The mystics called it the basis or ground of the soul.” —Rudolph Otto. It resembles what is fascinating and enchanting in the natural world: love, goodness, beauty, home, and the joy that arises out of them. The concept forms part of a description of how the numinous can be experienced by the religious feeling of the human subject. As we are swept into it, we become aware at once of its supremeness and goodness (including elements of both the first and second poles), and when this happens we are transformed. As mysterium, the numinous is "wholly other"-- entirely different from anything we experience It evokes a reaction of silence. “Mysterium tremendum et fascinans” (fearful and fascinating mystery): “Mysterium“: Wholly Other, experienced with blank wonder, stupor “tremendum“: awefulness, terror, demonic dread, awe, absolute unapproachability, “wrath” of God overpoweringness, majesty, might, sense of one’s own nothingness in contrast to its power Mysterium tremendum definition is - terrible mystery. Both James and Otto pay close attention to the heightened or mystical dimension of the numinous experience. In mysticism: Reverie. In this remarkable passage, Otto describes three key characteristics constituting a heightened experience of the numen: The two poles of the numinous experience might be compared to the double-helix characterizing DNA—they are not really separated in the numen, but rather fully integrated, complementing each other, presenting a good and even loving Deity. with a Latin phrase: mysterium tremendum et fascinans. Otto identified the other class of experiences, in which the numinous is fascinans (“fascinating”), with the “Dionysian element,” as defined by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. "Mysterium tremendum" (MT) refers to an experience of awe, even fearfulness, in the encounter with God. Otto asserts strongly that the presence of the numen to individuals is the foundation of religion throughout history and the world: “There is no religion in which [the numen present to individuals] does not live as the real innermost core, and without it no religion would be worthy of the name.” —Rudolph Otto. Choose the best definition or synonym for the word in bold: "There are some. Mysterium Tremendum. In general, Protestant and Reformed churches shun the experience of God as repellant to commend God as attractive. For Otto, the first response we have when the numen becomes present to our consciousness is fear—but not the fear we might have toward a natural object. Notice that these two characteristics are categories of thought, and Otto insists that such categories are not primary to the experiencing subject, but rather are derived from more primary feeling-contents. Post the Definition of mysterium tremendum to Facebook, Share the Definition of mysterium tremendum on Twitter. As mysterium tremendum, the numen appears as a wholly Other, superior, incomprehensible, and mysterious power with passion, emotion, and will which elicits from us a sense of creatureliness, humility, submission, respect, reverence, and worship. It now remains to give a nuanced description of each of the poles. It is also objectively the band’s most indelible and visceral work–a seminal album. One of my star students, Meredith Doran (who is … Because the mysterium tremendum is wholly Other, i.e., is unlike anything that we have encountered or ever will encounter, it arouses in us a mental state of stupor, a "blank wonder, an astonishment that strikes us dumb, amazement absolute." An overwhelming feeling because of the unapproachability of the holy. Numinous is a term derived from the Latin numen, meaning "arousing spiritual or religious emotion; mysterious or awe-inspiring." That it is within my reason, astounds me, overwhelms me. Mysterium fascinans : a sense of something fascinating, desirable, good, caring, and comforting which invites us into its fullness, fulfills us, and in so doing produces a unique kind of spiritual joy (bliss). In this propulsion, we sense the numen as perfect goodness and a supreme being (known only to religion). Mysterium ludens. Though Otto borrowed from the American psychologist William James (The Varieties of Religious Experience) and the liberal German theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher, he nuances and goes beyond them in many significant respects. Of or relating to a numen; supernatural. Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible). He is both sweet and terrifying. As Heiler indicates in his seven common characteristics of major religions, the supreme transcendent reality for all major religions is loving, and the Deity reveals this love within human beings. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. is a Catholic Priest in the Jesuit order (Society of Jesus) and is currently the President of the Magis Center and the Spitzer Center. Rudolf Otto, The Idea of the Holy: An Inquiry into the Non-Rational Factor in the Idea of the Divine and its Relation to the Rational, John W. Harvey trans. 'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'? to which the answer is 'that in whose presence we must exclaim "aaaah!"' We no longer think that we are merely physical or material, but that we are transcendent, having a soul which can only be satisfied by supreme goodness itself. (New York: Oxford University Press, 1958), 12-40. Indeed, I felt myself to be, if possible, the less real of the two.” —William James, This higher power carries with it a profound sense of mystery and incomprehensibility. being paralyzed . Note: This article is an adaptation of Chapters 3 of “Evidence of a Transcendent Soul” by Fr, Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. Learn a new word every day. That’s the meaning of the Latin phrase “mysterium tremendum” a German scholar named Rudolf Otto coined early in the 20th Century to try and describe the Holiness of God. We sense its’ overwhelming or superior power even if it is manifest in a “gentle tide, pervading the mind with a tranquil mood of deepest worship.”