1.9.2
Symbol
After reading these notes, test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.
What are Religious Symbols?
Paul Tillich (1886-1965) argues that religious statements are not literally true. He says that all religious language that expresses ideas about God should be understood symbolically.
Tillich's definition of signs
- Tillich says signs and symbols are two different things.
- He says that signs do not 'participate' in what they symbolise. This means that signs don't make any sense if you don't know what they mean.
- Tillich says that signs only point to statements, such as a ‘30MPH’ speed limit. They have no other effect.
Tillich's definition of symbols
- Tillich emphasises the importance and power of symbols.
- One example of a symbol is the cross for Christians.
- The cross stands as a marker for the religion of Christianity.
- The cross is also a symbol that represents the sacrifice that Jesus made by being crucified.
- The cross also reminds Christians of their beliefs about God.
- Christians believe that God has a plan for the salvation of human beings.
- The cross also represents other themes for Christians, such as forgiveness and love.
Tillich's painting analogy
- Tillich uses the example of a painting.
- He says: “It is possible to describe a painting but the description is useless without having the painting there.”
- Tillich believes that religious language works in the same way. It is possible to describe God, but the description becomes more meaningful with a visual symbol.
- Tillich believed that religious language was symbolic rather than literal.
Catholic red candle symbol
- Symbols always point beyond themselves. For example, the red candle that continually burns in a Catholic Church is symbolic of the presence of God. When the candle is lit, Christians believe that God is present with them.
1Philosophy of Religion
1.1Ancient Philosophical Influences: Plato
1.2Ancient Philosophical Influences: Aristotle
1.3Ancient Philosophical Influences: Soul, Mind, Body
1.4The Existence of God - Arguments from Observation
1.5The Existence of God - Arguments from Reason
1.6Religious Experience
1.7The Problem of Evil
1.8The Nature & Attributes of God
1.9Religious Language: Negative, Analogical, Symbolic
2Religion & Ethics
2.1Natural Law
2.2Situation Ethics
2.3Kantian Ethics
2.4Utilitarianism
2.5Euthanasia
2.6Business Ethics
2.7Meta-Ethical Theories
2.8Conscience
3Developments in Christian Thought
3.1Saint Augustine's Teachings
3.2Death & the Afterlife
3.3Knowledge of God's Existence
3.4The Person of Jesus Christ
3.5Christian Moral Principles
3.6Christian Moral Action
3.7Development - Pluralism & Theology
3.8Development - Pluralism & Society
3.9Gender & Society
3.10Gender & Theology
Jump to other topics
1Philosophy of Religion
1.1Ancient Philosophical Influences: Plato
1.2Ancient Philosophical Influences: Aristotle
1.3Ancient Philosophical Influences: Soul, Mind, Body
1.4The Existence of God - Arguments from Observation
1.5The Existence of God - Arguments from Reason
1.6Religious Experience
1.7The Problem of Evil
1.8The Nature & Attributes of God
1.9Religious Language: Negative, Analogical, Symbolic
2Religion & Ethics
2.1Natural Law
2.2Situation Ethics
2.3Kantian Ethics
2.4Utilitarianism
2.5Euthanasia
2.6Business Ethics
2.7Meta-Ethical Theories
2.8Conscience
3Developments in Christian Thought
3.1Saint Augustine's Teachings
3.2Death & the Afterlife
3.3Knowledge of God's Existence
3.4The Person of Jesus Christ
3.5Christian Moral Principles
3.6Christian Moral Action
3.7Development - Pluralism & Theology
3.8Development - Pluralism & Society
3.9Gender & Society
3.10Gender & Theology
Practice questions on Symbol
Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.
- 1What did Tillich say of signs?True / false
Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium
Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions
Mini-mock exams based on your study history
Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books