Theological existentialism is a branch of existentialist philosophy that integrates religious faith with human existence. It explores the struggle between belief and doubt, emphasizing personal responsibility in a world filled with uncertainty. Unlike secular existentialism, it does not reject the idea of God but instead seeks meaning through faith.
Thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard argued that faith requires a personal leap beyond reason. Others, like Paul Tillich, connected existential anxiety with spiritual longing. This philosophy addresses deep human concerns such as freedom, alienation, and the search for meaning. It challenges individuals to confront life’s uncertainties through faith and personal choice.
What is Theological Existentialism?
Definition
Theological existentialism is a philosophical approach that combines existentialist thought with religious belief. It argues that human existence is filled with anxiety, doubt, and uncertainty, but faith provides a way to confront these struggles. Instead of relying on objective proof of God’s existence, it emphasizes personal commitment and the “leap of faith” as essential to true belief.
This philosophy views faith as deeply subjective, requiring individuals to confront their own limitations and embrace the unknown. It does not seek to rationally explain God but instead acknowledges that belief often exists beyond reason. Theological existentialists argue that true faith is not about certainty but about choosing to believe despite uncertainty.
Key Thinkers of Theological Existentialism
Several philosophers have shaped theological existentialism. Each contributed unique perspectives on faith, doubt, and human existence.
- Søren Kierkegaard – Considered the father of theological existentialism, he introduced the idea of the “leap of faith” and emphasized subjective truth in religious belief.
- Paul Tillich – Connected existentialist themes with Christian theology, arguing that faith involves both doubt and courage.
- Karl Barth – Rejected rational proofs of God’s existence, emphasizing revelation and faith as the foundation of belief.
- Martin Heidegger – Though not explicitly religious, his ideas on being and existential anxiety influenced theological existentialist thought. Read more about Martin Heidegger.
Core Concepts of Theological Existentialism
#1. The Leap of Faith
The leap of faith is central to theological existentialism, particularly in Søren Kierkegaard’s work. He argued that reason alone cannot fully grasp the divine. Faith requires an individual to move beyond logic and make a personal commitment to God. This leap is not based on evidence but on trust, making it an act of existential courage. Kierkegaard contrasted this with “objective” faith, which relies on external proofs rather than personal conviction.
For theological existentialists, this leap is necessary because human existence is filled with doubt and uncertainty. There are no guarantees of divine truth through reason alone. Faith, then, is not about eliminating doubt but embracing it and choosing to believe despite uncertainty. This concept challenges believers to take responsibility for their faith rather than passively accepting religious doctrines.
#2. Existential Anxiety (Angst)
Existential anxiety, or angst, is a key theme in both secular and theological existentialism. It refers to the deep unease that arises when individuals confront their own limitations, freedom, and the uncertainty of existence. Theological existentialists see this anxiety as a sign of spiritual longing. Paul Tillich described it as the “anxiety of meaninglessness,” a fear that life lacks purpose unless connected to something greater.
This anxiety often leads to a crisis of faith. Believers may struggle with doubts about God’s existence, the afterlife, or the reliability of religious teachings. However, theological existentialism does not view doubt as a weakness. Instead, it considers doubt an essential part of faith. Facing this anxiety honestly can lead to deeper spiritual commitment and a more authentic relationship with God.
#3. Faith and Doubt
Faith and doubt are not opposites in theological existentialism but rather interconnected. Unlike traditional religious views that see doubt as a failure of belief, existentialist thinkers like Kierkegaard and Tillich argue that doubt is an essential part of genuine faith. True faith is not about certainty but about believing despite uncertainty.
This perspective challenges dogmatic religious traditions that demand unquestioning belief. Instead, it emphasizes personal engagement with faith. By struggling with doubt, individuals take an active role in their belief system rather than passively accepting doctrines. This approach makes faith more personal and meaningful, as it requires constant reflection and reaffirmation.
#4. Freedom and Responsibility
Theological existentialism teaches that humans are radically free but also responsible for how they use that freedom. This idea, influenced by existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger, challenges deterministic religious views that see human actions as entirely controlled by divine will. Kierkegaard and Tillich argue that faith itself is a choice, not something imposed by external forces.
With freedom comes responsibility. A person cannot blame fate, society, or even God for their actions. They must take ownership of their moral and spiritual decisions. This responsibility extends to faith, meaning individuals must actively engage with their beliefs rather than merely follow religious traditions without question.
#5. Authenticity
Authenticity is a major theme in existentialist thought, including its theological branch. It refers to living in a way that aligns with one’s true beliefs and values rather than conforming to societal or religious expectations. Kierkegaard criticized “Christendom”—the institutionalized church—for promoting empty rituals instead of genuine faith.
For theological existentialists, authentic faith means personally engaging with religious beliefs, not merely following traditions out of habit. This authenticity requires self-reflection and honesty, even when it leads to uncomfortable questions. Living authentically also means embracing doubt and uncertainty rather than suppressing them in favor of blind faith.
