The Shift from Theism to Speculative Philosophy

Feuerbach outlines the transition from traditional theism to speculative philosophy, particularly as articulated by Hegel. He notes that while earlier theological frameworks, such as Protestantism, focus heavily on the individual's relationship with God, speculative philosophy tends to abstract God into an intellectual construct. This shift inevitably leads to an evolution from pantheism and materialism to idealism. Feuerbach argues that speculative philosophy ultimately fails to provide a satisfactory understanding of God, as it relegates God to a mere product of human rationality.