This book deals with a politically and intellectually exciting period in the history of Catholicism. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, massive changes took place, especially in the German-speaking regions. First, the Holy Roman Empire ceased to exist, and new states emerged. Secondly, the Enlightenment exercised a significant effect on the wider culture, as did Classical German Philosophy. Both aspects had a significant impact on Catholic theology, too. Benjamin Dahlke offers a comprehensive account of these developments which have influenced Catholicism up to this day. In this sense, the book enables the reader to identify lasting substantive challenges and to gain a clearer understanding of the institutional framework of Catholic theology.