Comparing Paul Tillich's The Meaning And End Of Religion

There are several distinctions when approaching the idea of religion from the perspective of academics versus an individual practicing it. The basis of academic study consists on the many differences between studying religion to examine it as opposed to being a religious person. In the book The Meaning and End of Religion, Wilfred Smith argues that the perspective through which a person's religious life is generally seen in does not truly represent the actual reality of perceiving religion. He portrays the concept of religion as a modern invention introduced by the West and that the term religion itself creates barriers to the real scholarly understanding of human religiousness. On the contrary, Paul Tillich describes religion as being the “ultimate concern” which is the basis of an individual's lifestyle. For him, religion is something which cannot be controlled and is solely embedded in us when we are

According to scientists, religion is considered a gift from the human spirit and society is what makes up the whole perception of religion. Society is scared of the unknown and thinks about the different perspectives and conceptions of every religion out there. On the other hand, theologists consider religion a gift of the divine spirit, that there is something bigger out there. Religion is the ultimate concern and is the dimension of depth in our spiritual life such as our morals and aesthetic.

Tillich states, “Religion is not a special function of man's spiritual life, but it is the dimension of depth in all of its functions” (Tillich 5-7). For Tillich, religion is the ultimate concern and the depth refers to the religious aspects to which is infinite in a man's spiritual life. It means that God is the “ultimate reality". Tillich also mentions that religion is the ultimate concern to convey that whatever ultimately concerns an individual is religion