The Essence of Christianity

by Ludwig Feuerbach

Published in 1841

A foundational text in the development of modern atheism and humanism. Feuerbach critiques traditional Christian dogma by suggesting that religious deities are idealized reflections of human virtues and needs. By reclaiming these projected attributes, he argues that humanity can achieve true self-realization. This work was a massive influence on the Young Hegelians, particularly Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology

Tags: atheism, humanism, materialism, german idealism, anthropology