The potencies of God(s)
Subtitle: Schelling's philosophy of mythology
By: Edward Allen Beach.
Series: SUNY series in philosophy; SUNY series in Hegelian studies
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Albany, NY
Language: eng
Number of pages: 317
Subjects: Schelling, Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von, 1775-1854 -- Religion.; Mythology -- Philosophy.; Religion -- Philosophy.; Hermeneutics -- Religious aspects.; Idealism, German.
Other titles: Potencies of God.; Potencies of Gods.; Schelling's philosophy of mythology.
Description: This book explores the metaphysical, epistemological, and hermeneutical theories of Schelling's final system concerning the nature and meaning of religious mythology. This perspective is not surprising since Schelling regarded religion (not science or philosophy) as embodying the most complete manifestation of truth.

Beach examines Schelling's novel attempt for the changing historical forms of religion in terms of a complex theory of dynamic spiritual powers, or "potencies." He shows that these are not mere representations, ideas, or projected feelings created by ancient myth-makers for the benefit of a credulous populace. Instead, Beach demonstrates that these potencies should be seen as animate powers inhabiting the unconscious strata of a people's collective mind.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 293-302) and index.