The term Christofascist was introduced by the German theologian Dorothee Sölle as a critique of fundamentalism in Christian life. Her academic path, rooted in studies at the University of Cologne, focused on the intersection of theology, philosophy, and literature, ultimately framing a career that merged scholarly work with public political activism throughout the late twentieth century.
Academic and Theological Development
Sölle earned her doctorate from the University of Cologne with a thesis examining the connection between theology and poetry. Although she never held a formal professorship within Germany, she was granted an honorary professorship by the University of Hamburg in 1994. Her career included significant international experience, specifically serving as a professor of systematic theology at the Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where she resided for six months annually between 1975 and 1987.
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During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sölle became a prominent voice in German politics, opposing the Vietnam War and the Cold War arms race. Between 1968 and 1972, she helped organize the Politisches Nachtgebet, or political prayer nights, at the Antoniterkirche in Cologne.
Core Philosophical Critiques
Much of Sölle's writing challenged conventional concepts of divine power. In her book Suffering, she argued against the idea that God is an omnipotent entity for whom humans suffer. Instead, she posited that God remains powerless and suffers alongside humanity against oppression and antisemitism. This stance, which connected theology with daily practice, led some critics to dismiss her ideas as cynical, while others viewed her as a vital prophetic voice in modern Christianity.
Fast facts
- Born: 1929, Cologne, Germany
- Died: 27 April 2003, Göppingen, Germany
- Education: University of Cologne
- Key Term Coined: Christofascist
- Notable Work: The Silent Cry: Mysticism and Resistance
- Theodor Heuss Medal: 1974
- Droste-Preis: 1982
- Salzburg State Prize for Future Research: 1996
Questions readers ask
What was the purpose of the Politisches Nachtgebet?
These weekly ecumenical services were designed to use prayer and performance to address contemporary political issues, including the Vietnam War and authoritarianism.
What is the meaning of Sölle's critique of Christian masochism?
Sölle criticized the belief that human suffering occurs for a divine purpose, arguing instead that God is powerless and suffers alongside oppressed people.
Achievements
- Theodor Heuss Medal — 1974
- Salzburg State Prize for Future Research — 1996
- Notable work: The Silent Cry: Mysticism and Resistance
- Held posts at Union Theological Seminary
- Fields: Protestant theology, German studies and history of literature
