The phenomenology of religion as a dialogue of theology, religious studies and philosophy

The article discusses the issue of the position of the phenomenology of religion in relation to theology, religious studies and philosophy. To answer it, the author turns to the legacy of Rudolf Otto, the most famous classical phenomenologist, in order to demonstrate how the dialogue of theology, religious studies and philosophy was realized in his work. First, the philosophical component of his work is analyzed, it is shown that Otto combined two philosophical theories: the concept of the aesthetic judgment ability of I. Kant and the idea of the innate religious cognitive ability of knowledge (Ahndung) by J. F. Frieza. Otto synthesized his theory from them and substantiated the possibility of the existence of a priori forms of religious knowledge. Further, the theological component of Otto’s work is examined and its historical context is established: the penetration of Eastern religions into the West and the formation of theological Protestant circles in Germany. Then the religious component is analyzed, in particular, Otto’s attitude to the conception of F. Schleiermacher. Based on the example of W. Wundt’s conception, Otto’s criticism of religious reductionism is shown. The conclusion demonstrates how Otto synthesized his theological, philosophical and religious ideas into a single system, and provides an answer to the question of what Otto meant by the theological approach to the study of religion.