Reason and Religion

Reason and Religion

Theological Approach to Understanding God in Marcel’s Philosophy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohammad Hadi Taleb Najafabadi 1
Mahdi Monfared 2
1 PhD candidate of Comparative Philosophy, University of Qom, (Corresponding author),
2 Associate professor, Department of Philosophy and Theology, University of Qom,
Abstract
Philosophical perspectives play an important role in our approach to theological issues. Gabriel Marcel's philosophy contains specific theological viewpoints that can offer a new perspective on understanding God. The foundations of Marcel's philosophy are based on three principles: "being and having," "primary and secondary reflection," and "mystery and problem." This text, through a descriptive-analytical approach, demonstrates that Marcel's theology moves away from rational and logical methods and leans toward fideism. In Marcel's view, the knowledge of God is personal and relative, and understanding is exclusively possible through secondary reflection and participation in the mystery of existence. According to him, such knowledge is limited and cannot surpass its limitations; therefore, there is no ultimate understanding of Him. Although Marcel's perspective yields relatively positive outcomes, such as "emphasis on an existential relationship with God" and "the impossibility of knowing the essence of God's nature," it also faces significant challenges, such as "considering the existence of God as unprovable" and "the ambiguity and remoteness of participation."
Keywords
Gabriel Marcel
knowledge of God
mystery
secondary reflection
fideism

Subjects

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