Christian existentialism
Christian existentialism is a theo-philosophical movement which takes an existentialist approach to Christian theology. The school of thought is often traced back to the work of the Danish philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) who is widely regarded as the father of existentialism.
Christian existentialism is a theological and philosophical movement that applies existentialist principles to Christian theology, originating with Søren Kierkegaard. It emphasizes subjective faith and a personal, often anxious relationship with God, where meaning is found through individual choice and commitment rather than through objective certainty or rational proof. Key tenets include an emphasis on individual freedom, responsibility for one’s choices, the experience of “angst” or anxiety, and the necessity of a subjective “leap of faith” to truly connect with God.
Key Principles
Subjective Faith and the Leap of Faith: Christian existentialists, like Kierkegaard, believe that faith is not based on objective proof but on a deeply personal and subjective commitment to God, a “leap of faith” despite uncertainty or doubt.
Individual Freedom and Responsibility: The philosophy stresses the radical freedom of individuals to define themselves through their choices. This freedom, however, brings the heavy responsibility for one’s life and actions, which cannot be delegated.
Angst and Anxiety: Existentialists see anxiety (or angst) as a fundamental part of the human condition, resulting from the awareness of one’s freedom and the weight of making choices.
Personal and Subjective Experience of God: Rather than a rationally understandable or universally objective God, Christian existentialists focus on a God whose presence is known through personal, subjective experience.
Critique of Mainstream Religion: Christian existentialism often critiques mainstream Christianity for being profane, superficial, and relying on myths that provide comfort instead of confronting the harsh realities of existence.
Key Thinkers
Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855): The Danish philosopher and theologian who is widely considered the father of existentialism and the first Christian existentialist.
Gabriel Marcel: A French Catholic philosopher known for exploring the nuances of human existence and the “being-in-the-world”.
Christian vs. Atheistic Existentialism
While existentialism can be atheistic, Christian existentialism integrates the philosophical framework of existentialism into a theistic worldview. Atheistic existentialists, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, believe that existence precedes essence and that individuals must create their own meaning in a meaningless universe. In contrast, Christian existentialists find meaning and purpose through their relationship with a personal God, even while grappling with the anxieties of life and the subjectivity of faith.
Christian existentialism is a theo-philosophical movement that applies an existentialist approach to Christian theology, emphasizing the individual’s personal, subjective relationship with God and faith as a passionate act rather than a rational certainty. Rooted in the work of Søren Kierkegaard, this philosophy explores human freedom, responsibility, and angst in a modern world, offering a path toward faith through subjective experience and personal commitment rather than reliance on objective dogma or pure reason.
Key Principles
Subjective Faith:
God’s existence and purpose for the individual are not fully knowable through pure logic or objective interpretation but are discovered through personal, passionate faith and trust.
Personal Relationship with God:
Christian existentialism stresses a direct and intimate relationship with a personal God, emphasizing that external authorities like priests cannot dictate one’s divine purpose.
Freedom and Responsibility:
Humans are inherently free and responsible for their own choices, a weight that leads to anxiety and existential angst. This freedom, however, is a gift from God, not a product of a meaningless universe.
Passion Over Reason:
Faith is considered the highest passion, a way of living that requires action and commitment rather than being reduced to a set of logical propositions.
The “Knight of Faith”:
Kierkegaard’s concept of the “Knight of Faith” represents an individual who has successfully integrated their faith, ethics, and aesthetic life, resolving existential tensions through profound personal commitment and action.
Key Figures
Søren Kierkegaard:
The “Father of Existentialism,” who was a devout Christian and argued that faith is a personal, passionate, and subjective leap of will.
A significant proponent of Christian existentialism who explored themes of meaning, anxiety, and the human need for a God beyond rational understanding.
Contrast with Atheistic Existentialism
While atheist existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus assert the world’s objective meaninglessness and a universe devoid of God, Christian existentialists posit a belief in a transcendent God who imbues existence with ultimate, albeit subjectively experienced, purpose.