Dictionary of Philosophy of Religion

169

OTTO, RUDOLF

OTTO, RUDOLF (1869–1937). A
German student of mysticism who pro-
posed in his influential book, The Idea of
the Holy (1917), that the encounter with
God is a confrontation with that which is
mysterious (Latin: mysterium), tremendous
(tremendum), and fascinating (fascinans).

His other works include The Philosophy

of Religion of Kant-Fries and its Applica-

tion to Theology (1909), Darwinism and

Religion (1910), Studies Relative to the

Numinous (1923), Mysticism East and

We s t (1926), and Freedom and Necessity

(1940).