The Threefold Basis towards Understanding Conditioned being’s Quest for the Unconditioned

Abstract

This Statement from Tillich’s address Über gläubigen Realismus expresses the theme of this present analysis of Tillich’s thought on the relationship between the conditioned being and the unconditioned being, or to use more traditional terms, between the finite and the infinite. The importance of this theme is underscored by Tillich himself who calls it der Prüfstein der Theologie; nor is Tillich’s own theological system exempt from this text. Should Tillich’s interpretation of the finite-infinite relationship, and more particularly the God-man relationship, be viable, there would be good indication that his system as such is valid; if, however, his interpretation be nonviable, there would be strong indication that his system does not hold together.

Der Prüfstein der Theologie ist ihre Fähigkeit, die absolute Spannung zwischen dem Bedingten und dem Unbedingten zu erhalten.