Spinoza's Religion

“Carlisle’s book is a finely written and thoughtful introduction to Spinoza’s philosophy for anyone who is curious as to why this thinker, dead for almost 350 years, remains vitally relevant today”—Steven Nadler, Literary Review”[Carlisle] admirably establishes that Spinoza’s philosophy can be interpreted as a distinctive and original form of rational religion.”—Carlos Fraenkel, Times Literary Supplement“Carlisle has done us a great service by offering a convincing and newly rounded portrayal—and by reminding us that you can never exhaust the majesty of Spnoza’s religious writing.”—Alex Dean, Prospect“An intimate, religious reading of Spinoza’s Ethics, which allows his peculiar religion to emerge with all its promise and paradox.” * Choice Reviews *“Carlisle’s interpretation of Spinoza is consistently fresh and surprising… . This book steps decisively away from the modes of rational reconstruction and conceptual analysis that now dominate Spinoza scholarship in the English language, and is all the better for it… . An excellent book that will reward readers of Spinoza of all levels.”—Beth Lord, Philosophy“I’m sure I’m not the only person who feels excited to explore the new world of interpretation that Carlisle has opened up by taking Spinoza’s religion seriously.”—Alexander Douglas, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews“Spinoza’s Religion is a joy to read… . It is a book that has the power to bring Spinoza deeper into our hearts, making his words a companion n our efforts to live with greater equanimity and delight. Spinoza’s Religion also poses a compelling challenge to what we think we know about Spinoza.”—Hasana Sharp, Journal of the History of Philosophy

Clare Carlisle is Professor of Philosophy at King’s College London, and the author of six previous books, including Philosopher of the Heart: The Restless Life of Søren Kierkegaard. She is also the editor of George Eliot’s translation of Spinoza’s Ethics. She grew up in Manchester and lives in London.