Paul Tillich Religion Analysis

Rudolf Otto and Paul Tillich both construct distinct understandings of religion and its properties. Tillich focuses on ideals such as ultimate concern and ultimate reality. However, Otto focuses on the holy and experiences in relation to the individual. For Otto, the numinous is the pinnacle along with the holy. Furthermore, Otto draws from the rational versus non-rational point of view and is a Christian theologian. Tillich on the other hand pinpoints on personal drive and seriousness. Tillich writes about religion as “untouchable, awe-inspiring, an ultimate meaning” because in Tillich’s case religion has depth. Therefore, religion is commonly misunderstood according to Tillich as something that “man received something which does not come from him, but which is given to him and may
The elements of the numinous can range sporadically. One of the elements is overpoweringness and it explores creature-feeling where an individual feels minute. Otto explains it as “feeling one’s own abasement” and awareness of one’s consciousness (Idea of the Holy 17). The feeling of overpowered can lead to one’s own humility and there is no control over emotions. Another element of the numinous is awfulness. Awfulness can mean dread, frightening, or unnerving sensation. An example can be the Wrath of God that Otto acknowledges from the Bible and the super natural fear like the daemonic (Idea of the Holy 15). The fear presented is out of the realm of nature and deals with the relationship with God. The next element is that of energy or urgency which can’t be explained. According to Otto by feeling the power in God and His energy you can’t deny philosophically His existence. The energy of God can be felt with “passion, will, movement, force, or excitement” (Idea of the Holy 20). The feeling has to be really strong close to being