I remember when I first learned the word “existentialism” during my freshman year at Lee. I felt so knowledgable. I think I brought it up in at least ten different conversations that day just because I wanted people to know that I knew what it meant. I had arrived…at least in my mind. It just sounded important, so it must mean something deep.
I’m studying existential counseling styles in my class right now. It’s really interesting. At it’s core, I disagree with most of its major assumptions. I don’t think that we have to create meaning in our life. I don’t think that we give our own lives purpose. I don’t think that we are naturally oriented toward growth and purposeful living. I don’t think that death is final or something to cause anxiety. But, there is this element of existential philosophy that resonates with me, and I haven’t quite been able put my finger on it.
I went to see The Bucket List today. Excellent movie. In case you are deaf to most media and haven’t seen the previews, the basic idea of the movie is that there are two old men who are facing terminal cancer. The two of them, an unlikely pair, create this list of things that they want to do before they kick the bucket…thus, the bucket list. The entire movie revolves around the adventure of marking off different things from the list.
As I walked out of the theatre this afternoon, I couldn’t help but go back to the ideas that have been floating around my head about existential philosophy. I still don’t think that we have to create meaning out of nothing, but there is something to the idea that we have to choose meaning and purpose. Even in the movie, the men didn’t create meaning out of nothing. They looked for the meaning and purpose that was already in place, and their looming death was a motivator that brought clarity to real values. Yes, we have been created with the purpose of glorifying God and we have been given a specific purpose in doing His unique will for our lives. But, even if those things are a reality (which I believe with everything in me), there is still something important about realizing that life really is finite, and truly understanding that our time here is limited brings clarity to the meaning that God has already given us. Understanding death allows us to really cherish life, and I can resonate with that aspect of existential thought.
Obviously, there is so much more to these existentialist ideas. It’s implications are huge. It has paved the way for postmodern thought, and in general, Christians have either avoided it like the plague or bought into it completely. I ordered a book the other day written by an existentialist philosopher and theologian, so he takes a Christian stance on some of these ideas. It should be interesting. I’ll keep you posted as I read it.
Good post, Jenn. I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts. What book did you just order? We really should get together sometime…it’s crazy that you’re here in H’ville and I NEVER see you!
Ashley Smith
Hey Ashley – The book I just ordered is called The Courage To Be by Paul Tillich. He’s considered to be a part of the original big-wigs in existential thought…but also a reformed theologian. I’m interested to see how he manages to mesh those two things. We should definitely get together at some point – I would love to pick your brain about girls’ ministry stuff!
Wow… kinda interesting issue. I am goin to blog about it as well!!