Kant as Philosophical Theologian

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-ix

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2. Introduction: The Young Kant — Pietism and Rationalism

   1. Introduction: The Young Kant — Pietism and Rationalism

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 1-23

3. The True Basis of Theism

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 25-25

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   2. The Pre-Critical Period

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 27-39

   3. The So-Called Proofs of Divine Existence

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 40-48

   4. The Moral Argument

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 49-67

   5. Teleology

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 68-75

   6. Rational Theology Reviewed, and the Question of Theodicy

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 76-83

4. Interpreting Christianity

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 85-85

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   2. The Radical Evil in Human Nature

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 87-109

   3. Good and Evil in Conflict

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 110-122

   4. The Victory of Good Over Evil

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 123-144

   5. Institutionalism in Religion

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 145-156

   6. Last Thoughts on Philosophy of Religion

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 157-166

   7. Conclusion

      • Bernard M. G. Reardon

      Pages 167-187

5. Back Matter

   Pages 188-214

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This book sets out to present Kant as a theological thinker. His critical philosophy was not only destructive of 'natural' theology, with its attempt to prove divine existence by logical argument, it also left no room for 'revelation' in the traditional sense. Yet Kant himself, who was brought up in Lutheran pietism, certainly believed in God, and could fairly be described as a religious man. But he held that religion can be based only on the moral consciousness, and in his last major work, Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone - discussed here in detail - he interpreted Christianity purely in terms of moral symbolism. It would be no exaggeration to claim that Kant's influence has been decisive for modern theology.

• Christianity
• god
• Immanuel Kant
• philosophy of religion
• religion
• theology

• Department of Religious Studies, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

  Bernard M. G. Reardon

Policies and ethics