Rudolph Otto

Rudolph Otto was a German theologian and philosopher best known for his work on the concept of the "numinous," which refers to the profound, mystical experience of the divine. In his influential book "The Idea of the Holy," Otto described the numinous as an encounter that blends feelings of awe, fear, and fascination when confronted with something sacred. His ideas significantly shaped the study of religion, emphasizing that human experiences of the divine often transcend rational understanding. Otto's work highlights the emotional and experiential dimensions of spirituality, influencing both theology and the philosophy of religion.