Abstract
The text explores the secularization process and its impact on human self-understanding and its relationship with God, particularly focusing on the shift toward a postmodern view of the autonomous self. It emphasizes that postmodernity adopts essential elements of modernity, particularly the idea of emancipation, while also critiquing it. The text discusses how this critique leads to the postmodern comprehension of the self, shaped by religious division. The philosopher Pannenberg is cited as offering significant insights on the impact of modern ideas on the concept of the self, especially the phenomenon of secularization and contemporary atheism. He suggests that these processes have dramatically altered humanity’s vision and cultural conscience, which were once inspired by Christianity. However, the author highlights contradictions in Pannenberg’s arguments, particularly his rational approach to God, which does not fully address the deeper issues of secularization. For Pannenberg, the issue of atheism and secularization lies in the inaccessibility of God, not in human will. The text raises questions about secularization, including whether Christianity still plays an essential role in modern society or exists as a “hidden city.” It explores whether Christian heritage remains a fundamental aspect of Western postmodernity. Despite the secular age, the text suggests that human beings continue to experience a profound connection to the sacred. Even in a postmodern context, individuals are still deeply impacted by the idea of God’s image and seek to understand it, pointing to the persistence of Christian values.
Presenters
Cecilia EcheverríaAcademic Coordinator of the Master's in Education of Faith at Universidad del Istmo, School of Humanities, Universidad del Istmo, Guatemala, Guatemala
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Postmodernism, Pannenberg, Emancipation, Autonomous self, Secularization, Image of God
