Religiosity, non-denominationalism, and their political consequences in East and West Germany after the upheaval of 1989

Abstract

After reunification, the differences in religious affiliation and religiosity between West and East Germany remained largely intact. This article traces the development of the religious landscape in Germany after 1989. It draws from theories in the field of sociology of religion to investigate the main question: How have the differences between West and East Germany developed in the religious field since 1989—and what does this mean politically? As a result, the secular landscape of East Germany was further socialized and religious individualization while alternative religiosity or spirituality did not really take hold. Rather, it seems to be the case that East Germany is an anticipation of the future image of West German development and that an alignment of West and East Germany is taking place. In addition, the diminished knowledge of religion in East Germany, taken together with the contribution of non-denominationalism to a separate Eastern identity, contributes to differences in political cultures in West Germany and East Germany.