Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

I present to you the theology of Paul Tillich as commentary of the second verse of the opening chapter of the Quran:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

All praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds. (Al Quran 1:2)

Paul Tillich, a prominent 20th-century theologian and philosopher, introduced the term “Ground of Being” to articulate his understanding of God. This concept diverges from traditional theistic views that depict God as a distinct, supreme entity among other entities. Instead, Tillich posited that God is not a being but Being-Itself, the foundational reality that underlies and sustains all existence.

Understanding “Ground of Being”

Tillich’s assertion that God is the Ground of Being implies that God is the ultimate source and support of all that exists. Rather than perceiving God as a separate, individual being within the universe, Tillich viewed God as the very essence of existence—the power and foundation upon which all beings depend for their being. This perspective challenges the notion of God as a finite entity and emphasizes God’s transcendence beyond the limitations of individual beings.

Implications of Tillich’s Concept

1. Transcendence Beyond Theism: By defining God as the Ground of Being, Tillich moved beyond traditional theistic frameworks that often anthropomorphize God. He critiqued the idea of God as a “being” among others, suggesting that such a view limits the divine nature. Instead, he proposed that God is the basis of all being, transcending the subject-object dichotomy inherent in human understanding. Religious Naturalism
2. Symbolic Language: Tillich emphasized that human language is inherently symbolic when referring to God. Since God is not an object within the realm of finite beings, direct descriptions fall short. Therefore, terms like “Ground of Being” serve as symbols pointing to the ultimate reality that is beyond complete human comprehension. Wesley Wellis
3. Existential Significance: Understanding God as the Ground of Being has profound existential implications. It suggests that the divine is intimately connected to the very act of existence, providing depth and meaning to human life. This perspective encourages individuals to seek a relationship with the foundational source of their being, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

Critiques and Discussions

Tillich’s concept has sparked extensive discussion and critique. Some theologians argue that defining God as the Ground of Being renders the divine too abstract, potentially diminishing the personal aspects of God emphasized in many religious traditions. Others appreciate Tillich’s approach for its attempt to bridge the gap between classical theism and contemporary existentialist thought, offering a framework that resonates with modern philosophical inquiries.

Conclusion

Paul Tillich’s portrayal of God as the Ground of Being offers a profound reimagining of the divine-human relationship. By moving beyond the conception of God as a finite being, Tillich invites a deeper exploration of the divine as the foundational essence of all existence, encouraging a faith that acknowledges the limitations of human language and understanding in capturing the fullness of the divine mystery.