9.11 Tine Stein, Christianity and Constitutional Democracy

Is Christianity an indispensable supporter of the constitutional state? Is the genealogical claim that is implied with this assertion, namely that Christianity was instrumental in giving rise to the modern democratic and constitutional state, and the validity claim, namely that this constitutional democracy is dependent on Christianity, convincing? This article discusses the particular portions of Christianity that are found in the genealogy of the constitutional state, and secondly, if one can further show where the continual validity claim of Christianity for the constitutional state lies. First, it will be shown that in biblical narratives a certain image of humans can be extracted and that this image of humans as endowed with dignity, being free and equal, can be found in human rights, codified in the law of a constitutional state. Special attention will be given to the principle of human dignity as pre-legal concept, which is deeply rooted in the history of ideas and has gained its designation from Christian tradition. Furthermore, it is also nevertheless essential that sovereignty, in particular liberal constituted sovereignty, and salvation are separated and that this can also be derived from Christian heritage. Third, it will be described what a Christian contribution could be for the success of liberal constitutionalism today. This will be elucidated with regard to the bioethical debate and the meaning of human dignity. Here, the faithful citizens in a political community are faced with the task of presenting their respective beliefs in discussions so that the members of other faiths as well as non-believers can understand the meaning of the statement.