Perplexity on John Macquarrie

John Macquarrie’s existentialist views are deeply rooted in his synthesis of existential philosophy, particularly the works of Martin Heidegger and Rudolf Bultmann, with Christian theology. His existentialism emphasizes human freedom, responsibility, authenticity, and the search for meaning within the framework of Christian faith.

Core Elements of Macquarrie’s Existentialism

1. Freedom and Responsibility:

• Macquarrie saw freedom as the defining characteristic of human existence, setting humans apart from other creatures. However, he argued that freedom is not merely the ability to make choices but a profound responsibility to live authentically according to one’s deepest values and commitments[1].
• He rejected determinism as nihilistic, emphasizing that human choices have real consequences and that individuals must take responsibility for their actions[1].

1. Authenticity:

• For Macquarrie, authenticity was central to living a meaningful life. It required a deep understanding of oneself and alignment with one’s core values, rather than superficial desires or societal expectations[1].
• Authenticity was tied to hope and transcendence, reflecting his belief in the ultimate significance of human existence despite challenges[1].

1. Anxiety and Human Existence:

• Anxiety, in Macquarrie’s view, was an inevitable part of human freedom and a recognition of life’s uncertainties and complexities. Rather than being purely negative, he saw anxiety as a force that could drive individuals to confront existential realities and live more fully[1].

1. God as “Holy Being”:

• Drawing on Heidegger’s ontology, Macquarrie described God not as a being among beings but as “Holy Being,” the ground of all existence. God is the source of “letting-be,” enabling freedom and creativity[3][5].
• This existential-ontological approach framed God as both transcendent and immanent, deeply involved in human history while remaining ultimate[3][5].

1. Salvation as a Journey:

• Macquarrie reinterpreted salvation through an existential lens. He viewed it not as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey toward fuller realization of “Being.” This process involves repentance, growth, and openness to divine grace throughout life[2][5].

1. Religion and Existential Meaning:

• Religion, for Macquarrie, was humanity’s response to the existential challenges of life—a way to grapple with mystery and find purpose in a seemingly meaningless world. He rejected blind faith or dogmatism, advocating for a thoughtful engagement with religious traditions[1][5].

1. Hope and Transcendence:

• Hope was a cornerstone of Macquarrie’s existentialism. He believed that despite life’s struggles, humans could find meaning through their relationship with God and their pursuit of authenticity[1][5].

Significance in Christian Theology

Macquarrie’s existentialism offered a framework for understanding Christian doctrines like grace, salvation, and repentance in ways that resonated with modern existential concerns. His work remains influential for those exploring the intersection of philosophy and theology, particularly in addressing questions about freedom, meaning, and the nature of God.

Citations:
[1] https://philonotes.com/2023/04/john-macquarries-existentialism
[2] https://www.christianhumanist.org/2016/07/reading-through-principles-of-christian-theology-part-9-chapters-14-15/
[3] https://thinkingreed.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/john-macquarrie-and-process-theology/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_existentialism
[5] https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2007/1-june/news/uk/the-revd-professor-john-macquarrie
[6] https://archive.org/details/studiesinchristi0000macq_z5j2
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Macquarrie
[8] https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1w6tfsj

Camak’s Understanding of Existentialist Christianity

Camak’s understanding of existentialist Christianity is presented most directly in his February 15, 2024, blog post titled “What is existentialist Christianity?”. He describes it as a way of engaging with Christianity that prioritizes lived experience and personal meaning-making, setting aside traditional theological formulas and the question of the supernatural.

Here are the key elements of Camak’s existentialist Christianity:

• Emphasis on Lived Experience: Existentialist Christianity is about “looking at the life of Christ (which is an embodiment of His teaching) as a framework for living…for orienting oneself in this world that many of us feel thrown into without our prior consent”. This focus on the practical application of Christ’s teachings to everyday life aligns with existentialism’s concern for individual experience and authenticity. Camak suggests that the Rosary is a valuable practice for engaging with this concept, as it encourages meditation on the concrete events of Christ’s life.
• Confronting Meaninglessness and Suffering: Existentialist Christianity acknowledges “the apparent meaninglessness of life” and the various internal and external forces that threaten to rob individuals of their freedom and humanity. It recognizes that “life already is hell” and seeks to help individuals cope with this reality. Camak suggests that suffering is an inherent part of the human experience and that Christianity provides a framework for understanding and navigating this suffering.
• Seeking Internal Freedom: Existentialist Christianity aims to liberate individuals from the constraints of external authority and internal anxieties. Camak emphasizes the importance of finding “internal freedom from unjust/corrupt external authority”, including religious authority. This aligns with existentialism’s emphasis on individual autonomy and responsibility.
• Setting Aside Theological Formulas: Camak advocates for a “clearing away” of theological formulas and abstractions. He suggests that focusing too heavily on intellectual debates and interpretations can distract from the core message of Christianity, particularly for those exploring the faith. This aligns with existentialism’s emphasis on lived experience over abstract systems of thought.
• Focusing on the Life and Death of Jesus: The central focus of Camak’s existentialist Christianity is the life and death of Jesus. He sees the crucifixion as a pivotal event that reveals the nature of God and the human condition. Camak emphasizes the brutality and violence of the crucifixion, rejecting sanitized or sentimentalized interpretations. He also stresses the importance of the resurrection as a symbol of hope and the possibility of transformation.
• Accepting Brokenness and Hypocrisy: Camak acknowledges the pervasive brokenness and hypocrisy within Christianity, particularly within the context of American Christianity. He calls for honesty and self-awareness, urging Christians to confront their own failings and resist the temptation to present a polished or idealized image of faith.

Overall, Camak’s understanding of existentialist Christianity is a call to engage with the Christian faith in a way that is personally meaningful, authentic, and grounded in the realities of human experience. It emphasizes the importance of wrestling with existential questions, confronting suffering, seeking internal freedom, and finding meaning in the life and death of Jesus, all while remaining aware of the inherent brokenness within oneself and the Christian tradition.