Paul Tillich (1886-1965)

Major work

•          Systematic Theology (3 vols.)

Importance

•          Viewed as one of most influential theologians of the 20^th century

•          Taught that God is ‘ground of being,’ all else said about God is idolatry; man must face nonbeing

•          Known for his “method of correlation”—philosophy and theology should play a complementary role to each other

•          Theology is about ultimate concern

•          The history of Jesus is irrelevant although Jesus represented the ultimate example of what human potential can lead to.

•          His father was a Lutheran minister

•          Was a chaplain of German forces in WWI.

•          Became professor of Harvard Divinity School in 1955

•          Was critical of Barth              

•          Was accused of being a pantheist

•          His wife said he was a dirty old man