The Essence of Christianity is a book by Ludwig Feuerbach in which he explains his philosophy and critique of religion. Feuerbach's theme was a derivation of Hegel's speculative theology in which the Creation remains a part of the Creator, while the Creator remains greater than the Creation. In Part One, Feuerbach developed what he calls the "true or anthropological essence of religion", treating of God in his various aspects. Thus God is nothing else than man: he is, so to speak, the outward projection of man's inward nature. In Part Two he discusses the "false or theological essence of religion", i.e. the view which regards God as having a separate existence over against man.

Ludwig Feuerbach (1804-1872) was a German philosopher and anthropologist best known for his book The Essence of Christianity, which provided a critique of Christianity that strongly influenced generations of later thinkers. Many of his philosophical writings offered a critical analysis of religion. His thought was influential in the development of historical materialism, where he is often recognized as a bridge between Hegel and Marx.