"Blasphemie" - viel Lärm um nichts?! Theologisch-philosophische Analyse eines umstrittenen Phänomens

What is "blasphemy"? "Blasphemic" phenomena are characterized by diversity and subjectivity. This is especially true for "blasphemy" in Christianity. "Blasphemy" also marks the beginning of Christianity: Jesus Christ was condemned to death on the cross due to the accusation of having committed "blasphemy." Reason enough to examine the topic more closely from a scientific and theological perspective.

This dissertation developed a communication model intended to implement a definition of "blasphemous" phenomena as precise as possible. Based on this model, three major areas of "blasphemy" were identified. Central themes include the discussion of whether God can be insulted "blasphemously" at all, whether "blasphemy" must basically be considered bad, or whether it can even be considered necessary and positive under certain circumstances. Furthermore, it is important to think about it, whether the abolition or retention of the so-called "blasphemy paragraph" makes sense, and whether there are, in principle, so-called religious feelings that can be hurt. In view of a constantly changing, pluralistic society, it is appropriate to deal intensively with "blasphemous" phenomena in relation to religion, religious freedom and criticism of religion.

Sandra Dewi Lochbrunner studied Catholic theology and German studies for secondary school teaching at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. After passing her first state examination, she became a research assistant to Prof. Dr. Armin Kreiner at the Chair of Fundamental Theology at the Faculty of Catholic Theology at LMU Munich in 2014. Her dissertation, "'Blasphemy' – Much Ado About Nothing?!", was completed in 2025.