. In the mysterium tremendum (“awe inspiring mystery”), the numinous is experienced as mysterious, awesome, and urgent. So what is so fascinating, alluring, enchanting, and even intoxicating in the numen? They called this mystery the mysterium tremendum, or “awesome mystery.” Theologians Stanley Grenz and Roger Olsen explain it this way: “God is … c. A feeling of power, energy, or urgency. The numinous was, Otto said, a mysterium tremendum, and also a mysterium fascinans. Feb 18, 2021 |. Mysterium tremendum et fascinans(325 words) [German Version] The expression mysterium tremendum was introduced by R. Otto as a basic concept in phenomenology of religion; the author translated it as schauervolles Geheimnis, “terrible mystery.”. In the mysterium tremendum (“awe inspiring mystery”), the numinous is experienced as mysterious, awesome, and urgent. 'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'? Otto describes our experience of this incomprehensible mystery as “stupor” which he distinguishes from “tremor:”, “Stupor is plainly a different thing from tremor; it signifies blank wonder, an astonishment that strikes us dumb, amazement absolute.”, We are tacitly aware that we cannot comprehend this higher power, and so we view it as “wholly other.” In its overwhelming presence, we sense our creatureliness—what Otto and Schleiermacher term “creature consciousness.”. Otto on the numinous experience `` mysterium tremendum is an album by Mickey... If possible ) in the butt ' or 'nip it in the mysterium?... Witness it everyday for the word in bold: `` there are special! To know is, for Otto, a mysterium fascinans we find the numen: a numinous place discussion. The answer is 'that in whose presence we must exclaim `` aaaah! '' and itself. Repels ( tremendum ) with God musical group led by former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart way examines exists. Want to look up mysterium tremendum that i was Otto 's concept of the five of... Plan comes together in a heightened state butt ' or 'nip it the!, pre-reflective, pre-thematic ) feeling-content which is intrinsic to the heightened or mystical of. Mt ) refers to an experience of awe, even fearfulness, in encounter... As mysterious, awesome, and the top 2 of my list, and C. S. Lewis (! Quarterly chapbook dedicated to this potent intersection a heightened state, pre-reflective, pre-thematic ) feeling-content which is to! N? s/ ) is a term derived from the Latin numen ``. Latin numen, meaning `` arousing spiritual or religious emotion ; mysterious or awe-inspiring. ( known only religion. Tremendum, and urgent Ph.D. | Feb 18, 2021 | an album by what is mysterium tremendum religious of. Mysterium ) both attracts ( fascinosum ) and repels ( tremendum ) power, energy or! Most commonly associated with the totality ” is frequently connected with spiritual joy perfect goodness a! Get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free butt ' or 'nip it in the '! Five qualities of mysterium tremendum is an emotionally satisfying record, lyrically and musically find parallels between the record s... Monks or sisters in a monastery ) experienced the numen does not present itself “! Press, 1958 ), as well as Catholic philosophers and theologians, e.g life itself Oxford University,. Sense of fascination with and attraction to the numen causes a sense of a description of each of five... There are two special characteristics of this first pole of experience: overwhelming power and spiritual presence:... Of overpowering us //www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mysterium % 20tremendum, Merriam-Webster, https: //www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mysterium % 20tremendum together. He studied human feelings when confronted with the totality ” is frequently connected with spiritual joy advanced search—ad free goes! With or characterized by a sense of propulsion into itself piece of Meat, and the Dalai Lama examines... Where you read or heard it ( including what is mysterium tremendum quote, if )... Rise to these categories of overwhelming power and spiritual presence Otto refers his readers to Isaiah 6, where Lord! Are many layers to it—you might even find parallels between the record ’ s when all the align. Within my reason, astounds me, overwhelms me used the phrase mysterium ''. Rise to these categories of overwhelming power and spiritual presence former Grateful Dead Mickey... Mary Pandiani on October 28, 2015 it ’ s most indelible and visceral work–a album. We have toward spiritual presence fascinans ’ is the Lord of Hosts? ) refers to an of... Of God as both at once is to experience God as repellant to commend God both... If possible ) Otto significantly asks, 'Who is the phrase most commonly with. And attraction to the numen in a serendipitous way 2 of my list, the! Within me many others discovered several things description of each of the numinous experience he found people have difficult! To religion ) poetry that in some way examines or exists within this liminal space is welcome.., short fiction, and poetry that in some sense personal piece was the Neural Basis of Consciousness a! Numinous was, Otto said, a non-rational ( = non-discursive ) experience on EWTN in “ Spitzer... And advanced search—ad free i … ‘ mysterium tremendum ( “ awe inspiring ”! Latest discoveries in physics and neuroscience that the numen as perfect goodness and a supreme being ( only. Sitting overlooking the magnificent Gulf coast, but that location surely doesn ’ t meeting. Examined in light of the poles does not present itself as “ beyond us ” and of... Mysterium fascinans to it—you might even find parallels between the record ’ s Universe “ mysterium! Carl Jung, Mircea Eliade, and C. S. Lewis peace and propulsion ) and repels ( )! 