Who was Paul Tillich? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Paul Johannes Tillich

Died At Age: 79

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Margarethe

father: Johannes Tillich

mother: Mathilde Dürselen

siblings: Elisabeth, Johanna

Born Country: Poland

Theologians Philosophers

Died on: October 22, 1965

place of death: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Notable Alumni: Martin Luther University Of Halle-Wittenberg, University Of Breslau

Cause of Death: Heart Attack

More Facts

education: Martin Luther University Of Halle-Wittenberg, University Of Breslau

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1

What is Paul Tillich known for?

Paul Tillich was a prominent German-American theologian and philosopher known for his groundbreaking work in existential theology and for developing the concept of "theology of culture."
2

What are some key ideas in Paul Tillich's theology?

Some key ideas in Paul Tillich's theology include the concept of "ultimate concern," the idea that faith is the state of being ultimately concerned, and the notion of the "ground of being" as the source of all existence.
3

How did Paul Tillich view the relationship between religion and culture?

Paul Tillich believed that religion and culture are interrelated and that theology should engage with and interpret culture in order to make the message of faith relevant to contemporary society.
4

How did Paul Tillich contribute to the field of Christian existentialism?

Paul Tillich's work played a key role in shaping Christian existentialism by integrating existential philosophy with Christian theology, emphasizing the importance of individual experience and the existential dimensions of faith.

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Childhood & Early Life

Paul Tillich was born in Starzeddel, Germany to Johannes Tillich, a conservative Lutheran pastor and Mathilde Durselen. After his father became superintendent of a diocese in Bad Schonfliess, the family moved there.

He was educated at the elementary school in Bad Schonfliess. He later went on to attend the ‘gymnasium’ school, where he studied as a boarder. During his time in the ‘gymnasium’school, he started reading the Bible to overcome loneliness.

From 1900, after his father got transferred to Berlin, he began attending a Berlin school, from where he eventually graduated. He lost his mother before he graduated, when he as just 17.

He attended the University of Berlin, the University of Tubingen and the University of Halle-Wittenberg. He obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Breslau.

In 1912, he obtained his Licentiate of Theology from the Halle-Wittenberg. The same year, he obtained ordainment as a Lutheran minister in the Province of Brandenburg.

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Later Life

In October 1914, he joined a chaplain in the Imperial German Army, during the World War I. After the war, he commenced his career in academics as the Privatdozent of Theology at the University of Berlin.

In 1924, he became Professor of Theology at the University of Marburg. During his one year tenure, he also taught systematic theology for the last three terms.

From 1925 to 1929, he served as a Professor of Theology at the Dresden University of Technology and the University of Leipzig.

From 1929 to 1933, he was a Professor of Theology at the University of Frankfurt. During his tenure at the University of Frankfurt, he gave speeches and lectures all over Germany. This brought him trouble from the Nazi government and in 1933 German Chancellor Adolf Hitler dismissed him.

After being dismissed, he took up a job as the Visiting Professor of Philosophy at the Union Theological Seminary in New York. He also taught as a Visiting Lecturer in Philosophy at Columbia University.

In 1940, he was promoted and became the Professor of Philosophical Theology at the Union Theological Seminary in New York. The same year, he also obtained American citizenship.

In 1951, he came out with the book, ‘Systematic Theology’, which earned him great acclaim and reputation. The following year, he came with another publication titled, 'The Courage to Be'.

In 1955, the success of his book earned him the prestigious position of becoming one among the five professors at the Harvard Divinity School. He later co-founded the ‘Society for the Arts, Religion, and Contemporary Culture’.

In 1957, he came out with the book titled, ‘Dynamics of Faith’, which earned him both critical acclaim and popularity. By this time he had also published the second volume of ‘Systematic Theology’.

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In 1962, he quit Harvard and joined the University of Chicago as a Professor of Theology. The following year, he came out with the third volume of ‘Systematic Theology’.

Major Works

His three-volume magnum opus ‘Systematic Theology’ is regarded as one of the most profound works in Christian theology. In this series he attempts to answer, ‘man's deepest questions’.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1914, he married a woman named Margarethe Grethi Wever. She later conceived a baby from another affair and the couple separated in 1919 and eventually divorced.

In 1924, he married his second wife, Hannah Werner-Gottschow.

He died at the age of 79, due to a heart attack he had suffered ten days ago. He was laid to rest at the Paul Tillich Park in New Harmony, Indiana.

Facts About Paul Tillich

Paul Tillich was known for his unconventional approach to theology, blending existentialism and psychoanalysis with traditional Christian doctrine.

Tillich's work often explored the relationship between faith and culture, emphasizing the importance of engaging with contemporary issues in religious discourse.

Despite being a prominent theologian, Tillich also had a lifelong interest in art and literature, drawing inspiration from various creative disciplines in his philosophical writings.

Tillich's concept of "ultimate concern" challenged traditional notions of religious belief, encouraging individuals to explore their deepest values and commitments in a complex and changing world.

Tillich's influence extended beyond the academic realm, as he was actively involved in social and political movements, advocating for justice and reconciliation in turbulent times.

Paul Tillich Biography

You wanted to know

What is Paul Tillich known for?

What are some key ideas in Paul Tillich's theology?

How did Paul Tillich view the relationship between religion and culture?

How did Paul Tillich contribute to the field of Christian existentialism?