Tillich's Existentialism Analysis

Tillich’s existentialist approach to Christology provides a solid explanation for the transaction that takes place for mankind when salvation is received through Christ. This approach lead to the idea of Christ as the “New Being”. This idea demanded a reinterpretation of the fall. In Tillich’s theology, the fall was a symbol of mankind’s exit from the state of essence, to the state of existence. This state of essence included this concept of “dreaming innocence”, which was essential connectivity with God. Christ in turn, was the answer for human beings that had fallen into this lowly state of existence. Christ manifested “essential manhood” and ended the disconnection between God and humanity. This understanding contributed an awareness to
the transaction that takes place when salvation is received, but it stole the divinity of Christ and marginalized His existence to the state of being human, but being human to a higher “degree”.