How did Gabriel Marcel’s theistic existentialism differ from atheistic forms of existentialism?

Gabriel Marcel’s theistic existentialism is distinguished from atheistic forms of existentialism primarily by its orientation toward a transcendent reality and the experiential nature of religious belief.12

While atheistic existentialists, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, often emphasize human autonomy in a godless universe, Marcel’s philosophy is rooted in the conviction that human existence is a gift, implying the presence of a "gift-giver" or an "Absolute Thou". Marcel argued that profound human experiences—such as hope, fidelity, and intersubjective relations—are best understood as commitments to this transcendent reality.12

Key differences include:

• Transcendence vs. Immanence: Marcel viewed human life as a response to an infinite Being, whereas atheistic existentialism typically rejects such transcendence, focusing instead on the individual's self-creation.12
• Experiential Belief: Marcel remained skeptical of intellectual arguments or metaphysical proofs for the existence of God, believing they preclude the actual experience of the divine.1
• The Nature of the Person: Marcel emphasized the "thou" in human relationships, viewing the individual as a creature of God, which contrasts with the atheistic focus on the isolated, autonomous subject.13