BOOK BRIEF

The Idea of the Holy

Rudolf Otto
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The Idea of the Holy

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1958

Book Brief

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Rudolf Otto

The Idea of the Holy

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1958
Book Details
Pages

232

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1920s

Publication Year

1958

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Rudolf Otto's The Idea of the Holy explores the concept of the "numinous," a profound, non-rational experience of the divine that elicits feelings of awe and mystery. Otto examines how this sense of the holy transcends rational thought, influencing religious experiences across cultures. The work underscores the complexity of human encounters with the sacred.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Informative

Serene

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,591 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Rudolf Otto's The Idea of the Holy receives praise for its profound exploration of the numinous and the concept of the "mysterium tremendum." Readers appreciate its influential impact on theology and philosophy, though some critique it for being dense and challenging to navigate. The book remains a cornerstone in understanding religious experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Idea of the Holy?

Readers who would enjoy The Idea of the Holy by Rudolf Otto are typically interested in theology, philosophy of religion, and the nature of the divine. These readers may also appreciate works like The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James for its exploration of spiritual experience.

4.1

1,591 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

232

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1920s

Publication Year

1958

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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