Immanuel Kant, “What is Enlightenment”

Immanuel Kant ( ) From Prussia (eastern Germany) From Prussia (eastern Germany) Lutheran Lutheran University professor University professor 1792: critiqued Lutheran doctrine 1792: critiqued Lutheran doctrine Conscience was at the heart of religion Conscience was at the heart of religion people understand themselves to have moral duties people understand themselves to have moral duties this is the arena of exercising freedom this is the arena of exercising freedom religion for him focused on morality, as the recognition of divine commands religion for him focused on morality, as the recognition of divine commands not miracles, prayer, etc. not miracles, prayer, etc.

Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone Meaning of title? Meaning of title? What is his thesis? What is his thesis? View of religion View of religion View of human nature View of human nature How does Kant view “ecclesistical faith”? “Pure religious faith? How does Kant view “ecclesistical faith”? “Pure religious faith?

Kant on true religion Rational, “universal” religion Rational, “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 to reason History is not universal, and therefore not relevant to reason “Ecclesiastical faith” precedes “pure religious faith” “Ecclesiastical faith” precedes “pure religious faith” Church is necessary as a vehicle or instrument Church is necessary as a vehicle or instrument But the end point is universal faith But the end point is universal faith One true religion but many faiths, churches One true religion but many faiths, churches Focus on morals Focus on morals

What is enlightenment? “Dare to think” “Dare to think” Public vs. private (define) Public vs. private (define) Human progress in history Human progress in history Role of state Role of state

Questions 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 themselves out of laziness and cowardice? Do you think that people fail to think for 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 and private, as Kant advises? Can one be authentic and act differently in public and private, as Kant advises? How does Kant think ministry is different from university theology? How does Kant think ministry is different from university theology? Do you agree that people will work their way out of barbarism if they are free? Do you agree that people will work their way out of barbarism if they are free?

For next time For Wesley, what is the difference between justification and sanctification? (compare to Luther and Trent) For Wesley, what is the difference between justification and sanctification? (compare to Luther and Trent) How does Wesley understand the nature of the human person—in terms of abilities, sin and goodness, etc.? How does Wesley understand the nature of the human person—in terms of abilities, sin and goodness, etc.?