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THE IDEA OF THE HOLY-INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS

Abstract

In this paper, I have attempted to interpret and analyze the concept and picture of God as has been propounded in 'The Idea of Holy' by Rudolf Otto. This book was written 1923, yet still it is acknowledged as one of the authoritative treatises on the conception of God. The author has mainly focused on the monotheistic paradigm model of the transcendent reality which he calls the wholly other. His approach is well knitted in accordance with the ethos of modernity which started in religion with Protestant religious movement. Therefore, his approach is experiential not evidential. He is more concerned with the experience of the dreadful encounter with God which he calls numinous experience. But this view presents a one sided approach to God. Religion is not simply a matter of feeling it is also a form of life - a tradition we live in. Knowledge of God could be achieved through many sources. It is a mistake to base the talk of God merely on numinous experience. This problem has been examined in this article with sympathy and better appreciation of the issues related to the numinous consciousness as has been discussed in this book.

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