Theistic existentialism combines existentialist thought with belief in God. It emphasizes individual experience, faith, and personal responsibility. Unlike atheistic existentialism, it sees God as central to meaning and purpose.
This philosophy responds to the anxiety of human existence. It acknowledges suffering, doubt, and the need for authentic faith. Thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard and Gabriel Marcel shaped its core ideas.
Theistic existentialism challenges rigid religious dogma. It encourages a personal, lived relationship with God. Faith is not about certainty but trust in the face of uncertainty. This perspective offers a way to find meaning even in suffering and doubt.
What is Theistic Existentialism?
Defining Theistic Existentialism
Theistic existentialism is a philosophical approach that blends existentialist themes with belief in God. It emphasizes personal faith, individual experience, and the search for meaning within a theistic framework. Unlike traditional religious doctrines that stress objective truths, theistic existentialism focuses on subjective experience and personal encounters with the divine. It asserts that faith is a deeply personal choice rather than a set of fixed dogmas.
This philosophy recognizes human limitations, uncertainty, and suffering as essential aspects of existence. It teaches that individuals must confront these realities with personal responsibility and faith. Instead of relying on external proofs for God’s existence, theistic existentialism argues that faith is an act of commitment in the face of uncertainty.
Key Philosophers
Several influential thinkers have shaped theistic existentialism. While their ideas differ, they all explore the relationship between human existence, faith, and God. Each philosopher presents a unique approach to understanding the role of faith in an uncertain world.
- Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) – Considered the father of existentialism, Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of personal faith over institutionalized religion. He introduced the idea of the “leap of faith”, arguing that belief in God is not based on rational proof but on a deep, subjective commitment. He also explored the concept of the absurd, where human reason fails to grasp divine truth, requiring faith as the only path to meaning.
- Gabriel Marcel (1889–1973) – A French philosopher who focused on faith as a lived experience rather than an abstract belief. He emphasized personal relationships, love, and hope as ways to connect with God. Marcel rejected materialism and saw faith as deeply intertwined with human existence, advocating for a relational, participatory understanding of God rather than a detached, intellectual one.
- Karl Jaspers (1883–1969) – A German-Swiss philosopher who explored existential themes alongside transcendence. He introduced the concept of “boundary situations”, moments of crisis such as suffering and death, where individuals confront their limitations and search for meaning beyond themselves. Jaspers saw God as an ultimate reality that could not be fully grasped by human reason but encountered through philosophical reflection and personal experience. Read more about Karl Jaspers.
- Paul Tillich (1886–1965) – A German-American theologian who redefined traditional concepts of God. Tillich viewed God as the “ground of being”, meaning that God is not a separate entity but the foundation of all existence. He argued that faith is not about believing in doctrines but about one’s “ultimate concern”, the deepest commitment that gives life meaning. His existential theology sought to bridge religious belief with modern existentialist thought.
- Emmanuel Lévinas (1906–1995) – A Lithuanian-French philosopher who brought an ethical perspective to theistic existentialism. He focused on the encounter with the “Other”, arguing that our responsibility to others reveals a deeper transcendence beyond self-centered existence. For Lévinas, faith is found not in abstract speculation but in ethical responsibility and genuine human relationships, where the divine is encountered through love and justice.
Core Philosophical Concepts
Existence Precedes Essence
Theistic existentialism embraces the existentialist idea that individuals are not born with a predefined essence. Instead, they must shape their own identity through choices, actions, and personal experiences. However, unlike atheistic existentialism, which views this process as entirely self-directed, theistic existentialism holds that meaning is ultimately discovered in relation to God.
In traditional religious thought, humans are often seen as having a predetermined role assigned by divine will. Theistic existentialism challenges this by emphasizing that faith must be chosen freely. This choice is not based on absolute certainty but on trust in God despite ambiguity. Individuals must navigate their existence, seek purpose, and define their relationship with the divine through personal engagement. The search for meaning is deeply personal, requiring both self-exploration and openness to transcendence.
Faith and the Absurd
Faith in theistic existentialism is not based on logical proof or empirical evidence. Instead, it requires commitment in the face of paradox and uncertainty. Søren Kierkegaard introduced the concept of the “leap of faith”, arguing that belief in God is not the result of reason but an act of trust despite the absurdity of existence. Faith, in this view, is deeply personal and requires the individual to embrace the unknown.
A classic biblical example is Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God’s command. Rationally, the command seems contradictory—God promises descendants through Isaac, yet asks for his sacrifice. Abraham’s faith does not rely on logical reasoning but on trust in God’s higher purpose, even when it seems absurd. This highlights a core theme in theistic existentialism: faith is not about eliminating doubt but about committing to belief despite it. True faith emerges when individuals embrace the tension between human uncertainty and divine transcendence.
Freedom and Responsibility
Theistic existentialism affirms human free will, but it also insists that freedom comes with moral and spiritual responsibility. Unlike deterministic religious doctrines that may emphasize predestination, this philosophy teaches that individuals must take ownership of their choices. Every decision shapes their identity, relationships, and faith.
Freedom in this context is not merely the ability to make choices but the duty to choose authentically. Avoiding responsibility leads to self-deception and inauthenticity. Gabriel Marcel, for instance, argued that faith must be lived out through genuine engagement with others and with God. True faith is not passive belief but an active, responsible commitment.
In this framework, individuals cannot escape accountability by blaming fate, society, or divine will. Instead, they must confront moral dilemmas, make meaningful choices, and take responsibility for the consequences. Theistic existentialism insists that faith is more than abstract belief—it is lived out through ethical action, personal integrity, and a willingness to engage with life’s uncertainties.
