Hegel and Christian Theology: A Reading of the Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion

by Peter C. Hodgson

Peter C. Hodgson engages the speculative reconstruction of Christian theology that is accomplished by Hegel's Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion , and provides a close reading of the critical edition of the lectures. He analyzes Hegel's concept of the object and purpose of the philosophy of religion, his critique of the theology of his time, his approach to Christianity within the framework of the concept of religion, his concept of God, his reconstruction of central Christian themes, and his placement of Christianity among the religions of the world. Hodgson makes a case for the contemporary theological significance of Hegel by identifying currently contested sites of interpretation and their Hegelian resolution.

Genres: Philosophy

308 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Peter Crafts Hodgson

Reviews

["Nico"]

Really wonderful supplement of Hegel's Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion, worth picking up for some additional context on its influences, reception, and especially the differences between the different iterations of the lectures (if, like me, you picked up the 1827 Lecture series instead of the behemoth collection of 1821, 1824, 1827, and 1831). Feels overly long at the end, particularly Chapter 10 (on Hegel's mistreatment of various religions) and the conclusion.

Also Hodgson seems to think Christians stopped engaging in slavery prior to the 20th century? This is always alarming to hear from United Staters given our country still engages in carceral slavery. This is a passing remark, so it doesn't inflect the whole piece even if it is worrying, but that understanding would lend Hodgson a politico-theological radicalism that is lacking from his lukewarm conclusion.

[Franklin]

4.5. When it comes to Hegel and theology Hodgson is the guy