The Interplay Between Philosophy And Theology In Tillich’s Thought -- By: William W. Paul

Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 11:2 (Spring 1968)
Article: The Interplay Between Philosophy And Theology In Tillich’s Thought
Author: William W. Paul


The Interplay Between Philosophy And Theology In Tillich’s Thought

William W. Paul, Ph.D.

Professor Arthur F. Holmes published a significant study of “The Role of Philosophy in Tillich’s Theology” in the ETS Bulletin, Summer 1967. This was originally presented at the Thirteenth Wheaton College Philosophy Conference (1966) as were my remarks which follow. The word “interplay” in my title is intended to indicate the different focus which I place upon the issues raised by Dr. Holmes’ provocative paper. I have also tried to stress the positive insights in Paul Tillich’s dynamic conception of the interaction between philosophy and theology whose value, I think, are independent of Tillich’s own Heideggerian and theologically liberal language. For the most part, however, I wish to underscore Holmes’ presentation of Tillich’s desire to move beyond older forms of empiricism and rationalism and to bring together approaches which are at once analytic, existential and phenomenological. I begin by extending his analysis of Tillich as philosopher and theologian; then turn to the issues raised about Tillich as an “answering theologian,” and finally make a comment on Holmes’ own suggestions for employing existential phenomenology as a philosophical method.

I. Tillich as Philosophical Theologian

The paper under discussion forces us to think anew about the interplay that may exist between philosophy and theology. When Paul Tillich assumed the chair of philosopical theology at Union Theological Seminary in 1941 he said that the center of his thought and work was on the boundary between philosophy and theology. His fifty-five years of writing reveal that he enjoyed the intellectual freedom of a philosopher while remaining committed to his theological message of “The Jesus which is the Christ.” In his address he said that philosophy at its best is rooted in ontology, in uncovering some of the fundamental characteristics and powers of existence which control man and nature. This is its contribution to theology. Theology too is concerned with being, and this makes the division between philosophy and theology impossible.” 1 The task of theology is “to ask for being as far as it gives ultimate concern. Theology deals with what concerns us inescapably, ultimately, unconditionally. It deals with it not as far as it is (philosopy) but as far as it is for us.” 2 It follows for Tillich that theology must always be basically existential. Theology must relate itself to the root categories and elements of existence to which philosophy points and it

must itself point to t...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()