Abrahamism Quote by Ludwig Feuerbach
““Christianity has spiritualised the egoism of Judaism into subjectivity (though … this subjectivity is again expressed as pure egoism), has changed the desire for earthly happiness, the goal of the Israelite religion, into the longing for heavenly bliss, which is the goal of Christianity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Essence of Christianity, 1841
Feuerbach argues Christianity transforms Jewish egoism into personal subjectivity, swapping earthly aims for heavenly bliss, yet remains ego‑centered.
In simple terms: Christianity turns Jewish self‑interest into personal subjectivity, seeking heaven instead of earth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how religious ideas can mask self‑interest.
Themes
religion
egoism
subjectivity
heavenly desire
philosophy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- theological critique
- academic study
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal desire shape religious belief?
- Can spirituality be truly selfless?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overlook communal aspects of faith.
![“Faith in the real annihilation of the world - … a world antagonistic to the wishes of the Christian is therefore a phenomenon belonging to the inmost essence of Christianity[.]” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6c3/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_apocalyptic_faith-in-the-real-annihilation-of-the-wo_1548207.jpg)
![“As Israel made the wants of his national existence the law of the world, as under the dominance of these wants he deified even his political vindictiveness; so the Christian made the requirements of human feeling the absolute powers and laws of the world. [T]hat is, indeed, only of man considered…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dd1/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_abrahamism_as-israel-made-the-wants-of-his-national_31284.jpg)
![“Religion annexes to its doctrines a curse and a blessing … Blessed is he that believeth, cursed is he that believeth not. Thus it appeals not to reason, but to feeling, … to the passions of hope and fear. … [T]he fear of hell urges me to believe. Even supposing my belief to be in its origin free…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70b/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_faith_religion-annexes-to-its-doctrines-a-curs_35960.jpg)
![“[T]o think God is therefore to affirm what God is, to establish the being of God as an act. That God is thought, cognised, is essential; that this tree is thought, is to the tree accidental, unessential. … [H]ow is it possible that God – if he is to exist for us, to be an object to us – must…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ef5/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_quote_t-o-think-god-is-therefore-to-affirm-wha_219124.jpg)
![“The essence of faith … is the idea that that which man wishes actually is: he wishes to be immortal, therefore he is immortal; he wishes for the existence of a being who can do everything which is impossible to Nature and reason, therefore such a being exists[.]” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb8/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_faith_the-essence-of-faith-is-the-idea-that-th_247786.jpg)
![“[H]eavenly personality, or the perpetuation of human personality in heaven is nothing else than personality released from all earthly encumbrances and limitations[.] [H]ere we are men, there gods[.]” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3a6/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_clinging-to-self_h-eavenly-personality-or-the-perpetuatio_340334.jpg)
![“[A]lthough the deeds opposed to love which mark Christian religious history, are in accordance with Christianity, and its antagonists are therefore right in imputing to it the horrible actions resulting from dogmatic creeds; those deeds nevertheless at the same time contradict Christianity…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6ab/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_accepting-love_a-lthough-the-deeds-opposed-to-love-whic_414411.jpg)
