Although its purpose and original intent has become a matter of some dispute, the book's immense and lasting influence on the history of theology and the philosophy of religion is indisputable.

[2][3] He also discusses issues and topics central to his religious and moral philosophy including the relationships between rationality, ethics, and religion.

It was initially planned as a series of four journal articles to be published separately at different times until censorship issues started with the second "piece".

[6][7][8] This essay then appeared as a Berlinische Monatsschrift article in April 1792 and became the first of four parts of a series on religion intended to be published in that same journal.

[10] Kant then arranged to have all four pieces published as a book, routing it through the philosophy department at the University of Jena to avoid the need for theological censorship.