The Reconciliation of the Estranged: The Concept of Forgiveness in the Theology of Paul Tillich
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2024-07-02
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en
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In his later works, theologian Paul Tillich devotes much attention to the problem of estrangement through sin and the subsequent overcoming of estrangement through participatory love. Despite this emphasis, very little attention has been given to one of the essential means to overcome estrangement: forgiveness. In this article, first, Tillich’s understanding of divine forgiveness, self-forgiveness, and forgiveness of others are analysed. Second, the discussion of forgiveness is related to objections concerning Tillich’s understanding of the relation between God and human beings, which problematise the possibility of God’s love on the basis that God in His transcendence cannot be understood as having a self. In conclusion, this article presents an argument in favour of the possibility of standing in a loving, forgiving relation with God, by emphasising the existential concreteness of the Ultimate Concern and Jesus as the symbol for the New Being.
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Faculteit der Filosofie, Theologie en Religiewetenschappen