Books by Rudolf Otto

Frontmatter -- Vorwort -- Inhalts-Übersicht -- I. Allgemeine Sortierungen -- II. Neugestaltung des kultischen Lebens -- III. Entwürfe -- IV. Notenbeilagen -- Backmatter

This book is considered a classic in the field of religious philosophy. Its timeless message explores the idea of what we mean by what is holy and what is God. It was Otto who coined the term “numinous” in this book by attempting to define the first-hand experience of our deepest, non-rational moments of awe in the presence of God. When one has a direct confrontation with transcendent powers, it creates a starting point for the numinous experience. Otto presents all of the different ways in which one may experien ce the numinous. The book is primarily grounded in philosophy and Christian theology, but presents the same general framework in other religions, as well. Many consider this work to be challenging, primarily because it succeeds in defining something that is beyond words. For this, the world is grateful—and has therefore made Otto’s book accessible throughout the years to those who hunger for its powerful and mysterious message.

This collection of essays aims to broaden the image of Rudolf Otto, presenting previously untranslated writings of Otto the politician, the social commentator, and churchman. Also included are Otto's autobiographical reflections and a sampling from his late essays on ethics.

Since the English translation first appeared in 1923, Rudolf Otto's Idea of the Holy has established itself as a classic in the field of religious philosophy. It offers an in-depth inquiry into the non-rational factor in the idea of the divine and its relation to the rational.