The Role of God in Theistic Existentialism
The Personal God and Individual Experience
Theistic existentialism rejects an abstract, distant view of God. Instead, it emphasizes a deeply personal relationship between God and the individual. Faith is not about following rigid doctrines but about experiencing God in a personal and intimate way. This idea contrasts with institutionalized religion, which often prioritizes collective belief over individual spiritual experience.
Gabriel Marcel, for example, viewed faith as an encounter rather than an intellectual position. He argued that God is not a concept to be proven but a presence to be experienced. This means that faith is relational—it grows through engagement, reflection, and personal struggle rather than blind acceptance of religious teachings.
God as the Source of Meaning and Purpose
In theistic existentialism, God provides the foundation for meaning in life. Without God, human existence might seem random or purposeless. Unlike atheistic existentialists, who argue that meaning must be self-created, theistic existentialists believe that meaning is discovered through faith and connection with the divine.
However, this does not mean that meaning is imposed. Instead, individuals must seek and embrace it through their choices. Karl Jaspers spoke of “boundary situations”—moments of crisis or deep reflection where individuals confront their limits and recognize their dependence on something greater than themselves. In these moments, many turn to God as the ultimate source of meaning.
Faith in the Face of Uncertainty
Faith in theistic existentialism is not about absolute certainty. Instead, it acknowledges doubt, struggle, and uncertainty as essential aspects of belief. Søren Kierkegaard argued that true faith exists precisely because of uncertainty—if God’s existence were undeniably proven, faith would no longer be necessary.
This perspective encourages believers to embrace faith despite unanswered questions. Paul Tillich referred to this as “the courage to be”—the willingness to trust in God even when life feels uncertain or chaotic. Faith, in this view, is an ongoing journey, not a final destination.
The Problem of Suffering and Existence
The Paradox of Suffering in a Theistic Worldview
Theistic existentialism grapples with the tension between belief in a loving God and the reality of suffering. Traditional religious doctrines often attempt to justify suffering through theological explanations, such as divine testing or punishment. However, theistic existentialists focus on the human experience of suffering rather than abstract justifications.
Søren Kierkegaard and Gabriel Marcel emphasized that suffering is an unavoidable part of existence. Rather than viewing it as a logical problem to be solved, they saw it as a personal struggle that challenges faith. The paradox is that suffering can coexist with a belief in God, even when no clear explanation is available.
Suffering as a Path to Authentic Faith
Theistic existentialism teaches that suffering can lead to a deeper, more personal faith. Unlike a shallow or inherited belief system, faith that emerges from suffering is tested and authentic. This aligns with Kierkegaard’s view that true faith requires personal struggle and uncertainty.
Gabriel Marcel argued that suffering, when approached with openness, can deepen one’s connection with God and others. Instead of leading to despair, it can foster a greater sense of empathy, humility, and reliance on God. The believer must choose how to respond to suffering—either by rejecting faith or by using it as an opportunity for growth.
Finding Meaning in Pain and Adversity
Suffering can serve as a catalyst for meaning rather than an obstacle to faith. Paul Tillich described this as “the depth dimension” of human existence—the idea that pain forces individuals to confront ultimate concerns and search for deeper meaning.
Emmanuel Lévinas introduced the ethical dimension of suffering, emphasizing that hardship can lead to greater responsibility toward others. By enduring pain, individuals can develop a greater sense of compassion and purpose. In this way, suffering is not meaningless; it becomes an opportunity for personal transformation and a deeper understanding of faith.
Comparison with Atheistic Existentialism
Theistic existentialism and atheistic existentialism share common themes, such as personal responsibility, freedom, and the search for meaning. However, they differ in their fundamental views on God, faith, and the source of meaning in life. Below is a comprehensive comparison of the two perspectives.
| Aspect | Theistic Existentialism | Atheistic Existentialism |
|---|---|---|
| Existence and Essence | Existence precedes essence, but meaning is found in God. | Existence precedes essence, and meaning must be self-created. |
| Role of God | God is central to existence and provides ultimate meaning. | God does not exist, and meaning must be derived from human experience. |
| Faith and Meaning | Faith in God is necessary to find true meaning in life. | Life has no inherent meaning, and individuals must create their own purpose. |
| Freedom and Responsibility | Humans are free but are responsible to God and moral values. | Humans are free and fully responsible for their own choices and ethics. |
| Suffering | Suffering has meaning and can lead to deeper faith. | Suffering is absurd but can be a catalyst for personal growth. |
| Ethics and Morality | Moral values come from God and must be discovered through faith. | Morality is subjective and determined by human reasoning. |
| Faith and the Absurd | Faith is required in the face of uncertainty and paradox. | The absurdity of life must be accepted without reliance on faith. |
| Key Thinkers | Søren Kierkegaard, Gabriel Marcel, Paul Tillich, Emmanuel Lévinas, Karl Jaspers. | Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Friedrich Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvoir. |
While both perspectives address human freedom and meaning, theistic existentialism finds purpose in God, whereas atheistic existentialism insists on creating meaning independently.
Closing Thoughts
Theistic existentialism presents a unique approach to faith, emphasizing personal experience, freedom, and the search for meaning in the presence of God. It rejects rigid religious structures in favor of an individual, deeply personal relationship with the divine.
This philosophy acknowledges doubt, suffering, and uncertainty as essential aspects of faith rather than obstacles to it. Thinkers like Kierkegaard, Marcel, and Tillich argue that true belief is not about certainty but about trust and commitment despite life’s struggles.