höetic

Höetic is a term derived from the Greek word *hoētikos*, meaning "pertaining to sacrifice" or "relating to offerings." It is primarily associated with the work of philosopher and theologian **Paul Tillich**, who introduced the concept in his 1951 book *Systematic Theology*. Tillich used the term to describe a fundamental human attitude toward the ultimate, transcendent reality—an orientation that involves both a sense of awe and a willingness to offer oneself in response to the divine or the sacred.

In Tillich’s framework, höetic refers to the way humans relate to the "Being" that lies beyond their finite existence. Unlike *theistic* (belief in a personal God) or *atheistic* (denial of such a being) perspectives, höetic is more existential and less dogmatic. It suggests that human beings inherently seek to transcend their own limitations, often through rituals, art, ethics, or spiritual practices, even if they do not explicitly affirm a traditional deity.

The concept emphasizes the dynamic and open-ended nature of religious experience, allowing for diverse interpretations without requiring a fixed belief system. Tillich argued that höetic attitudes are universal, appearing in various forms across cultures, from ancient sacrificial traditions to modern philosophical and artistic expressions of reverence.

Critics and scholars have debated the usefulness of the term, as it can sometimes blur distinctions between religious and non-religious forms of transcendence. Nonetheless, höetic remains a significant contribution to discussions on the philosophy of religion, particularly in exploring how humans engage with the ultimate meaning of existence.