What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore interpretative problems regarding Hegel's presentation of Judaism in his theological writings.

May 6, 2026Open Access

Judaism, Philo, and Hegel's Theology

Key Points

To explore interpretative problems regarding Hegel's presentation of Judaism in his theological writings.
Examining Hegel's earlier and later writings on Judaism.
Placing scholarly perspectives on a continuity-discontinuity spectrum.
Presenting a new interpretation that bridges discontinuity with theological continuity.
Identified a fresh interpretative position of discontinuity.
Showed that earlier and later writings reflect a consistent theological purpose.
Highlighted the role of Philo's engagement in explaining Hegel's theological trajectory.

Abstract

Abstract Hegel displays consistent interest in Judaism, but his presentation seems to differ widely between his earlier and later writings. Contemporary scholarly interpretations of this apparent change also differ widely. In this article, I present the interpretive problem as one of continuity‐discontinuity, and place the major scholarly treatments along this spectrum. Then, I advance a fresh interpretative position of discontinuity within a larger continuity of theological purpose and show how this interpretation can account for Hegel's views in both the Early Theological Writings and the 1827 Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion . Finally, I adduce Hegel's 1825/1826 engagement with Philo as an explanation for the discontinuity.

Judaism, Philo, and Hegel's Theology

Key Points

Abstract

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