Discuss the different ways in which Feuerbach and Marx express optimism about the progress and future possibilities of human beings. What views do they share about religion, humanism, and progress? Consider that Feuerbach sees religion as an early stage of development, “the childlike condition of humanity.” What is involved in the philosophical “growing up” and development of consciousness Feuerbach calls for? How does Marx criticize Feuerbach, and how does he see himself as adding crucial material, social, and political dimensions to this analysis of religion?
