Critique of Religion and Philosophy

Walter Kaufmann (1921–1980) was the Stuart Professor of Philosophy at Princeton University, where he taught for more than thirty years. His many books include Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist and The Faith of a Heretic (both Princeton).

"The most intellectually exciting modern book on the philosophy of religion."—Anthony Quinton

“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

“Since Kaufmann’s book is not only well written, but also the only existing text combining detailed understanding, sympathy, and criticism of both existentialism and analytic philosophy, it becomes a ‘must’ for any man’s spiritual medicine cabinet. Add to this a careful critique of neo-orthodoxy, the Higher Criticism, demythologizing, mysticism, Freudian psychology, and certain aspects of Judaism and Buddhism, and the intellectual treat is obvious.”—Commentary

“Kaufmann’s discussion, which is lively, extensive in scope, and erudite, contains much to stimulate the philosopher and still more that will give the sincere Christian believer many headaches.”—Mind

“A splendid critique of Christianity. A Christian should take this book to a quiet place and enter into a genuine dialogue with it. If it does not make a better man out of him, Kaufmann can hardly be blamed.”—Theology Today