Hermes, Georg (1775-1831)

German Roman Catholic theologian. His theories are embodied in two principal works: Einleitung in die cristkatholische Theologie/Introduction to Catholic Theology (1819-29) and Cristkatholische Dogmatik/Catholic Dogma (1831-34). Influenced to some extent by the German philosophers Immanuel Kant and Johann Fichte, they reduced faith to mere feeling, reinterpreted the function of grace, and thus seemed to offer a means of reconciliation with Protestantism. Hermesianism enjoyed the support of the Prussian government, which intended that religion should serve the process of German unification, and was connived at by certain bishops.

Hermes was born in Dreyerwalde, Westphalia, Germany. He was educated at Munster gymnasium and university. He was ordained in 1799, he became professor of theology at Munster University in 1807, before moving on to Bonn University. Both of Hermes's major works were condemned, first by Gregory XVI in 1835, and again by Pius IX in 1847.