THE NATURE OF ANXIETY AND CREATIVITY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PAUL TILLICH AND ROLLO MAY

During the twentieth century the themes of anxiety and creativity have emerged as primary focal points for study and research. Anxiety is a dominant theme in the movement of existentialism, and it also claims the center of attention in the movement of psychology. Likewise, creativity is a central theme in process thought and in contemporary psychology. The present research analyzes these two elements in order to provide a foundation for their use in the investigation of religious experience.; In their existential analyses of human existence Paul Tillich and Rollo May are both concerned to eludidate the various aspects of anxiety. Tillich's analysis is primarily theological-ontological, while he recognizes the psychological dimension of anxiety. Conversely, May's investigation of anxiety is primarily psychological while admitting the ontological base for anxiety.; Even though anxiety may be analyzed ontologically, it nevertheless is a psychological reality in its manifestation in personality. Ontologically, anxiety is viewed as the contingency of life with its constant threat from the possibility of non being. Psychologically, anxiety is experienced as real discomfort within a person, and neurotic anxiety is caused from the abortive attempts to face the normal anxiety of man's finite existence.; Tillich and May also reflect a common interest in creativity. Tillich is more ontological in his assessment of creativity while recognizing its psychological manifestations. May, while acknowledging the ontological basis of creativity, is more specifically psychological in his analysis of it. Both men note that creativity is not only experienced in the production of artistic workmanship but is also evident in an individual life as one attempts to live life in a meaningful way.; Anxiety is the focus for evaluating the various conflicts one encounters in religious experience. Creativity is the theme for analyzing the resolution of these various conflicts. Thus, the work of Tillich and May provides a basis for clarifying the various ways people find and express meaning in religious experience.