Rational Religion in the Modern World: Hegel's Conception and 21st Century Modernity

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD in Islamic Philosophy Visiting Researcher, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Hikmah and Philosophy, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Hegel’s philosophy of religion seeks to define a form of religion capable of preserving social unity in the context of modern transformation. At the center of his system stands the Absolute Spirit, whose historical manifestations appear in art, religion, and philosophy. Religion expresses these manifestations symbolically, and the degree of a religion’s completeness determines the clarity of this expression. Hegel maintains that the development of religion and its reconciliation with philosophy provide a rational grounding for religious truth in the modern age and contribute to the self-consciousness of the Absolute Spirit. This study analyzes the rationalization of religion in Hegel’s thought and concludes that only a complete religion aligned with absolute philosophy can fully shape human self-awareness. Hegel ultimately identifies Lutheran Christianity, through the doctrines of incarnation and the Trinity, as the consummate religion that reconciles historical determination with absoluteness. While this approach unifies religion and philosophy and emphasizes reason, it also invites criticism for its Christian exclusivism, secularizing tendency, and the weakening of religion’s sacred character.

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Journal of Philosophical Investigations
Volume 19, Issue 53 - Serial Number 53
Articles
Issue 53, Winter 2026
December 2025
Pages 225-240

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