Hegel and Christianity

Richard Kroner writes in his Introduction to Hegel's Early Theological Writings,

To eliminate the Kantian element in Hegel's philosophy is like eliminating the Platonic element in Aristotle. Hegel became a Kantian the moment he understood the revolution brought about by Kant's Critical Philosophy; and he remained a Kantian throughout his life, no matter how much he disputed many of Kant's doctrines. . . "

Kroner points out that the primary contribution of Kant to Hegel was the former's dialectical method, without which

. . .
ssedness in another life. However, that share was not the reason for morality but was merely an extension of goodness, not a reward or result. Similarly, Kant believed that morality, the basis not of religion necessarily but most importantly of individual life, did not exist for "motive only," but was good whether or not it succeeded in achieving its motive. Kant wrote, Even if (morality) should wholly lack power to accomplish its purpose, then like a jewel it would still shine by its own light, as a thing which has its whole value in itself. Its usefulness, or fruitfulness, can neither add nor take anything away from its value. In terms of the issue of the relationship between morality and reason, we find ample evidence in Hegel's first essay that he is in accord with Kantian philosophy. Hegel writes that the result of Jesus' teaching becoming understood as an authority-based, rather than a free will-based, way of life was to make reason a purely receptive faculty, instead of a legislative one, to make whatever could be proved to be the teaching of Jesus or, later, of his vicars, an object of reverence purely and simply because it was the teaching of Jesus or God's will, and something bound up with salvation or damnat
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Christianity Hegel, Jesus God's, Jesus Hegel, Hegel Kantian, Similarly Kant, Immanuel Kant, Kant Hegel, Christianity Fate, Religion Hegel, God Immortality, teachings jesus, positivity christian, moral law, true religion, positivity christian religion, positive religion, positivity christianity, moral precepts, human morality, kant believed, reason morality, university pennsylvania press, ought tell truth, pennsylvania press 1971, kant hegel agree,
Approximate Word count = 2729
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Hegel and Christianity