Radical Religiousity of Erich

Fromm
Ken Y. Marcaida

Abstract: The concept of religion according to Erich Fromm rests on

his interpretation about the Old Testament and its traditions which
aims to create a humanistic approach towards this world. Man, as he
is created in Gods image and likeness, has the capability to
become like God himself. When the serpent told Adam and Eve eritis
sicut dei you shall be as gods, Man ate from the tree of knowledge
that would make him become like God. To prevent this from
happening, God expelled Man from paradise thus giving birth to
mans freedom and individuality. Fromm believes that the aim of
human life is imitation dei which means the imitation of God. Man has
the capability to create this world to become like the paradise which
he is longing for because he can become like God. Through his
concept of prophetic messianism, he explains this new harmony, the
new oneness with man and nature, wherein man is not
predetermined by God but rather through mans own effort. Man has
the free will to create his own individuality, his own volition would
determine his life, and he can choose to do good or evil. However, In
order to build a better world, Man has the choice to follow and imitate
Gods action. And this can be done through reason, faith, and love.