Is Complex Life Inevitable in the Universe?

Just over fifty years ago, on October 22, 1965, Paul Tillich died, just days after having given his final public lecture. Consideration of the theological endeavor between then and now highlights how seminal his thought has been within the field of religion. In contemporary parlance, it could be said that in many ways today’s Academy is Tillich gone viral. On this panel, leading scholars address how Tillich’s ideas have contributed to their work in religion and science, theology and culture, theology and psychology, black liberation theology, feminist theology, ground of being theologies, and theology and world religions. The vibrancy of Tillich’s contribution to the constructive work of these scholars indicates the lasting nature of his influence on the field. A Q&A with the panelists and respondents (see below) follows. Panelists: Harvey Cox, Harvard University Robert Russell, Center for Theology and Natural Sciences, Berkeley, CA Pamela Cooper-White, Union Theological Seminary Willie J. Jennings, Yale University Respondents: Mary Ann Stenger, University of Louisville John Thatamanil, Union Theological Seminary Sharon Peebles Burch, Presiding This panel was recorded at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion on November 22.