In Praise of Heteronomy

The book not only displays a richness versed in both analytic and continental philosophy of religion, but also German idealism and modern theology. This gives the book a uniquely sharp philosophical edge (that makes distinctions and stakes claims) and when combined with an imaginative and personal verve (via testimonies, poems, and novels) demonstrates for the reader that philosophy of religion need not be banal and abstract, and indeed is best understood as an always operative and lived endeavor—one that is alive and well.

* Reading Religion *

Merod Westphal is a brilliant Christian philosopher, who combines meticulous scholarship with a lively, at times even folksy, style as well as cogent arguments.

-- Andrew Shanks * Modern Believing *

Beyond its clear and accessible discussions of Spinoza, Kant, and Hegel, In Praise of Heteronomy also makes a valuable contribution to contemporary philosophy of religion. It paints a picture of religious belief that is at once traditional and radical.

* International Journal for Philosophy of Religion *

Westphal's book should be read eagerly not only by scholars working on the philosophy of religion, but by theologians. By carefully teasing out how the tension between autonomy and heteronomy informs the theologies of Spinoza, Kant and Hegel, Westphal offers a useful corrective to trends in modern theology that carelessly and uncritically parrot the themes of modern philosophy.

* Heythrop Journ