The Truth of Religion: Contributions from Spinoza and Hegel
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Authors
Schuler, Jeanne
Issue Date
2018
Volume
17
Issue
Type
Journal Article
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Abstract
Modern society encompasses a cluster of features. One feature is skepticism directed at truth generally and at religion in particular. From skepticism comes the marginalization of religious practice and belief. Moderns generally look to science, not religion, as the source of truth. Is the eclipse of religion inevitable in advanced societies? Is secularism an undeniable historical reality? This article uses the philosophies of Spinoza and Hegel to challenge skepticism about truth and identify the ways that religion belongs to any society, even the most advanced. I outline differences in their approach to religion, notably Spinoza’s view that for thinkers, always a minority population, philosophy replaces religion as a path to God and virtue. Spinoza and Hegel do not repudiate history. Both affirm features of modernity, such as religious liberty. But progress does not depend on a skeptical mindset. The present article identifies the defective factoring mindset that fosters skepticism. Skepticism is shaped by dogmatic prejudice; modernity is reality. A diverse and tolerant society need not be a skeptical one. Skepticism blocks our ability to understand the modern world, including religion.|Keywords: Hegel, Spinoza, religion, secular, truth, skepticism
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Citation
Schuler, J. (2018). The Truth of Religion: Contributions from Spinoza and Hegel. Supplement Series for the Journal of Religion & Society Supplement Series, 17, 88-104.
Publisher
Rabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke Center, Creighton University
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ISSN
1941-8450