Examining religion in the context of modern atheism, Mackey argues that modern Christian apologists have neglected the positive and humanistic visions of Hegel and his followers while trying to combat 20th-century materialism with ineffectual arguments: "proofs" of God's existence, historical evidence for miracles, and doctrines imposed by authorities. Mackey explores a more promising direction in modern theology by insisting on a closer attention to those philosophers who promote the natural religious instinct of humankind. Innovative and persuasive, this book confronts the crucial questions of our time and paves the way for a new philosophy of the spirit.