The relationship between humanity and nature in the thought of Paul Tillich: A study of ecological theology (Chinese text)

This dissertation aims at exploring the relationship between humanity and nature in the thought of Paul Tillich and examining Tillich's ideas in the context of the contemporary discussions in environmental ethics in order to construct a relevant model of Christian ecological theology. The main aim is to point out that Tillich's ecological thought is on the boundary of both ecocentrism and anthropocentricism, in which both of them are integrated. From an ecocentric perspective, Tillich emphasizes on the interrelationship and interdependence between humanity and nature under the essential ontological structure of being. Tiilich appropriates Schelling's philosophy of nature to construct a basic ontological structure between humanity and environment/world and a dynamic vision of the multidimensional unity of life. According to Tillich, under the coalition of existential estrangement, nature and humankind participate in the fall and salvation. The distortion of mutual relationship between humanity and nature causes both the depersonalization of humanity and “thingification” of nature. Tiilich also points out the existential root of ecological crisis and the universality of salvation/healing brought by Christ as New Being. From an anthropocentric; perspective, for Tillich, human being is not only in the nature but also above the nature. The transcendence of humanity vis-à-vis nature is manifested in human culture, technological culture and historical process. The ambiguity of all these things activated by humanity points to the healing and salvation of theonomy under the symbol of Spiritual Presence and Kingdom of God. This thesis concludes with the suggestion that the vision of multidimensional unity of life, ecological ontology of love and the priesthood of the universe are the main themes of Tillich's ecological thought that integrates ecocentrism and anthropocentricism in a creative way and overcomes some of their respective shortcomings. Furthermore, the conclusion suggests that the dialogue between Tillich's ecological thought and Confucian idea of anthropocosmic vision of reality may provide a model of Chinese ecological theology.