Michael Raske 90 years old
For nearly thirty years (1973–2001), Michael Raske held the professorship for Religious Education at the Faculty of Catholic Theology at Goethe University. During this time, he shaped many generations of students as well as the spirit of the faculty. It is not just a phrase but an accurate reflection of Raske’s true life and teaching philosophy that, for him, the human being has always been at the center: that in the abstract processes of the university as an institution, the names and contributions of those involved are always present; that former members of the faculty and individuals who were connected to it in friendship are not forgotten, but their memory is cherished; that the weak are strengthened and those in the shadows receive recognition. His work has been guided by a thoughtful, humane attentiveness—an attentiveness that perhaps influenced his decision to enter the priesthood and certainly played a role in his shift from an initial focus on systematic theology to practical theology, where he established his academic specialization. This thoughtful, humane attentiveness shaped his theological work and continues to guide Michael Raske’s interactions with people, his questioning, and his listening. It has also found expression in his enduring commitment to the faculty’s research and teaching focus on “Intercultural Theology.” Even many years after his retirement, as long as his health allowed, Raske continued to serve the faculty as a celebrant for semester services and other occasions. With gratitude and joy, the Faculty of Catholic Theology at Goethe University congratulates Michael Raske on his 90th birthday!