How Does Existentialism Conflict With Biblical Christianity?

Existentialism’s Origins and Atheistic Roots

Existentialism began to take shape in the mid-20th century, largely as an atheistic movement. Figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus advocated a worldview that focused on the individual, emphasizing personal freedom, subjectivity, and the notion that life itself is essentially absurd. These atheistic philosophers proposed that, in a universe without God, individuals must create their own meaning and values in a world devoid of inherent purpose.

In contrast, the Bible makes it clear that human beings are not left to invent their own meaning in life. The Scriptures teach that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, having made humanity with a specific purpose: to know and worship Him (Isaiah 43:7). The Bible begins with the fundamental assertion, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1), establishing that the universe has a divine origin and purpose. This starting point directly opposes existentialism's premise that existence precedes essence, meaning that human beings must define their own nature and purpose apart from God.

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The Influence of Existentialism on Theology

Although existentialism is often associated with atheistic philosophers, its influence extended into the theological realm, notably impacting neo-orthodox theology. Karl Barth, Emil Brunner, and Rudolf Bultmann were prominent figures who incorporated existentialist ideas into their theological frameworks. Barth, for instance, emphasized personal encounters with God but also held that the Bible is a fallible human document. This view undermines the biblical doctrine of inspiration, which affirms that "all Scripture is breathed out by God" (2 Timothy 3:16), and thus authoritative and trustworthy.

Bultmann took the existentialist impulse further, advocating for the "demythologization" of the Bible. He sought to strip away what he viewed as the supernatural elements of Scripture, such as miracles, to reach the existential core of the Christian message. However, this approach stands in direct opposition to the teaching of Scripture itself, where the miraculous is an integral aspect of God's interaction with humanity. The resurrection of Christ, for example, is not merely a metaphor or myth but a historical event that is central to the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:17). If Christ did not rise from the dead, Paul explains, "your faith is futile."

The Individual Versus the Objective Truth

At the core of existentialism is the emphasis on subjectivity and individual experience over objective truth. Sartre's famous declaration that "existence precedes essence" encapsulates the existentialist belief that humans are not born with any inherent nature or purpose; rather, they must create their own identity through their choices. The individual becomes the sole arbiter of meaning and truth, free from external authorities or moral absolutes.

This radical subjectivity stands in sharp contrast to the Bible's view of truth. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). The Bible presents an objective reality grounded in the character of God, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Truth is not something that individuals invent or create; it is revealed by God and is binding on all people.

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The Rejection of Absolute Freedom

Another key tenet of existentialism is the belief in radical human freedom. Sartre argued that individuals are "condemned to be free," meaning that they are responsible for creating their own values and must bear the weight of that responsibility. Sartre and Camus recognized that this freedom could lead to a sense of absurdity and despair, as there is no ultimate purpose or meaning to existence in an atheistic framework.

However, the Bible teaches that true freedom is found not in the absence of divine authority but in submission to God. Jesus said, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). Far from being a burden, obedience to God's commandments brings life and peace (Psalm 119:165). Human beings are not autonomous creatures left to determine their own moral compass; they are accountable to their Creator, who has established moral absolutes.

Paul reinforces this truth in Romans 6, where he explains that people are either "slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness" (Romans 6:16). Existentialism’s emphasis on unrestricted freedom is ultimately a deception, for true freedom can only be found in Christ, who liberates people from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:22).

Existentialism’s Incompatibility with Biblical Anthropology

Existentialists view human beings as mere animals who possess the unique ability to choose. For them, man has no essential identity beyond the choices he makes; he is simply a collection of experiences and decisions. This view dehumanizes people, reducing them to their functions or to mere objects of study. Sartre argued that humans are not defined by any essence or nature, but only by their actions.

The Bible, on the other hand, teaches that humanity is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This biblical doctrine establishes the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. People are not defined by what they do or achieve but by their relationship with their Creator. Moreover, humans are not isolated individuals who exist in a vacuum; they are relational beings made for community with God and others. The existentialist view that the "self" is isolated and autonomous undermines the biblical teaching that we are called to live in fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7).

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The Futility of Meaning Without God

One of the most profound contradictions in atheistic existentialism is its acknowledgment of life’s absurdity. Sartre and Camus recognized that without God, there is no ultimate meaning, value, or purpose. Camus famously stated, "The only serious philosophical question is whether to commit suicide." This bleak outlook underscores the despair that often accompanies the rejection of God.

In stark contrast, the Bible proclaims that life has profound meaning and purpose because it is rooted in God's plan. Solomon, after exploring the futility of life "under the sun," concludes that the only true meaning comes from fearing God and keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). For Christians, the meaning of life is found in loving God and serving Him. As Paul declared, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

The existentialist's quest for authenticity and meaning is ultimately doomed in an atheistic framework because it denies the only source of true meaning—God Himself. While existentialists may strive for authenticity through their choices, the Bible teaches that true fulfillment is found in knowing and serving the living God. Jesus promised, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). The abundant life that Christ offers is not one of despair or futility but one filled with purpose and hope.

The Failure of Existentialism’s Embrace of Irrationality

Existentialists often embrace irrationality as a means of avoiding the constraints of logic and reason. Sartre, for instance, rejected the idea that there is any rational structure to life, calling existence itself absurd. However, this rejection of reason is self-defeating. Even existentialists, in articulating their philosophy, rely on logical argumentation to make their case. The Bible teaches that God is the source of all wisdom and reason. "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6). God created a world that operates according to logical principles, and He expects His people to engage their minds in the pursuit of truth (Matthew 22:37).

The apostle Paul warns against philosophies that are based on human traditions and empty deceit rather than on Christ (Colossians 2:8). Existentialism, with its emphasis on subjectivity and irrationality, is a clear example of such a philosophy. While existentialists may seek to escape the rational structure of life, the Bible teaches that truth is knowable, and it is found in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24).

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The Danger of Mistaking Subjective Experience for True Faith

One of the major problems with existentialism, especially in its theistic forms, is the emphasis on subjective experience over objective truth. For Kierkegaard, faith was a "leap" into the unknown, where personal encounter with God was prioritized over doctrinal certainty. While Kierkegaard’s emphasis on the personal nature of faith resonates with the Christian belief in a personal relationship with God, it can easily lead to a mysticism that detaches faith from the truths revealed in Scripture.

The Bible emphasizes that faith is not based on a blind leap but on the revealed Word of God. Paul wrote, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). While personal experience is certainly important in the life of a believer, it must be grounded in the objective truth of God's Word. The Scriptures provide the foundation upon which our faith rests, and they are "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

The subjective nature of existentialism also opens the door to deception. Without objective standards, how can one know whether an experience is from God or from another source? The Bible warns that "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14), and thus believers are called to test all things against the truth of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Faith must always be rooted in the truth of God's revelation, not in fleeting feelings or experiences.

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Conclusion: The Incompatibility of Existentialism and Biblical Christianity

At its core, existentialism is fundamentally incompatible with the biblical worldview. While it may attempt to address some of the human condition's dilemmas—such as freedom, authenticity, and meaning—it does so from a foundation that denies the God of the Bible. Whether in its atheistic or theistic forms, existentialism elevates human autonomy and subjectivity at the expense of God's sovereign will and His revealed truth. Christianity, on the other hand, affirms that meaning, purpose, and truth are found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).