Dynamics Of Faith By Paul Tillich Summary

In Dynamics of Faith, Paul Tillich redefines faith as the dynamic state of being ultimately concerned about some object that is perceived as being “ultimate.” An ultimate concern demands everything, even including ones most valuable possessions and their moral values, but in return promises everything including total fulfillment, salvation, etc. He goes on to explain symbols of faith, their meaning and their characteristics.
According to Tillich, the symbols of faith and ultimate concern do not emerge in seclusion, they are unified by their significance. Ultimate Concern can only be conveyed through the use of symbols. They are necessary, as only symbolic language is capable of truly articulating the natural reality and infinite essence of the ultimate. Both philosophical and religious symbols point ahead of themselves. This is a mutual trait shared with signs, but

In the second chapter The Many Names of the Mother of God, Robert Orsi talks about the association between the Virgin Mary and Roman Catholics in America. Orsi indicates religious images are a way to express manifestation, and they are very effective at serving as points between holy figures and followers. To Orsi, the followers of Mary experience both the holy and a deeper opening of reality. Although if the followers of Mary start taking her symbolism literally, they become idolatrous.
As stated previously, symbols of faith and ultimate concern do not manifest themselves in isolation. A commonality that is shared between all symbols is they become apparent through stories of gods and goddesses, also known as myths. All myths are expressions of the holy or sacred, they are interpretations of our ultimate concerns or the search for our own ultimate concern. Myths themselves are symbols of faith united with tales regarding the encounter between the infinitely unknown and the finitely