Week 3 – Cobb Chapter 3

I thought the progression of Tillich’s views on theology and culture was really interesting. In particular, I noted this comment about Picasso’s Guernica:

…it shows the human situation without any cover. It shows what is now in the souls of many Americans as disruptiveness, existential doubt, emptiness and meaninglessness.

This recognition of “doubt” and “meaninglessness” is essentially what Tillich sees as the religious element of the painting. These traits are what make it a “primordial source of meaning.” I think this suggestion is significant because it so resembles some of the arguments made in the “high art vs pop culture” debate. That is, one argument for the validity of “high art” was the suggestion that it is more meaningful because it portrays both sides of reality, both good and bad (as opposed to pop culture which doesn’t strike this balance or overemphasizes the good). I think the parallel here is worthy of further reflection: is the presence of realism, or the authentic recognition of that which is corrupt/bad an element which provides meaning?