The Tension Between Sacrality and Beauty

An Analysis – Part 1

Abstract

This study examines the philosophical and theological foundations of the concept of analogy, with particular emphasis on the doctrine of analogia entis and its role in Christian metaphysics. Starting from Anzelm’s ontological argument and Paul Tillich’s interpretation of the correlation between subjectivity and objectivity, the paper explores the ontological structure of the human-divine relationship. It argues that the unity and tension between essence and existence constitute a fundamental framework for understanding created being in relation to God. The analysis traces the historical development of analogical thinking from Greek philosophy through Plato and Aristotle to its systematic formulation in the work of Thomas Aquinas. Special attention is given to the transition from mathematical proportion to metaphysical analogy, and to Aristotle’s pros hen structure as a precursor of later theological interpretations. By highlighting the limits of univocal and equivocal predication the study emphasizes the mediating function of analogical language in theological discourse. Furthermore, by analysing Erich Przywara’s dynamic interpretation of analogia entis the paper balances the concept of similarity and greater dissimilarity between Creator and creature. It also investigates the relationship between analogy and aesthetics, focusing on the problem of identity, representation, and transparency in concepts and images. The study concludes that analogy provides a coherent framework for articulating divine transcendence and immanence without collapsing their distinction.