Partly under the influence of rational philosophy, he later became opposed in principle to religious ceremonies. In a letter of 1775 to J.C. Lavater he stated, "No confession of faith, no appeal to holy names nor any observance of religious ceremonies can help to gain salvation".

I regard petitionary prayer as the "wheedling of God".

As rector of the University of Konigsberg, he was always "indisposed" when his official participation in religious observances was required .

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