The Idea of the Holy: An Inquiry Into the Non-Rational Factor in the Idea of the Divine and Its Relation to the Rational

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 Ottos book accessible throughout the years to those who hunger for its powerful and mysterious message.