ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to discover how Das christliche Kultmysterium proposes the mystery theology as a solution to a problem in the study of the liturgy, but also as a solution to a problem in society. According to the passionate opening of Das christliche Kultmysterium, the world is on the brink of “a transformation of worlds, such as perhaps never has passed over the earth before.” Casel finds an alternative for modern society's conception of religion in the theology of the early church up to the council of Trent. Casel has no difficulties claiming that Christianity is indebted to these pagan mystery cults. Casel disturbingly prefers Hellenistic religious sensibilities to the religiosity of the Jews. Das christliche Kultmysterium contains Casel's effort to reassess an important part of the life of the church: its liturgical acts. By focusing on human autonomy and by placing the individual human center stage, modernism has lost a sense of mystery and transcendence.
