Immanuel Kant, Immanuel Kant, “What is “What is

Enlightenment”Enlightenment”

Immanuel Kant (1724-Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)1804)

From Prussia (eastern Germany)From Prussia (eastern Germany) LutheranLutheran University professorUniversity professor

1792: critiqued Lutheran doctrine1792: critiqued Lutheran doctrine Conscience was at the heart of religionConscience was at the heart of religion

people understand themselves to have moral people understand themselves to have moral dutiesduties

this is the arena of exercising freedomthis is the arena of exercising freedom religion for him focused on morality, as the religion for him focused on morality, as the

recognition of divine commandsrecognition of divine commands not miracles, prayer, etc.not miracles, prayer, etc.

Religion within the Limits Religion within the Limits of Reason Aloneof Reason Alone

Meaning of title?Meaning of title? What is his thesis?What is his thesis?

View of religionView of religion View of human natureView of human nature

How does Kant view “ecclesistical How does Kant view “ecclesistical faith”? “Pure religious faith?faith”? “Pure religious faith?

Kant on true religionKant on true religion

Rational, “universal” religionRational, “universal” religion No supernatural revelation (Miracle stories, etc.)No supernatural revelation (Miracle stories, etc.) No “superstitious ritual”No “superstitious ritual” History is not universal, and therefore not relevant History is not universal, and therefore not relevant

to reasonto reason ““Ecclesiastical faith” precedes “pure religious Ecclesiastical faith” precedes “pure religious

faith”faith” Church is necessary as a vehicle or instrumentChurch is necessary as a vehicle or instrument But the end point is universal faithBut the end point is universal faith One true religion but many faiths, churchesOne true religion but many faiths, churches

Focus on moralsFocus on morals

What is enlightenment?What is enlightenment?

““Dare to think”Dare to think” Public vs. private (define)Public vs. private (define) Human progress in historyHuman progress in history Role of stateRole of state

QuestionsQuestions How does Kant critique religion?How does Kant critique religion?

How does he advocate religion?How does he advocate religion? Do you think that people fail to think for Do you think that people fail to think for

themselves out of laziness and cowardice?themselves out of laziness and cowardice? Where do you see difficulties today in “daring to think”?Where do you see difficulties today in “daring to think”?

Can one be authentic and act differently in public Can one be authentic and act differently in public and private, as Kant advises?and private, as Kant advises?

How does Kant think ministry is different from How does Kant think ministry is different from university theology?university theology?

Do you agree that people will work their way out Do you agree that people will work their way out of barbarism if they are free? of barbarism if they are free?

For next timeFor next time

For Wesley, what is the difference For Wesley, what is the difference between justification and between justification and sanctification? (compare to Luther sanctification? (compare to Luther and Trent)and Trent)

How does Wesley understand the How does Wesley understand the nature of the human person—in nature of the human person—in terms of abilities, sin and goodness, terms of abilities, sin and goodness, etc.?etc.?