Existentialism & Religion

Existentialism isn't necessarily atheist, either. Many people criticize this philosophy as "turning away from God". Without getting into detail about the nature of that statement, it should be pointed out that this isn't always the case. Some existentialists, such as Kierkegaard were religious themselves. Some of the more aethist of the group didn't abandon the concepts or value of theology, merely the importance of the specifics. An existentialist may still have religious beliefs, but does not rely on them. Consider this:

Let's compare the existentialist and the religious at the point when they are ready to leave home. Both may love their parents and have nothing but gratitude for the work they've done. The "religious", in this comparison" are the ones who visit their parents every weekend, and occasionally borrow money. The existentialists, however, are aware of the necessity of their independance. They may still visit their parents, but not with such routine or need. As British writer Anita Brookner put it:

Existentialism is about being a saint without God; being your own hero, without all the sanction and support of religion or society.

Some philosophers, such as Gabriel Marcel developed their own breed of existentialism within the confines of their religion. Marcel, specifically, focused on the human-universe relationship side of existentialism, but had the perspective of his Roman-Catholic faith.

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