The Atomic Occult: Religions in the fifties

Anyone who associates the 1950s in a black and white manner with 'orderly' religious conditions - over 95 per cent of Germans are either Catholic or Protestant - is right on the one hand, but on the other hand forgets that the religious landscape was already quite colourful in the days of the economic miracle. This is shown in our new short series on religions in the long fifties, which takes place between 1947 and 1963. In addition to the legacy of National Socialism, yoga reception, psychological references, technology enthusiasm and astrology also play a role in the scene of the 'occult underground' - which reached far into the mainstream.

The series offers short portraits of a number of religious actors whose biographies concisely highlight typical contemporary references and plausibilisation patterns; it also takes a look at larger trends, for example in the discourse on magic or in the standardisation and ethicisation of the occult. Click here for the contributions to the series:

• Part I: In search of archetypal universals: Ernst Anrich (1906-2001)
• Part II: Doctor and master of introspection: Carl Albrecht (1902-1965)
• Part III: Philosopher or prophet? The assassin from Lake Constance