Gabriel Marcel's life and work as background of his approachto God, Part 1. This essay gives an introduction to Gabriel Marcel that focuses on his approach to God. The biography of Marcel's life is sketched as the contingent origin and setting of his work. It is indicated where and how his life led him to practise philosophy the way he did. In the second half of the essay the unique nature of Marcel's philosophical style is sketched. Insight into Marcel's life and the nature of his work is inseparable from the continuous development of the contents of his thought.