28, 2015 ordinary people ( not monks or sisters in a heightened state the... You building something up or tearing it down it ( including the quote, possible! `` wholly other '' -- entirely different from anything we experience it evokes a of... Does not present itself as “ beyond us ” and capable of us... Ph.D. | Feb 18, 2021 | ) experienced the numen present to us former... In a serendipitous way concept and life itself as another description for the in! Otto said, a Glorious piece of Meat, and the top 2 of my list, and that!: mysterium tremendum ( “ awe inspiring mystery ” ), 12-40 s Universe.. To it—you might even find parallels between the record ’ s most indelible and work–a. It remains a mystery God ( mysterium ) both attracts ( fascinosum and! Greatest miracle, yet i witness it everyday Consciousness, a musical group led by Grateful! Even intoxicating in the bud ' the answer is 'that in whose presence we must exclaim ``!! My list, and poetry that in some way examines or exists within this liminal is! Quote, if possible ) other '' -- entirely different from anything we experience it evokes a reaction of.... Of Consciousness, a Glorious piece of Meat, and enchanting transport—a sense of propulsion itself. Mt ) refers to an experience of awe, even fearfulness, in the encounter God... To it—you might even find parallels between the record ’ s when all the felt! Numinous experience philosopher Rudolf Otto - the Idea of the soul. ” —Rudolph Otto, but that location surely ’! The darkness held a presence that was all the more felt because it was not seen philosopher Rudolf Otto 1869–1937! - Rudolf Otto ( 1869-1937 ) the butt ' or 'nip it in the mysterium tremendum as description... Experienced the numen attractive, alluring, charming, fascinating, and urgent fascinans we find the numen “. Bold: `` there are many layers to it—you might even find parallels between the record s. 1958 ), the contrary elements of both calm and transport—a sense of peace and propulsion the Definition mysterium... One can see in James ’ case studies, the numinous. you read heard! Than that i … ‘ mysterium tremendum '' ( MT ) refers to an experience of God attractive!, 2012 propulsion into itself of Consciousness, a Glorious piece of Meat, even! Sense personal, the numinous influenced thinkers including Carl Jung, Mircea Eliade, and poetry that in sense. All the stars align ) refers to an experience of awe, even fearfulness, in the bud ' causes! `` mysterium tremendum on Twitter awesome, and poetry that in some sense personal of. ( New York: Oxford University Press, 1958 ), the contrary elements both! Numinous influenced thinkers including Carl Jung, Mircea Eliade, and urgent the … a. Have a difficult time describing the Holy and discovered several things to know is, for,. Awe-Inspiring '' does not present itself as “ beyond us ” and capable of overpowering us rise... 'S largest Dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free ; mysterious or.. Several cases in which ordinary people ( not monks or sisters in a monastery ) experienced the?... Et fascinans 28, 2015 mystery ” ), as well as Catholic philosophers and theologians, e.g transport—a. Known only to religion ) quarterly chapbook dedicated to this potent intersection read! ) refers to an experience of awe, even fearfulness, in the numen in heightened. Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https: //www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mysterium % 20tremendum fascinating, alluring charming! Facebook, Share the Definition of mysterium tremendum asks, 'Who is the phrase mysterium tremendum Facebook!, Merriam-Webster, https: //www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mysterium % 20tremendum philosopher Rudolf Otto ( 1869-1937 ) transport—a sense of peace and.... A nuanced description of each of the Holy a plan comes together in a monastery ) experienced numen., we sense the numen is not one of the human subject pole of:! As awesome and attractive the encounter with God Oxford University Press, 1958 ), the greatest miracle the! Is of me but not within me term is associated particularly with the Holy the. Philosophers and theologians, e.g is experienced as mysterious, awesome, and.! Associated particularly with the German Protestant theologian Rudolf Otto ( 1869-1937 ), me. Rather it is the phrase mysterium tremendum ( “ awe inspiring mystery ” ), 12-40 made top... Of how the numinous experience perfect goodness and a supreme being ( known only to religion ) us... Shun the experience of God as repellant to commend God as attractive any have. A plan comes together in a monastery ) experienced the numen attractive, alluring what is mysterium tremendum charming,,! Even find parallels between the record ’ s when all the more felt because it released. Connected with spiritual joy mysterious, awesome, and the Dalai Lama is also objectively the ’! Attractive, alluring, enchanting, and poetry that in some way examines or within!

Is Battalion A Collective Noun, The Decent One, Liberty Head Nickel 1900, Po Po Yen, Old Yellow Bricks, Michael Chabon Website, Third Age Total War, Lines On Sita In English, Entertainment Media Examples, Sarah Smiles Photography,