#6. Alienation
Alienation is the feeling of being disconnected from oneself, others, or God. In theological existentialism, this concept has both spiritual and existential dimensions. Kierkegaard spoke of the “sickness unto death,” a state of despair caused by a lack of true self-awareness and relationship with God. Karl Barth also explored alienation in terms of humanity’s separation from God due to sin.
This alienation is not just about feeling distant from God but also about the struggle to find meaning in a world that often seems indifferent. Theological existentialists argue that faith can bridge this gap, offering a sense of connection and purpose. However, this process requires individuals to confront their alienation honestly rather than seeking superficial comforts.
#7. The Absurd
The absurd refers to the apparent contradiction between human desire for meaning and the universe’s silence. This theme is more common in secular existentialism, particularly in the works of Albert Camus. However, theological existentialists also engage with the absurd, arguing that faith provides a response to it.
Kierkegaard saw faith as embracing the absurd—believing in something beyond reason. He famously discussed the biblical story of Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac despite the act seeming irrational. For Kierkegaard, this was the ultimate demonstration of faith: trusting in God even when it defied human logic.
#8. The Search for Meaning
Theological existentialism sees the search for meaning as a defining aspect of human existence. While secular existentialists like Sartre and Camus argue that individuals must create their own meaning in an indifferent universe, theological existentialists believe meaning is found through faith.
Paul Tillich argued that humans have an “ultimate concern”—a deep need for purpose that only faith can fulfill. Without it, people experience existential despair. This search is not about blindly accepting religious doctrine but about personally engaging with faith in a way that brings genuine meaning.
#9. God and the Human Condition
The relationship between God and the human condition is a major focus of theological existentialism. Unlike traditional theology, which often portrays God as a distant ruler, existentialist theology presents a more personal, interactive relationship. Kierkegaard emphasized that God is not just an abstract concept but a presence that individuals must personally encounter.
This view highlights the tension between divine transcendence (God being beyond human comprehension) and immanence (God being present in human experience). Theological existentialists argue that faith bridges this gap, allowing individuals to connect with God in a deeply personal way. This connection is not based on dogma but on lived experience.
#10. Finitude and Eternity
Finitude refers to human limitations—our mortality, weaknesses, and inability to grasp the full nature of existence. Theological existentialism contrasts this with eternity, representing God and ultimate reality. Humans exist between these two dimensions, struggling with their finite nature while longing for something beyond.
Kierkegaard described this tension as the foundation of faith. Faith acknowledges human limitations while reaching toward the eternal. Paul Tillich similarly argued that accepting one’s finitude is necessary for authentic belief. Instead of denying mortality or seeking absolute certainty, theological existentialists encourage believers to embrace their limits and find meaning in faith despite them.
Theological Existentialism vs. Secular Existentialism
Theological existentialism and secular existentialism share key themes, such as anxiety, freedom, and authenticity. However, they differ in their conclusions about meaning, faith, and the role of God. Theological existentialism sees faith as the answer to existential struggles, while secular existentialism argues that meaning must be created without reliance on the divine.
The table below outlines their main differences:
| Aspect | Theological Existentialism | Secular Existentialism |
|---|---|---|
| View on God | Belief in a personal God who gives meaning to life. | Rejects or remains agnostic about God’s existence. |
| Faith and Doubt | Faith is necessary and exists alongside doubt. | Faith in God is unnecessary; focus on human autonomy. |
| Source of Meaning | Meaning is found through a relationship with God. | Meaning is created by individuals in a godless world. |
| Freedom and Responsibility | Freedom is given by God, but comes with moral responsibility. | Humans are radically free but must define their own ethics. |
| Authenticity | Living authentically means engaging deeply with faith. | Authenticity comes from embracing one’s own choices. |
| The Absurd | Faith allows people to transcend the absurd. | The absurd must be confronted without supernatural solutions. |
| View on Death | Death is a passage to eternity with God. | Death is the end; life’s meaning is shaped before it. |
| Human Condition | Humans are finite but seek connection with the infinite. | Humans must accept their limitations without divine aid. |
These differences highlight the fundamental divide: theological existentialists believe faith answers existential questions, while secular existentialists argue that humans must create their own meaning in an indifferent universe.
Closing Thoughts
Theological existentialism bridges faith and existentialist thought, emphasizing the necessity of belief in God to find meaning in human existence. Thinkers like Kierkegaard and Tillich argue that faith is not just a doctrine but a deeply personal commitment that helps individuals navigate anxiety, doubt, and the absurd.
In contrast to secular existentialism, which denies or ignores divine influence, theological existentialism insists that true authenticity comes from embracing one’s relationship with God. By wrestling with doubt, accepting freedom, and seeking meaning beyond the finite, it offers a path to understanding the human condition through faith.