Existentialism

[jmothecat]

Hi, im new here and i have a few questions about religion, and in particular Christianity. I would like to know whether "real" christians can be existentialists.

I am wondering this as i have heard Christians claiming that "real christians" cannot be existentialists, and i have also heard christians claim they can.

Thanks for your time, and any help you may give me on this issue.

 

[Calminian]

Hi, im new here and i have a few questions about religion, and in particular Christianity. I would like to know whether "real" christians can be existentialists.

I am wondering this as i have heard Christians claiming that "real christians" cannot be existentialists, and i have also heard christians claim they can.

Thanks for your time, and any help you may give me on this issue.

Existentialists can differ on many points. Generally they are not christians, but tell us specifically about your beliefs and then perhaps we can help you with which ones are incompatible with christianity.

 

[039]

Existenialism encourages subjectivity. Christianity says there is truth, and only one way. It doesn't quite match up that well.

 

[soulsearching1]

I could get into a whole diatribe on modern/postmodern philosophy and theory, and how it may or may not line up with Christianity. But that's enough work for an entire volume of books.

At the very least, exploring any of that stuff AND Christianity, certainly gives you a lot to think about.

Wikipedia has a pretty good overview (especially if you follow the links), which might help you answer some questions.

I find it amusing (not in a bad way)- you're 17? Seems like everyone does a unit on existentialism in high school

 

[jmothecat]

I could get into a whole diatribe on modern/postmodern philosophy and theory, and how it may or may not line up with Christianity. But that's enough work for an entire volume of books.

At the very least, exploring any of that stuff AND Christianity, certainly gives you a lot to think about.

Wikipedia has a pretty good overview (especially if you follow the links), which might help you answer some questions.

I find it amusing (not in a bad way)- you're 17? Seems like everyone does a unit on existentialism in high school

I got into existentialism through the philosophy of Martin Buber rather than school, though last year i delve into it a bit while assesing the Theory of Evolutions impact on Christianity.

I am agnostic, and am very interested in religion, however i find it hard to commit myself to one, and don't know whether i believe in god or not. I found Existentialism can help me, in some way or another, with that.

 

[039]

I got into existentialism through the philosophy of Martin Buber rather than school, though last year i delve into it a bit while assesing the Theory of Evolutions impact on Christianity.

I am agnostic, and am very interested in religion, however i find it hard to commit myself to one, and don't know whether i believe in god or not. I found Existentialism can help me, in some way or another, with that.

Respectfully, I don't think existentialism is a very good tool for such a matter as that. Religion is a very serious and life-consuming affair, if you use such a subjective philosophy, you might end up making a decision based on "what sounds best to you". I once practiced buddhism, looking back I realized it was because at the time, it sounded pleasurable and matched my calm, searching personality. Searching for the truth, though, shouldn't be like searching for clothing. Don't look for religions that "match" you, but rather look for those that have firm foundations. Ask lots of questions, be doubtful. Don't make the mistake alot of people, theist and atheist alike, do: don't stop and be "comfortable" with a certain viewpoint. Rather, always be searching for the truth.

And you shall find it. And God willing, it will set you free.

 

[jmothecat]

I wouldnt call myself an existentialist, just as i wouldn't call myself a religious believer in the conventional sence of the world. But i do feel that God is evident in inter human relationships, and parts of existentialism fit into this mind set.

Specifically Kierkeguard's belief.

 

[authiodionitist]

Existentialism and Christianity are not mutually exclusive. But this is not to say that they are mutually inclusive. Kierkegaard is an excellent starting point. In particular, read his Unscientific Postscripts and Concluding Unscientific Postscripts to begin.

 

[dvd_holc]

taken from dictionary.com:
"A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts."

Though humans are unique within the universe and each individual is unique within humanity, they deny the involvment of God more to the point make God if He exist hostile toward us, give incomplete answers to life, and boil responsibility down to the individual.

Rather, God says that He created us uniquely (cooperatively within a community and as an individual) to bear His image. God is the creator and master of the universe. That huge dynamic of life is in place to teach us of His glory and measures of strength and authority. We are not only responsibile to individuals, but back to the original creation and purpose that God created under His authority. Finally, God has a plan for creation that continues to be developed within creation. We begin as a baby asking why and we continue to do so maturing as the truth develops to a bigger and bigger beauty.