Critique of Religion and Philosophy [Paperback]

Walter A. Kaufmann (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

It would be hard to find a better example of modern atheistic philosophy's love affair with religion, or a more poignant one of the effort of a modern intellectual to keep the faith while eschewing belief. -- Religious Studies Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press; 3rd edition (April 1, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691020019
• ISBN-13: 978-0691020013
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #435,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on religion and Christianity, November 25, 1999

By 

booklover "booklover" (Arlington, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Critique of Religion and Philosophy (Paperback)

Kaufmann was one of the most profound critics of Christianity. Unlike other philosophers who brandish external criticisms like the verification principle of meaning Kaufmann concentrates on internal flaws. He points out how theologians gerrymander the Biblical text to get it to mean anything they want. They can do this because the Bible is irreduciably ambiguous coming down squarely on both sides of every question.

There is a lot of interesting material on existentialism.

The book is cleary written and is characterized by Kaufmann's bubbling wit which reminds one of Russell at his best.

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Greatest Philosophical Works of the 20th Century, August 4, 1999

By 

David Kleist - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Critique of Religion and Philosophy (Paperback)

It is appalling that the imperious academic philosophers of our time, as well as more emotional fanatics such as the previous Amazon reviewer, scorn the original philosophic works of the late Professor Kaufmann. I share the view of a still earlier Amazonian that this is a genuinely great philosophical work. Any reader who has openmindedly explored Kaufmann's work in some detail cannot help but marvel at his erudition, his clarity, his humor, his poetry, and his illumination, here, of the realms philosophy and religion. Who would be so bold as to critique both realms in a single tome? Yet Kaufmann pulls it off. One may not concur with all of Kaufmann's conclusions, but any sensitive reader cannot help but be challenged, awakened, and energized by this magnificent book. I love Plato; but I love Kaufmann just as much. Kaufmann belongs in the canon of the few philosophical greats.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To Paraphase Jacques Barzun, This Book Gives Us the Illusionion We Are Living in the World of the Intellect, March 13, 2006

By 

James E. Egolf "James E. Egolf, MA" (Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Critique of Religion and Philosophy (Paperback)

To say that Walter Kaufmann's book titled CRITIQUE OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY is a thoughtfu book is an understatement. Kaufmann's book engages the reader regardless of his/her religous "convictions." This book should appeal to thoughtful Chtistians and Jews who are serious about religious thought and are not victim of "cheap grace." This book is also a thoughtful literary examination for those who are serious about philosophy.

Kaufmann argues that philosophical systems are not coamprehensive enough to encompass either religion or philosophy. Kaufmann argued that systems omit too much and do not extend to ultimate values. This is one reason why Kaufmann is appreciative of Socrates/Plato. Readers are probably aware that Plato's DIALOGUES can be read for both philosophical insight and as literature.

Kaufmann does not resort to theology whatever theology happens to mean these days. While theology is often based on reason, and reason is based on logic, Kaufmann argues that neither can reach religious or philosophical sublime truth. Kaufmann contrasts both philosophical systems and with literature. One of the usages that Kaufmann applies is the extensive rabbinic literature that offers stories, Hebrew poetry, and literary anecdotes to make this claim.

Kaufmann is not rude to Christianity, but he subjects the history and concepts of Christianity to close examination. As one friend note, "Kaufmann is like a tough presecutor." In other words, Kaufmann makes the devout and honest Christian think about why he accepts the creeds of Christianity.

When this reviewer first read CRITIQUE OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY, he was surprised that Kaufmann closely "cross examined" St. Thomas Aquinas. Yet, this must admit that Kaufmann raises thoughtful questions about St. Thomas Aquinas' thinking which should be carefully read. While Kaufmann does not refer to Aquinas' poetry, sermons, and prayers, the Angelic Doctor did show a literary quality for which he deserves more credit.

An enticing chapter is title "Satinic Interlude or How to Go to Hell." Kaufmann uses three dialogues in which Satan closely questions a theologian, a Christian, and an athiest. What may surprise readers is that the athiest comes out of these dialogues in bad shape. These dialogues are basically the crux of the book.

Kaufmann subjects theologians to close scrutiny. He argues that theology omits too much and is often refuted by the biblical literature. In other words, Kaufmann argues that theologians make too much of a claim about God. In essence, a God that can be studied scientifically or theologically is no God at all. Kaufmann whatever the concept of God is, the concept is well beyound the limited bounds of theology.

Anyone who wants to read a thoughtful classic on religion and philosophy would enjoy this book. This reviewer gave a copy to his son, and we have often returned to this book for intelligent discussion. This book should be read carefully and should encourage the reader to read the thoughtful religious leaders and thinkers rather than reading about them. This book is one of few texts that dealt with philosophy and religion that is worth reading and pondering.