Feature Book Review: Hegel’s Berlin Lectures: Determinate Religion [Book Review]

If at the turn of the nineteenth century it is Kant who stands out so significantly in the early history of the philosophy of religion, it is in turn surely Schleiermacher and Hegel who form a most important part of the early nineteenth century background to the twentieth century comparative, historical, theological, and philosophical study of the religions of the world. Both Schleiermacher, but especially the historically important earlier Schleiermacher of the Speeches, and Hegel gave a surprisingly appreciative reading of the various religions at a time when learned reports and sacred texts became increasingly available on the European scene. The earnest effort with which Hegel, in particular, plunged into what was for his time a critical reading and constructive, systematic presentation of the religions of the world is given witness by this Volume 4, which contains the second part of Hegel’s Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion, namely, “Determinate Religion.” It is here that Hegel treats of the world’s religions other than Christianity. This volume will be examined in five steps: 1) the fourth volume as a whole; 2) the endnotes to the volume; 3) remarks on each of the four lecture series; 4) general observations on Hegel’s view of determinate religion, and 5) further research opportunities opened by this volume.