Paul Tillich Quotes
A collection of quotes by Paul Tillich.
Paul Tillich (1886-1965) was a German-American theologian and philosopher whose profound insights influenced both religious and secular thought throughout the 20th century. Born in Starzeddel, Prussia (now Poland), Tillich studied theology at the Universities of Berlin, Tübingen, and Halle, and later completed his doctoral thesis under the guidance of Adolf von Harnack.
Tillich's early career revolved around teaching and writing, which gained him recognition as an important Protestant thinker within Germany. However, due to his outspoken opposition to the Nazi regime, Tillich was dismissed from his academic position in 1933. Consequently, he immigrated to the United States, where he later became a naturalized citizen.
Throughout his life and work, Tillich sought to bridge the gap between theology and modern culture. His magnum opus, "Systematic Theology," published in three volumes between 1951 and 1963, profoundly shaped the field of theology, introducing novel concepts such as "theonomy" and "ground of being." Grounded in existential philosophy and influenced by thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, Tillich emphasized the importance of understanding faith in the context of human existence and the challenges of the modern world.
Paul Tillich's thought also addressed the nature of meaning, symbol, and religious language, influencing both religious and secular thinkers. He emphasized the idea that religious symbols, while not describing objective realities, have the power to point individuals beyond everyday life and towards ultimate concerns. Tillich's work continues to inspire deep reflection on the intersection of religion, philosophy, and modernity.
