Paul Tillich: 'Faith is an act of a finite being who is grasped by, and turned to, the infinite.'

Faith is an act of a finite being who is grasped by, and turned to, the infinite.

In his thought-provoking quote, philosopher Paul Tillich encapsulates the essence of faith. He asserts that faith is not simply a belief system or a set of religious doctrines; rather, it is an active and transformative engagement between an individual, with their finite existence, and a higher, infinite reality. Faith, according to Tillich, requires a profound realization of one's limitations and a surrender to something greater than oneself. This quote speaks to the deep yearning within human beings to connect with a transcendent reality and highlights the transformative power of faith. However, to explore this concept further, it is intriguing to introduce the philosophical concept of existentialism and compare and contrast it with Tillich's understanding of faith.At first glance, Tillich's quote might resonate with existentialist thought due to its emphasis on finite existence and the quest for meaning. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd and chaotic world. However, a closer examination reveals some fundamental differences between Tillich's perspective on faith and existentialist concepts.Existentialism is often associated with a sense of existential anxiety and despair resulting from the human realization of their finite existence and the absence of inherent meaning in the universe. According to existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, human beings must confront their existential dread and create their own meaning and values in an ultimately meaningless world. In contrast, Tillich's quote suggests that faith offers a pathway for finite beings to find solace and purpose in a connection with the infinite.While existentialism tends to focus on the individual's subjective experience and the responsibility they bear for creating meaning, Tillich's quote points to the grace-filled nature of faith. According to Tillich, faith is an act of being "grasped by" the infinite, suggesting a sense of divine embrace and a recognition that faith transcends human effort alone. This aspect of Tillich's understanding of faith contrasts with existentialist notions of self-reliance and the search for subjective fulfillment.Moreover, Tillich's quote implies that faith is an active, ongoing process rather than a static belief system. Faith requires a continual orientation towards the infinite, an active turning away from self-enclosure towards an openness to the divine. In contrast, existentialism often emphasizes the solitary nature of human existence and the individual's responsibility for their own choices and actions.Despite these differences, there are common threads between faith and existentialism, particularly in their acknowledgment of the human condition and the search for meaning in a complex world. Both perspectives recognize the importance of confronting existential questions and finding a sense of purpose. However, Tillich's understanding of faith offers a unique perspective that extends beyond the boundaries of existentialist thought.In conclusion, Paul Tillich's quote encapsulates the transformative power of faith as an active engagement between finite beings and the infinite. His understanding of faith stands in contrast to existentialism due to its emphasis on divine grace and the transcendent nature of faith. While existentialism acknowledges the individual's responsibility for creating meaning, Tillich's view suggests that faith offers a source of solace, purpose, and connection with something beyond oneself. Both perspectives, however, contain valuable insights into the human experience of grappling with the limitations of finite existence and the search for meaning in an infinite realm.