We Saw His Star in the East

"We Saw His Star in the East" is a non-fiction book that explores the relationship between faith and natural science in the context of the former GDR. The author, Werner Philipp, highlights the challenges that the church must face in an increasingly secularized society, particularly among intellectuals. After the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, freedom of opinion and belief was guaranteed in East Germany, but the church is tasked with overcoming its self-marginalization. The book describes an innovative project for the renovation and use of the former astronomical observatory of the Technical University of Dresden, which serves as a model for the church's missionary work. Philipp analyzes biblical astronomical references and systematically discusses theological approaches to promote a fruitful dialogue between Christian faith and natural science. The metaphor of the Wise Men from the East is used to illustrate the ongoing search for meaning and faith.