In Fackenheim’s early thought, he embraces an existential basis for faith, viewing religious commitment as primary since commitment cannot be derived from any other source. This includes metaphysics, science, psychology, politics, or any pragmatic consideration, even of a moral nature. Commitment alone, in his theology, is autonomous. It does not require or offer rational or empirical proof. It is an irreducible and unavoidable necessity, but fraught with risk. It gives priority to willing, commitment, and decision: we must all decide what is of “ultimate concern” to us. This “decision of faith” is the only truly unqualified decision we make. Its quality can be judged as to whether it merits such a fundamental status.