1.9.2

Symbol

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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.

Illustrative background for Tillich's definition of signsIllustrative background for Tillich's definition of signs ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Tillich's definition of symbolsIllustrative background for Tillich's definition of symbols ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Tillich's painting analogy Illustrative background for Tillich's painting analogy  ?? "content

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.
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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.

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

1.10Religious Language: 20th Century Perspective

2Religion & Ethics

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

3.11Challenges

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