life and triumph over death.
Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam): This major Catholic feast focuses on the divine presence of Christ in the Eucharist and is celebrated with grand processions in Catholic-majority regions.
Other notable observances include Pentecost (Pfingsten) and the Protestant Reformation Day, all of which reflect the diversity and richness of Germany’s Christian heritage.
Art, Thought, and Faith: Germany’s Gift to Global Christianity
Germany has made immense contributions to the global Christian intellectual and cultural tradition.
Theology: Mystical theologian Meister Eckhart, Catholic thinkers like Karl Rahner and Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger), and Protestant reformers such as Martin Luther and Friedrich Schleiermacher the father of modern theology have all profoundly influenced Christian thought.
Philosophy: Immanuel Kant’s moral philosophy, rooted in Christian ethics, has deeply shaped Germany’s moral and social values.
Music: The divine compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach stand as supreme examples of art dedicated “to the glory of God” (zur Ehre Gottes).
Germany’s Gift to Malayalam: Dr. Hermann Gundert
Germany’s connection with India especially Kerala has a rich and enduring history. Dr. Hermann Gundert, a renowned German missionary and linguist, is a shining example of this bond. Arriving in Kerala in 1839, he made unparalleled contributions to the Malayalam language.
He compiled the first Malayalam dictionary and wrote the first Malayalam grammar book, Malayalabhasha Vyākaraṇam. Gundert was born in Carlshof near Stuttgart, Germany.
Kerala–German Ties: A New Wave of Migration
Over the past fifty years, thousands of Malayalees have migrated to Germany.
The First Wave: In the late 1960s, under church initiatives, thousands of nurses (Krankenschwestern) from Kerala were invited to work in Germany.
The Present: Today, there are around 160000 Indian workers in Germany, with a large number from Kerala. Malayali nurses continue to play an outstanding role in healthcare. Moreover, Indian IT professionals and researchers have become an integral part of Germany’s technology sector.
Although church participation has declined, Christianity remains a vital part of the German and European soul (Teil der Seele / Part of the Soul). Deeply rooted in history, its values continue to shape daily life, social welfare, and cultural celebrations.
Germany stands as a model before the world demonstrating the enduring strength and power of renewal (Erneuerungskraft) of Christian life in Europe.