An Irreligion: Kant's Redefinition of Protestant Theology in His Lectures on Philosophy of Religion

The present paper examines Kant's redefinition of Protestant theology primarily perpetuated in his lectures on philosophy of religion. The Socinianism and the Wolffianism were succinctly presented as far as their impact upon the Enlightenment philosophy of religion is concerned. The survey of Kant's legacy begins with his division of theology and with his criticism of traditional theological paradigms (i. e., ontotheology, cosmotheology and revealed theology). Subsequently, the Kantian project of moral theology and the relationship between the natural religion and the statutory religions are explored. Finally, Kant's hermeneutics, which is aimed at reinterpreting classical biblical doctrines (cf. eschatology, Trinity) and religious practices (cf. prayer, worship, sacraments) in view of the new moral theology, comes to light.