This lecture explores the origins of Free Religion in 19th-century Germany, a movement born from the ideals of the Enlightenment, rationalism, and the rejection of religious dogma. We will examine how figures like Johannes Ronge and Johannes Czerski challenged the authority of the Catholic Church through the German Catholic Movement (Deutschkatholizismus), sparking a broader religious rebellion.

Key themes include:

• The intellectual and social forces that shaped Free Religion, including the influence of the Enlightenment and early feminist movements.

• The foundation of Free Religious communities, such as the Offenbach congregation, and their struggle for religious self-determination.

• The core principles of Free Religion: reason, personal freedom, and tolerance as the foundations of faith.

This lecture also highlights the early connections between Free Religion and global liberal religious movements, setting the stage for its later role in organizations like the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF).

By the end of this lecture, you will understand how Free Religion emerged as a radical alternative to traditional faith and why its values continue to resonate today.