Stausberg/Theories, 5. Luhmann: Function of Religion (1977)

For Luhmann the function of religion is to transform indeterminate contingency or complexity into determinate shape, to re-present that which is not-present and to solve a philosophical problem of contingency through the operation of systems (chiffres-- codes/ciphers) which conceal what is indeterminate. An example of a chiffre is the role played by the notion of God in theological reasoning.