Bergson Meets God. His philosophy in light of his life and spiritual conversion

Summary

Henri Bergson's philosophical development is closely linked to his gradual approach to Christianity and moral adherence to Catholicism. The article argues that his spiritual evolution and philosophical work progressed in tandem, highlighting the influence of Catholic mysticism on his faith journey. Despite being devout at the end of his life and expressing moral support for Catholicism in his will, Bergson ultimately did not convert. Understanding his philosophy requires recognizing the connection between his spirituality and intellectual pursuits.

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Abstract

This article examines Henri Bergson’s gradual approach to Christianity and his moral adherence to Catholicism in light of his philosophical development. It will argue that Bergson’s work and his spiritual evolution cannot be understood separately, but as advancing in parallel. The study adopts a hermeneutical methodology, drawing on Bergson’s major works, correspondence and testimonies of his contemporaries. It analyses the principal ideas in Bergson’s philosophy which enabled him to open himself to faith. Central to this process of conversion was Bergson’s discovery of Catholic mysticism. The article also shows Bergson as being devout in the final moments of his life, how faith influenced his last work, why Bergson ultimately chose not to convert to Catholicism even though he left in his will an affirmation of his moral adherence to Catholicism. The article concludes that separating Bergson’s spiritual journey from his philosophical work is an artificial divide that prevents a proper interpretation of his philosophy.

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