Symbolic Language - Religious Language

Who established symbolic language?

Paul Tillich

Tillich's view of signs

Forms of communication pointing to something

Tillich's view of symbols

- Contains in itself something of what it represents

- Can die or change their meaning

- Might not be meaningful to everyone

Example of symbol

American flag contains in itself the pride and dignity of being American

Symbols applied to God

- God is the meaning behind all that exists

- He cannot be known in a personal way but only through symbols

- God is "being itself" rather than a being

- Symbols both affirm and negate God

Religious symbols

- Like poetry/art/music, religious symbols "speak" to a believer and arouse emotions

- The meaning transcends the actual thing

Strengths of Symbolic Language

- Avoids anthropomorphism whilst allowing believers to experience a deep sense of meaning in their lives through the use of symbol

- Permits use of one literal statement about what is meant by "God" without need for metaphysical concepts

- Reflects what is known through religious experience and so helps us understand what is meant by sin/salvation/Kingdom of God

Weaknesses of Religious Language

- Tillich's idea of symbols participating in reality is not clear

- Abstract concept of God as "being-itself" is not held by most Christians, who think of God as a separate & transcendent being