Lothar Roos: A life between social ethics and present questions

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teacher for generations | The daily mail

The late Lothar Roos has had a lasting impact on the Federal Republic of Germany as an important Catholic social ethicist. With his dissertation "Democracy as a way of life", he put the principles of Catholic social teaching at the center of his work. Roos was part of a generation of scientists who viewed the social market economy as an essential part of a modern society.

his appointment to the University of Bonn was not only a personal turn, but also reflected the political events of the "Bonn Republic". Roos was not a nostalgic, but a critical observer of current developments. In the scientific community, he was known for his clear positioning against questionable trends, which he always watched carefully. This was particularly evident when he spoke out against the boycott call of the "Working Group on Christian Social Ethics" and defended freedom of science.

commitment to freedom of science and dialogue

Roos was among the initiators of a call, who propagated solidarity with attacked colleagues and propagated real dialogue as an alternative to defamation. His voice and commitment had an impact, so that the traditional magazine "Neue Order" is also continued under a new management. Roos remained an active author until his end of life and thus contributed to the continuation of an important scientific discourse.

In addition, the legacy of Catholic social teaching was important to him, and he knew how important the reference is important. His efforts to found and lead the Joseph-Höffner Society show his goal of linking historical perspectives with the challenges of the present. Through the new edition of Höffner's "Christian Society theory", he made an invaluable contribution to the accessibility of important theological and social ethical content for subsequent generations.

a legacy for the future

With his many years of belonging to the scientific Catholic student associations Unitas, Roos embodied the connection between the Catholic social teaching and the practical training of young students. His lectures were not only important for theologians; He also conveyed engineers, lawyers and natural scientists the fundamental principles of social ethics. With this broad impact, Roos wanted to ensure that Catholic social teaching in society becomes effective and supports its priestly service.

his legacy lives on in the numerous students and students who have benefited from his knowledge and passion for the social issues of life. Lothar Roos will be remembered as a teacher of generations, whose commitment to Catholic social ethics will have a lasting effect.