A landmark study of Rousseau’s theological and religious thought.
 
John T. Scott offers a comprehensive interpretation of Rousseau’s theological and religious thought, both in its own right and in relation to Rousseau’s broader oeuvre. In chapters focused on different key writings, Scott reveals recurrent themes in Rousseau’s views on the subject and traces their evolution over time. He shows that two concepts—truth and utility—are integral to Rousseau’s writings on religion. Doing so helps to explain some of Rousseau’s disagreements with his contemporaries: their different views on religion and theology stem from different understandings of human nature and the proper role of science in human life. Rousseau emphasizes not just what is true, but also what is useful—psychologically, morally, and politically—for human beings. Comprehensive and nuanced, Rousseau’s God is vital to understanding key categories of Rousseau’s thought.

"There is much more that could be said on this subject, of course, as on the many other aspects of Rousseau’s philosophy upon which Scott advances deeply insightful and thought-provoking interpretations. One of the many successes of Rousseau’s God is that it shifts the burden of proof onto those who think that the Vicar does represent Rousseau’s own views. Anyone wishing to defend that interpretation henceforth should either respond to Scott’s forceful challenges or conclude that Rousseau was inconsistent on topics of central importance to his thought."
  - Review of Politics