Abstract

These lectures, translated for the first time in English, provide the best English source for Feuerbach's mature position. The style of these lectures is informal and clear. Feuerbach escapes the excesses of polemic that are characteristic of many of his earlier works. Feuerbach no longer restricts himself to Christianity but extends his analysis to nature religions, arguing that all religions are grounded in man and nature. The projection theory of God, the claim that the foundation of religion is a feeling of dependency, and the pointing toward an activist solution to the problem of religion, are themes that are clearly delineated here. He concludes by summarizing his task of transforming "friends of God into friends of man, believers into thinkers, devotees of prayer into devotees of work...." While the translation is excellent, the book lacks a badly needed introduction. There is no index.—R. J. B.