Abstract:
The ideas of Friedrich Schleiermacher contributes hugely to the understanding of the
concept of religion. Many scholars have published on the significance of Schleiermacher
for theology, philosophy and hermeneutics. In response to the Enlightenment thought,
Schleiermacher constructed a reappraisal of what religion is. His emphasis on intuition
and feeling, steered away from the rational interpretation of religion which placed human
cognition at the centre of religion. For Schleiermacher religion should indicate a selftranscendence
and a feeling of dependence. In the current era of technocracy, human
knowledge and experience is reduced to that which is accessible via technology. Whether
technology becomes the medium or object of veneration, surely vary from context to
context. Schleiermacher provides direction under the current paradigm, to search for
meaning where the human spirit connects with a meaningful other. In order to address
this endeavour, this research makes use of a literature study. The goal of this article is to
identify the border between superstition and religion by attempting to illuminate the
boundaries of religion. It is, according to David Chidester, precisely at the boundaries
where religion is best understood.
CONTRIBUTION : The article highlights the importance of the theories created by Schleiermacher
and how it applies within a current context where a distinction between religion and
superstition is necessary. The research addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals, numbers 10 (reducing inequalities), 11 (sustainable communities) and 16 (peace, justice
and strong institutions).
