Die Religion des Zauberers

During the past decades, the ongoing dialogue between theology and literary criticism has focused increasingly on the significance of the »great code« (Northrop Frye) of biblical signs for western literature. In the context of this dialogue, Christoph Schwöbel investigates the function of religious sign systems in Thomas Mann's novels Buddenbrooks, The Magic Mountain, Joseph and His Brothers, and Doctor Faustus. He advocates the theory that religious signs and their theological reflection have proven to be essential in Thomas Mann's writing and in the way in which he interpreted the creativity of the artist. The studies collected in this volume point out the significance of a theological interpretation of literary works and reveal some of the cultural effects and side-effects of religious commitments. Hans Wißkirchen, Thomas Mann expert and director of the Buddenbrook House in Lübeck, has provided a preface to this volume.