RELIGION WITHIN THE LIMITS OF REASON ALONE

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) is one of the most influential philosophers in the his
tory of Western philosophy. His contributions have had a profound impact on almo
st every philosophical movement that followed him.

Kant's teachings on religion
were unorthodox in that they were based on rationality rather than revelation.
Though logically proving God's existence might be impossible, it is morally reas
onable to "act as if there be a God." His strictly rational approach was conside
red so scandalous that the King of Prussia forbid him to teach or write further
on religious subjects, which Kant obeyed until the king's death.

A work of majo
r importance in the history of Western religious thought, Religion Within the Li
mits of Reason Alone represents a great philosopher's attempt to spell out the f
orm and content of a type of religion grounded in moral reason and meeting the n
eeds of an ethical life.