Religion from Tolstoy to Camus: Basic Writings on Religious Truth & Morals

by Walter Kaufman

Walter Kaufmann devoted his life to exploring the religious implications ol literary and philosophical texts. Deeply skeptical about the human and moral benefi ts of modern secularism, he also criticized the quest for certainty pursued through dogma. Kaufmann saw a risk of loss of authenticity in what he described as unjustifi ed retreats into the past. Th is is a compilation of signifi cant texts on religious thought that he selected and introduced. Th e organization of this anthology reveals the breadth and scope of Kaufmann's interests. It includes chapters on neo-Th omism and writings of morally engaged existentialists along with Kaufmann's introductory remarks. Gottfried's new introduction thoroughly explains Kaufmann's beliefs and relates them to various nineteenth-century philosophers of religion, including Mendelssohn, Goethe, Nietzsche, and Tolstoy. Religion from Tolstoy to Camus is of continuing importance to philosophers, theologians, historians, and students of religious literature.

Genres: Philosophy, Religion, Reference, Nonfiction

paper

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Andrew Noselli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read, as I had read most of these excerpted texts in their full scope within the past 15 years. I didn't see the point of quoting from the Encyclicals of various Popes, but I found the Cohen and Buber sections most to my liking. Perhaps I'm a sedentary Jew underneath my beatific exterior? Three stars.