Rudolf Otto - the concept of the numinous

Otto's approach was to look at the aspects of religious experience that were beyond the scope of rational and empirical reasoning

• Focused on the 'feelings' of the recipient
• Drew on the history of religion and combined it with his interest in anthropology and naturalism

For Otto, the word 'holy' has several connotations

• Instead, he made use of the term 'numinous' which refers to a supernatural divine power, setting it apart from the ethical and moral connotations that 'holy' may also have
• The individual who experiences the numinous is one who feels the presence of a supernatural divine…