Romanticism and the Re-Invention of Modern Religion: The Reconciliation of German Idealism and Platonic Realism

German Romanticism responded to the spiritual crisis of the late eighteenth century by combining post-Kantian idealist philosophy with the legacy of realist Platonic-Christian tradition, emphasizing the individual and the divine through aesthetics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 265 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Early German Romanticism emerged as a response to a profound spiritual crisis that permeated the late eighteenth century. This movement aimed to bridge the gap between the emerging post-Kantian idealist philosophy and the rich legacy of the realist Platonic-Christian tradition. The Romantics, driven by their idealistic vision, championed the individual, emphasizing the unique and intrinsic value of each person. At the same time, they drew upon the notion of participation in absolute being from Platonism, recognizing that all reality, including the self, was interconnected with the divine.

This profound insight was expressed not through traditional theological or philosophical discourse but through the realm of aesthetics. The Romantics believed that art, in particular, possessed the capacity to reveal the divine and communicate the spiritual dimensions of existence. Through their artistic creations, they sought to capture the essence of the natural world, the human soul, and the divine, inviting viewers to experience a sense of awe, wonder, and transcendence.

In exploring the religious vision of Romanticism, this study offers a fresh historical perspective on the movement. It demonstrates the importance of Romanticism for our understanding of religion in the contemporary world. By intertwining idealism, Platonism, and aesthetics, the Romantics forged a unique path that resonated with the spiritual aspirations of their time and continues to inspire and influence religious thought and practice today.

Weight: 436g
ISBN-13: 9781108452878