A theology of culture
Half a century ago, German theologian and philosopher Paul Tillich (1886-1965) was among the most influential Protestant thinkers in the world. Today, he is not read as much, but Russell Re Manning wants to do something about that. For one thing, the University of Aberdeen scholar wants to update Tillich’s theology of art and culture. That requires “re-enacting” threads of thought that were shaped by Weimar Germany eight decades ago to make them resonate in the 21st century, said Re Manning, who delivered the fall’s Paul Tillich Lecture at the Memorial Church at Harvard on Nov. 14. The list of Tillich lecturers since 1990 includes Edward O. Wilson, the Rev. Peter J. Gomes, and President Emeritus Nathan M. Pusey, who brought Tillich to Harvard as a University Professor (1954-62). While in Cambridge, Tillich published his three-volume magnum opus, “Systematic Theology.” Starting in 1919, Tillich created a diverse canon of work. One of his...