Erwin Stein Prize 2026

Awarded to Eilert Herms

The Erwin Stein Prize 2026 has been awarded to the Protestant theologian Prof. emeritus Dr. theol. Eilert Herms (University of Tübingen). The prize honours his scholarly life’s work, with particular emphasis on his contributions to systematic theology and social ethics.

Herms’ extensive body of work addresses fundamental questions of Christian theology as well as ethical challenges facing contemporary societies. His publications, including major works in systematic theology, combine theological reflection with interdisciplinary perspectives and social responsibility.

The award ceremony took place on 14 April 2026 at Justus Liebig University Giessen. The laudatory address was given by Prof. Dr. Dr. Udo Di Fabio (University of Bonn).

The Erwin Stein Prize is awarded for outstanding interdisciplinary scholarship of particular significance for European culture.

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Eilert Herms

Das Werden des Menschseins

Studien zu Schleiermacher II

2025. 532 pages.

hardcover

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In this collection of studies, Eilert Herms deals with Schleiermacher's overall philosophical-theological conception, his fundamental anthropology, his understanding of history, science, politics and religious community as an ecclesial community. What is offered here is not a »reshaping«, but a reflected appropriation of the world, God and self-view of Reformation Christianity and its ethos.

»Amt und Ordination« und »Kirchenrecht« im Grund und Gegenstand des Glaubens

Theologische Studien zur römisch-katholischen und evangelisch-lutherischen Lehre

2024. 642 pages.

sewn paper

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The different views on the whole of the church’s doctrine explicating the »fundamentum fidei« (the revelation of Christ) are also the basis for the difference regarding the origin, nature and authority of the ordained ministry, including the difference concerning the authority to decide on the law and order of the church, either in the episcopate under its Petrine head or in regional church synods. There is no »visible unity« unless this difference is dealt with, though it has never been a topic of dialogue by now.

Eilert Herms

Luthers Ontologie des Werdens

Verwirklichung des Eschatons durchs Schöpferwort im Schöpfergeist. Trinitarischer Panentheismus

2023. 570 pages.

hardcover

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Luther saw the constantly present becoming (»fieri«) of our world as described by Christological and Trinitarian dogma in a manner authenticated by self-awareness: the experience of our human life and world as established in the absolutely self-determined (triune) will and work of the world-creating omnipotence.