An Examination of Tillich's Method of Correlation

Abstract

NE of most interesting contemporary efforts to relate Christian doctrine to non-theological estimates of human condition is Dr. Paul Tillich's of correlation. Through this method Tillich incorporates principle of dialogue into a formal theological structure. He attempts to various analyses of human predicament produced in modem culture with provided by the symbols used in Christian message. The implementation of this method raises many issues of philosophical and theological interest. We propose to examine some of these issues with intention of clarifying certain assumptions upon which method actually rests. Tillich holds that an analysis of human situation is a philosophical task (even when undertaken by theologian), and that in this task philosopher must draw upon interpretive material from all realms of culture. This material, though diverse, is given focus according to Tillich by its concern with one central question: what does it mean to exist? The analysis of man with which Tillich is concerned is necessarily analysis. This means that although analysis of human existence cannot be confined to any one school of philosophy, nevertheless in contemporary period literature of existentialism (broadly interpreted by Tillich) must be considered central to man's recent efforts toward self-understanding.' Christian theology must seek to correlate itself with analysis of man provided by existentialism. Tillich's understanding of existential analysis involves certain assumptions. According to his approach, human existence not only suggests certain problems which arise perennially in man's efforts toward self-understanding; existence is fundamental problem which precedes all specific problems concerning man. Existence is question which underlies all other questions. If this is case, then existentialism consists in analysis of problem, of question itself. And one does not expect to derive an answer from an analysis of question. Therefore Tillich holds that in principle existentialism develops question implied in human existence; it cannot as such provide answers to question. Answers have many sources, but they do not come from existentialist analysis.2