Otto's existential theory of religion
🃏 Q: What is the central concept of The Idea of the Holy?
✅ A: The concept of the "numinous," a non-rational, awe-inspiring experience of the divine that goes beyond morality or intellect.
🃏 Q: What does Otto mean by the term "numinous"?
✅ A: A unique, non-rational religious experience characterized by awe, mystery, and fascination in the presence of the divine.
🃏 Q: How does Otto describe the numinous experience?
✅ A: As a mysterium tremendum et fascinans—a mystery that both inspires terror and attracts devotion.
🃏 Q: What are the three key elements of the mysterium tremendum et fascinans?
✅ A:
Mysterium – The divine is beyond human comprehension.
Tremendum – The divine evokes fear and overwhelming power.
Fascinans – The divine is also deeply attractive and compelling.
🃏 Q: How does Otto’s theory differ from purely moral or rational views of religion?
✅ A: He argues that religious experience is primarily emotional and existential, not just ethical or intellectual.
🃏 Q: What role does "the wholly other" play in Otto’s idea of the numinous?
✅ A: It describes the divine as utterly different from human experience, evoking both awe and reverence.
🃏 Q: How does Otto’s existential theory of religion challenge traditional theology?
✅ A: He emphasizes direct experience of the divine over doctrinal or logical explanations.
🃏 Q: Why does Otto think religious experience is beyond language?
✅ A: Because the numinous cannot be fully explained through reason or words—it must be personally felt.
🃏 Q: How does Otto’s idea of the numinous connect to existentialism?
✅ A: It highlights the individual’s direct, personal encounter with the divine, often leading to profound existential transformation.
🃏 Q: How does Otto differentiate between rational and non-rational aspects of religion?
✅ A: Rational aspects involve doctrines and ethics, while non-rational aspects involve the numinous experience of awe and mystery.
🃏 Q: What is Otto’s influence on modern religious thought?
✅ A: He shaped existentialist theology and influenced thinkers like Mircea Eliade and Paul Tillich in understanding religious experience.