So I recently had to write a paper in my Philosophy class debating the differences of Christianity and Existentialism and their perception of human nature. I find it ironic that this was one of the last focuses that I had on here, so I thought I would continue on. I would love your input on this breif essay. I am actually quite dissapointed in it, I still really need to sit down and write a good explanation of Existentialism so that people can better understand. So I hope you enjoy my short essay!
Christianity vs. Existentialsim
An in-depth look into their explanations of human nature
Ever since man could record his history, he has been grasping at understanding his existence. For centuries human beings have asked questions like: “what does it mean to be human”? “Are humans nothing more than a complex animal?” and “Are what is our role on the planet?” Many different viewpoints arose regarding this complex question two of which I will be contrasting. The first will Christianity and their ultimate answers compared and contrasted against what Existentialism has to say about the basic nature of humans.
First to fully understand the position that Christian’s have, we must go to the source i.e. the Bible. From the Bible we can begin to understand the basic accepted notions that Christians have regarding the world around them. Christians have the unique belief that they were made in the image of their creator. To quote the scriptures: ‘Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.".(Bible, Genesis 1:26) In the creation story we see that God created them in His image, but not only does He create them in His image He also gives them a purpose. “…and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air…” (Bible, Genesis 1:26) This is direct evidence of that purpose. Also, because we were created in the image of God, Christians believe that since God is immaterial and immortal, a part of every human being is immaterial and immortal. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (Bible, 2 Corinthians 4.16) This is describing the belief that the body is mortal whereas some inward part is immortal. Basically Christian’s believe that they were created in the image of a God who gave them purpose, as well as an immortal aspect of their existence.
Now to fully understand the Existential position we must realize that there is not just one source to focus on. Existentialists do not have a Bible per say, however they did have many influential philosophers, and their writings. One of which was Albert Camus. Camus held the position that the physical world was all that mattered, and that truth was subjective to the viewer. Therefore humans held no great role in the universe, and that human existence was based on the individual. In Camus’s “The Stranger” the main character Meursault has an interrogation with the magistrate that greatly explains this position: ‘“Do you wish,” he [the magistrate] asked indignantly, “my life to have no meaning?” Really I couldn’t see how my wishes came into it, and I told him as much.’ (Camus, 86) This shows how, according to existentialists, meaning is based on the human involved. We can also see through Meursault’s discussion with a chaplain later on in the book evidence of the belief that humans are nothing more than physical beings: ‘And his voice [the chaplains] was quite steady when he said: “Have you no hope at all? Do you really think that when you die you die outright, and nothing remains?” I [Meursault] said: “Yes.”’ (Camus, 147)
These two points of view contrast each other very openly. One, Christianity, holds the belief that there is a universal purpose whereas the other, Existentialism, holds onto the idea that humans derive their purpose and or meaning from themselves. Another point in contrast is an immortal aspect of human beings. According to Christians, human beings have an immortal, immaterial aspect to their existence whereas Existentialists hold the position that they are physical personas that will live out their lives until death after which there is nothing else.
It is hard to compare the two philosophical points yet there is one overwhelming point that both hold in common. Mankind does have a purpose; although Christianity derives their purpose from their creator and Existentialists derive their purpose from themselves. It cannot be denied that even in these two different worldviews, one idea exists; humans have a need for a meaning and purpose.
I personally am a Christian for many reasons; however in regards to human nature, I prefer the belief of an immaterial immortal aspect of my humanity. I would rather live my life under the belief that there is something more, and that we are all connected by one universal purpose rather than some individual based sense of purpose. I believe that Existentialism, although a very unique and fascinating philosophy, has one great error: it leads to a philosophical hedonism. We begin to practice whatever we feel to be right, however by doing that one could easily violate that other persons meaning or truth.
For centuries humanity has searched for the meaning of human existence. Several ideas have arisen two of which being Existentialism and Christianity. Both sought to explain what it was to be human. One is based on self, whereas the other is based on an immaterial immortal universal God. Human nature though is not an easy question to answer as both points of views have holes. Human’s more than likely will continue their quest to understand human nature, as long as humanity exists.
Works Cited
Genesis 1:26, 2 Corinthians 4:16. New International Version. Bible. Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984
Camus, Albert. The Stranger. New York: Vintage Books, 1954
