On March 22, 2026, Carina Blank received the annual award from the Joseph Kentenich Institute (JKI). The award, worth 500 euros, recognizes her master’s thesis on “Responsibility based on Freedom,” which received the highest grade of 1.0 at the Weingarten University of Education. The thesis combines theological foundations with spiritual traditions and explores their significance in the practice of religious education.
Comparison of Freedom and Responsibility
At the heart of the award-winning thesis is the question of how freedom and responsibility relate in Christian thought. Carina Blank first outlines the theological and historical foundations of both concepts and then compares two spiritual traditions: Ignatian spirituality and Schoenstatt spirituality.
The respective conception of freedom serves as the starting point for the comparison. Building on this, the author analyzes how the ethics of responsibility are shaped in both approaches and what spiritual dynamics arise from this.
Faith Lived in Resistance
The work takes on special relevance by focusing on concrete life testimonies. Using Alfred Delp and Father Franz Reinisch as examples, Blank shows how Christian convictions can provide support in existential situations. Both figures represent a faith that, even under the conditions of National Socialism, led to responsible action and resistance.
Implications for Religious Education
In the concluding section, the author develops perspectives on religious education. She demonstrates how the insights gained can be fruitfully applied in teaching. Religious education is understood here as a space in which people are empowered to judge autonomously and act responsibly.
Scientifically grounded and spiritually sensitive
In his laudatory remarks, university chaplain Manuel Gärtner highlights the quality of the work: it is convincing “for its clear structure, its linguistic and conceptual precision,” as well as for its comprehensible argumentation and analysis of a high-quality bibliography. At the same time, the work is scientifically grounded, spiritually sensitive, and pedagogically applicable.
The work clearly shows that freedom is not opposed to responsibility but grows within it. “With your work,” states Mr. Gärtner, “you demonstrate that freedom is both a gift and a task. You demonstrate that responsibility is not the opposite of freedom but its fruit. You demonstrate that spiritual traditions come alive when they help people mature, discern, decide, and act. And you demonstrate that religious formation is strengthened precisely where people are not treated with condescension but are empowered for freedom in responsibility.”
By presenting this award, the Joseph Kentenich Institute acknowledges work that blends theological depth with practical significance.
Further information
JKI website: www.j-k-i.de
Source: schoenstatt.de