God as Projection

Ludwig Feuerbach (1804 – 1872) was best known for his book The Essence of Christianity, which provided powerful a critique of Christianity which strongly influenced generations of later thinkers, including both Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

His philosophical writings had a deep understanding and appreciation of theology. Indeed he saw himself as a friend of theology who was merely helping to reveal the materialist truth of its message. His thought was influential in the development of historical materialism. He is often recognized as a bridge between Hegel and Marx.

The following excerpts touch on his most important and lasting contribution to the critique of religion: the idea of God as a projection of the human essence.