Religion as "Only the Foundation" of the State

This article exposes the ambivalent relation between religion and the state that is found in Hegel's philosophy of religion. On the one hand the necessity of some connection between religion and the state is stressed, for religion contributes the specific attitude (Ger. Gesinnung) of citizens that is necessary for a firm organism of the state. On the other hand, however, Hegel insists on a sharp separation of the state and institutional organized religion, which is in agreement with modern secular political standards. Precisely this state-religion duality, which is explained by the development of the notion of freedom as described by Hegel in his philosophy of history, makes Hegel's concept of religion interesting for democratic culture in Europe today. At this time the deficiencies of the definition of a value orientation that tries to be founded on a series of abstract principles alone are being recognized.