“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.”
Either/Or, Søren Kierkegaard
Søren Kierkegaard, often considered the father of existentialism, was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, and religious author who lived in the early to mid-19th century.
Kierkegaard’s works frequently grapple with the complexities of being a Christian in what he perceived as a nominally Christian society. He criticized the established Church of Denmark for promoting what he saw as a complacent and socially conformist form of Christianity, which he believed lacked the existential rigor and personal engagement true faith required. Through his concept of “the leap of faith,” Kierkegaard emphasized the individual’s passionate leap into a relationship with God, a move that necessitates risk and defies rational explanation. For Kierkegaard, such a leap was not a onetime act but a lifelong commitment to living in faith, embracing its paradoxes and uncertainties.
In his seminal work, “Fear and Trembling,” Kierkegaard uses the biblical story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac as an archetype of faith. Abraham’s actions, guided by a direct command from God, defy ethical norms and rational understanding; his willingness to make a hard decision, motivated by faith and trust in God, exemplifies the kind of passionate commitment to which Kierkegaard believed all Christians are called. It was not kindness or patience that defined Abraham’s relationship with God, but a terrifying and solitary decision made in faith.
Furthermore, Kierkegaard’s own life reflected his confrontations with the societal and ecclesiastical norms of his time. Despite facing criticism, ostracization, and misunderstanding, he remained committed to his vision of what it meant to live authentically in faith. His later works became increasingly direct in their criticism of the established church, which he felt was failing to challenge Christians to live passionately and authentically in accordance with their beliefs.
Kierkegaard’s writings call for a Christianity lived out in existential authenticity, marked by a personal, direct, and passionate relationship with God. This involves embracing the absurd, the unpredictable, and sometimes the uncomfortable, which is where he saw true faith beginning. Like Bonhoeffer, Kierkegaard believed that true faith might require us to take stands that are not only risky but may also lead us into direct conflict with the prevailing norms and expectations of our societies.
Søren Kierkegaard demonstrated through his life and writings that genuine change and a true commitment to Christianity necessitate being tough, passionate, and ready to engage with life’s existential challenges. His existential approach to Christianity continues to inspire those seeking a deeper, more authentic engagement with their faith, emphasizing personal decision and the complexities of living out one’s beliefs in a challenging world.
The Fiery Stallion 