Der Mut zum Sein

Paul Tillich's (1886-1965) essay "The Courage to Be" is one of his most influential writings, making him known to a wide readership. This slim volume is based on his "Dwight Harrington Terry Foundation Lectures on Religion in the Light of Science and Philosophy," which he delivered from October 30 to November 2, 1950, at Yale University. In "The Courage to Be," Tillich succinctly summarizes central ideas of his theological work by reformulating the concept of faith as the courage to be, against the backdrop of an interpretation of modern society. In terms of the history of his work, this essay belongs to the later phase of his thinking, as presented in his Systematic Theology, the first volume of which was published in 1951. The clearly written volume, which includes an introduction to Tillich's thought, provides a concise overview of fundamental themes.