In the Middle Ages and far into the Early Modern Age, "Literature" as understood by literary scholars principally functions and is characterised with reference to and in distinction from religious communication and practice. These complex relations, which change over time, are illuminated here with studies from German Medieval and Early Modern Studies and from English Studies, History, Art History, Romance Studies, Sociology, History of Theology and Church History which contribute to establishing the present-day position of cultural and literary studies.