Numinous

Numinous is a term used to describe the presence of a divine or spiritual power. It is often associated with feelings of awe, wonder, and reverence. The concept of the numinous is central to many religious and spiritual traditions and is a key element in the study of theology and philosophy of religion.

Etymology

The term "numinous" was coined by the German theologian Rudolf Otto in his 1917 book The Idea of the Holy. Otto used the term to describe the experience of the holy, which he characterized as a mysterium tremendum et fascinans—a mystery that is both terrifying and fascinating.

Characteristics

The numinous experience is often described as having several key characteristics:

• **Mysterium**: The sense of encountering something wholly other, beyond human comprehension.
• **Tremendum**: The feeling of awe and fear in the presence of the divine.
• **Fascinans**: The attraction and fascination that draws individuals towards the divine.

Numinous in Religion

The concept of the numinous is prevalent in many world religions. In Christianity, it is often associated with the presence of God and the experience of grace. In Hinduism, the numinous can be related to the experience of the divine in various forms, such as Brahman or Shiva. In Buddhism, the numinous may be experienced through the realization of nirvana or the presence of bodhisattvas.

Numinous in Literature and Art

The numinous has also been a significant theme in literature and art. Writers such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have explored numinous themes in their works. In visual art, the numinous is often depicted through the use of light, color, and symbolism to evoke a sense of the divine.

Related Concepts

• Sacred
• Holy
• Transcendence
• Immanence
• Mysticism
• Spirituality

See Also

• Rudolf Otto
• The Idea of the Holy
• Religious experience
• Awe
• Divine presence