Rudolf Otto

German theologian and a pioneer in the phenomenology of religion. Otto was the author of several books including "The Perception of the Holy Spirit by Luther," 1898, "Mysticism East and West," 1932, and "The Kingdom of God and Son of Man," 1938.

Born in the town of Peine, Otto’s father owned a malt factory; however, in 1882, the family moved to Hildesheim where his father died. When he was 12 years old, he entered the Gymnasium Andreanum, and in May 1888, he enrolled at the University of Erlangen, ready to embark upon a study of theology. While he spent one semester at the University of Göttingen, a more liberal institution, he returned to Erlangen, and in 1892, he passed his first theological examination. Three years later, he passed his second exam and was awarded the degree of Licentiate of Theology, the equivalent of a Ph.D.

For the next eight years, Otto worked as an instructor and lecturer. In 1906, he was promoted to associate professor at Göttingen. He held the title of professor of systematic theology at Breslau in 1915 and Marburg in 1917. From 1913-18, he was a member of the Prussian Parliament, and in 1918, he was a member of the Constituent Chamber where he was a liberal and progressive influence. He founded and led the organization, "The Religious League of Humanity," which strived to bring justice between nations through moral and religious means. He took an extended journey to North Africa and Asia between 1911-12, and in 1927-27, he toured Asia and the Middle East.

As an adult, Otto was often sick. In March 1929, he took an early retirement, stating he was in poor health. In 1936, he fell from a tower at Stauffenberg near Marburg, in what may have been a suicide attempt. He contracted pneumonia during his recovery and died in Hamburg on 6 March 1937.