Examining the adaptability and differentiation of Nathan Sodblom's point of view about the central core of religion with psychological theories
Subject Areas :Niloufar Salmani 1 , ghorban elmi 2
1 - Tehran University
2 - teachher of university/ tehran university
Keywords: Revelation, mysticism, genius, experience of the sacred,
Abstract :
In the opinion of many theologians, the basis of religion is the revelation that humans communicate with the Holy by being present in it. Nathan Söderblom, who calls revelation mysticism, introduces it as the central core of religion. The distinguishing feature of his interpretation from the interpretation of the commentators of revelation is that this concept is considered in terms of meaning as genius that goes beyond ordinary talents and potentially exists in all human beings. According to Söderblom, there is revelation not only in great religions, but also in primitive religions. Hence, the task of the scientific study of religion is to examine this key element, without which a religion cannot be properly understood. On the other hand, Söderblom assumes that the history of religions manifests itself in two levels of consciousness: the level of common people, which is related to religiousness, and the level of ucommon people, which is related to religious genius. The topics discussed in this research are the central core of religion, the origin of revelation, genius, its connection with aesthetics and consecration of life, and prayer and worship.