Wittgenstein, religious belief, and On Certainty

Although there is little explicit mention of religious belief in On Certainty, I shall show that Wittgenstein’s remarks elsewhere1 about the nature of religious belief are most intelligible when read in light of that work.2 Certain concepts, particularly world-picture (Weltbild), system of reference (Bezugssystem), conversion (Bekehrung), and persuasion (Überredung) are fundamental to both the remarks in On Certainty and to the numerous remarks on religious belief in Culture and Value.