This book contains the first complete interpretation of all aspects of Hobbes‹s (1588–1679) philosophy which treat religious convictions and practices. Not only his philosophy of religion and his philosophical theology, but also his biblical theology are treated in extense. The main thesis is that, according to Hobbes, neither philosophy nor politics in any way need a religious fundament; but since religions establish institutions and thus accumulate means of power, they are necessarily an object of politics. It is for this reason that religious convictions and practices are a – for a long time neglected – main topic of Hobbes‹s philosophy.
Schotte‹s book was awarded as best PhD-thesis of the Philipps-University of Marburg 2011 in the section Philosophy and Cultural Studies.