What is Mormon Existentialism?

Existentialism has been defined as “the philosophical and cultural movement that holds that the starting point of philosophical thinking must be the individual and the experiences of the individual.” Alternatively, it is defined as the philosophical theory which holds that neither moral thinking (governed by the norms of the good and the right) nor scientific thinking (governed by the norm of truth) suffices to understand the human condition, and that a further set of categories, governed by the norm of authenticity, is necessary to grasp human existence. (Authenticity, in this context, is the degree to which one is true to one's own personality, spirit, or character.) 

"Mormon Existentialism” is the inverse of Existentialism and a personally based critique of it grounded in personal life experience and deeply pondering penetrative qualities by the fundamental principles and core beliefs of the LDS faith centered on the core reality that is Jesus Christ. 

These principles and core beliefs, when applied to an Existentialist context, may have an affective result of “Mormon Existentialist” value by its very nature. 

“Mormon Existentialism” affirms a starting point of thinking germane to the God of the universe. Further, it suggests that morality is an objective truth. Moral thinking and scientific thinking are not the lone path to truth- that is the essence and nature of the Spirit and this is the allowance for truth is to be realized. 

Authenticity is important, but what supersedes it is unity, specifically the eternal family. This philosophy advocates the idea that essence precedes existence as all lived as pre-mortal spirits. 

Meaning is the essence of life and is the result of free choices of *agency that build belief on truth in meaning. “Mormon Existentialists” support realism and have no patience for relativism. 

The nature of reality, ideas of temporality, mortality, purpose with reason, truth and eternity are some subjects explored by “Mormon Existentialism” in the context of the general state of existing. 

While Existentialism suffers from terminal angst in a perpetual crisis of existence, “Mormon Existentialism” offers a curative- the gospel of Jesus Christ thus effectuating purpose for being, reason for reality and happiness in this life and a fullness of joy through the eternities. 

Contradicting Kant’s proof of objective reality Nietzsche decided to make a myth of morality and introduced to the world nihilism, which was and continues to have a most ubiquitous impact subsequently and is the flavor of Existentialism. God never died in “Mormon Existentialism,” he was, is, and will always be. 

Another source is my own unique experience and over the future months of an untold duration, I would like to express this philosophical grounding in ways that have made a life of impossible odds one abounding in love, blessings, happiness and a completeness of gratitude for everything blessed upon us that is His doing. 

Although my life has been a frightful conflict of such incredible obstacles, I believe that my success and the rock that I stand on that is reality better known as the Gospel of Jesus Christ, unwavering and forever to endure, might provide answers, faith and hope for the many who suffer in so many ways who seek perspective and clarity. 

I hope to offer this through essential truths originating in the Gospel, manifest in my life, with triumphant success to let others know of these essential truths and also how the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has a fundamental nature to transform a life of impossibility to one of triumph- complete and whole.