Esquisse D'Une Philosophie de La Religion: D'Après La Psychologie Et L'Histoire

by Auguste Sabatier

Esquisse d'une philosophie de la religion: d'aprA]s la psychologie et l'histoire / par Auguste Sabatier
Date de l'A(c)dition originale: 1897
Sujet de l'ouvrage: Philosophie de la religion

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436 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 1897

Reviews

[Allan Savage]

This book is about religious philosophy, as the title indicates, but it is not reserved to the Christian religion. It arises out of the author’s concern for young people and how they will need to struggle with the relationship between religion and the new discipline of science. He writes, “Our young people, it seems to me, are pushing bravely forward, marching between two high walls: on the one side modern science with its rigorous methods which it no longer possible to ignore or to avoid; on the other, the dogmas and customs of the religious institutions in which they were reared, and to which they would, but cannot, sincerely return” (xiv).

He sets out to answer the question what is the essence, or principle, of Christianity and he rejects all denominational polemics claiming “all we need is a little history and psychology” (137). Sabatier’s engaging approach to philosophy became evident to me when he describes religion as the beginning of the childish form of science, which ultimately will give way to higher and more rigorous forms. Within these two perspectives of history and psychology, the attitude of Jesus, which we must adopt, plays a very important part in Sabatier’s theology. Jesus’ actions placed him at the centre of human consciousness to delve down to the source of life accessible to everyone.

The volume I read was published by George H. Doran Limited and is composed of three books: Book 1 on Religion, Book 2 on Christianity and Book 3 on Dogma. Part of Book 3 appeared as an independent lecture entitled, The Vitality of Christian Dogmas and Their Power of Evolution: A Study in Religious Philosophy (1898) which I also reviewed. While reading Sabatier I had a sense of an authentic engagement with the mind of the author. He was not simply rehearsing ideas reflective of discussions on the philosophy of religion. Thus, I was not surprised to read In the Appendix, “In this book I have hardly noted any but facts that have been verified in myself and by myself…. Those who are able and wishful to re-read my book in themselves, and thus verify my analysis, may perhaps draw some benefit from it” (348). To my mind, the title of the book notwithstanding, Sabatier does not merely write about theology, he theologizes.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book dragged on, and felt like a chore to read.
The author misrepresents Catholicism to make his points, and because of that, the credibility of the rest of the book suffers.