Summary:

Today, we will discuss a method to read and understand Paragraph 554 of Hegel’s Encyclopedia of Philosophical Sciences, focusing on the flow of the argument (FOTA).
Paragraph 554 discusses the concept of the absolute spirit, which knows itself as both subjectivity and reality. This self-knowledge is expressed through art, religion, and ultimately philosophy. The absolute spirit is both substance and subjectivity, dividing itself into self and consciousness.

Hegel argues that religion is the highest sphere where the absolute spirit knows itself. Religion emerges from both the subject (human consciousness) and the absolute spirit, forming a spiritual community (the church). This community reflects the absolute spirit, making religion an objective expression of the absolute.

In summary, religion is the relationship between subjective religious consciousness and the objective spiritual entity (God). The absolute spirit knows itself within the spiritual community, emphasizing the unity of subjectivity and objectivity.

Goto hegelcourses.wordpress.com for the full text.