Enlightenment and Christianity in the works of Bayle and Feijoo, Oviedo, IFESXVIII / Ediciones Trea (ACESXVIII, 11), 2023.

Abstract

This research focuses on the role of Christianity in enlightened thought, specifically in the work of Pierre Bayle and the Benedictine monk Feijoo. Both maintain a complex relationship with their faith, which will be analyzed here. This volume, containing eight chapters written by specialists in different topics, is the result of a joint effort to determine whether Christianity is a critical component of their writings or if its significance has perhaps been overstated. At first glance, Bayle, a French Calvinist thinker from the 17th century, and Feijoo, a Catholic clergyman from 18th century Spain, seem to have little in common. However, this study suggests that there are more similarities than initially perceived. They share areas of interest, references, and a similar literary mission, which translates into audacious political and intellectual projects disguised as a compilation of various knowledges. Both aim to build a more balanced society through education, but they have differing views on the role of religion and government in this transformation.