The Systematic Theology, published in three volumes between 1951 and 1963, remains a cornerstone of twentieth-century religious philosophy. Authored by Paul Tillich, this monumental work sought to bridge the gap between existentialist critique and Christian tradition. His academic career spanned two continents, influenced by the upheaval of wartime service and his subsequent transition from Germany to the United States.
Early Education and Military Service
Born in 1886 in Starosiedle, Paul Tillich pursued extensive academic training at various institutions, including the University of Berlin, the University of Tübingen, and the University of Halle-Wittenberg. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Wrocław in 1911 and a Licentiate of Theology from Halle-Wittenberg in 1912. Ordained as a Lutheran minister in the same year, his life changed drastically when he joined the Imperial German Army as a chaplain during World War I. His combat experience in the trenches of France left him severely traumatized, though he was recognized for his service with the Iron Cross.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Academic Career in Germany
Following the war, Tillich held academic posts at the University of Berlin from 1918 to 1924, followed by positions at the University of Marburg, the Dresden University of Technology, and the University of Leipzig. In 1929, he became a professor of philosophy and sociology at Goethe University Frankfurt. During this tenure, he collaborated with figures such as Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer. His public opposition to the rising Nazi movement led to his dismissal from his tenured position in 1933, classifying him among the first academics removed by the regime.
Migration to the United States
After being dismissed in Germany, Tillich moved to the United States in 1933, encouraged by Reinhold Niebuhr to join the faculty at Union Theological Seminary in New York. The faculty accepted a salary reduction to facilitate his relocation during the Great Depression. He taught at Union until 1955, subsequently holding positions at Harvard University and the University of Chicago. During his American career, he published widely in English, including well-regarded texts such as The Courage to Be in 1952 and Dynamics of Faith in 1957.
Professional Honors and Legacy
Tillich received several notable awards, including the Goethe Plaque of the City of Frankfurt in 1956 and the Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association in 1962. In 1961, he was honored with the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he spent his final years as a philosopher and teacher before his death in 1965 in Chicago. He is buried in New Harmony.
Fast facts
- Born: 1886, Starosiedle
- Died: 1965, Chicago
- Citizenship: Germany, United States
- Primary Occupations: Theologian, Philosopher
- Major Work: Systematic Theology (1951–1963)
- Awards: Goethe Plaque (1956), Peace Prize (1962)
- Burial Site: New Harmony
Questions readers ask
Which major universities employed Paul Tillich?
He taught at Frederick William University Berlin, Goethe University Frankfurt, Union Theological Seminary, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago.
What were his most popular books for the general public?
He is widely known for The Courage to Be (1952) and Dynamics of Faith (1957).
Achievements
- Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 1961
- Affiliated with Harvard University, Goethe University Frankfurt and Frederick William University Berlin
- Educated at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, University of Tübingen and University of Wrocław
- Worked as theologian, philosopher and university teacher