Embracing Faith: Kierkegaard's Journey Through Life's Stages

 

Summary

Søren Kierkegaard, often referred to as the "gadfly" of modern philosophy, was a passionate Christian thinker whose work continues to influence contemporary thought. Born in Denmark in 1813, Kierkegaard's life was marked by intense feelings and a constant struggle against despair, particularly due to a lost love named Regina. His philosophical contributions are centered around the concept of "stadia" or stages of life, which he categorized into three: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious.

The aesthetic stage is characterized by a life of spectatorship, where individuals are primarily concerned with the pursuit of pleasure and appreciation of the arts. Kierkegaard criticized this stage for its lack of passion and engagement with the deeper aspects of human existence. The ethical stage, on the other hand, involves a commitment to moral values and justice, representing a more advanced level of existence. However, Kierkegaard believed that the ultimate stage is the religious stage, where one experiences a passionate commitment to God, marked by fear and trembling.

Kierkegaard's exploration of the religious stage is exemplified in his work "Fear and Trembling," where he delves into the existential crisis faced by Abraham when commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac. This narrative illustrates the concept of the "leap of faith," a central theme in Kierkegaard's philosophy. He argued that true faith requires embracing the paradoxes of life and making decisive commitments in moments of crisis, even when they seem irrational or absurd.

Kierkegaard also emphasized the subjective nature of truth, challenging the cold, abstract logic of his contemporaries. He believed that truth becomes alive through personal application and passionate involvement in the life of faith. This focus on subjectivity has sparked debates about its implications for the objectivity of Christian doctrine, but Kierkegaard's legacy remains a call to engage with faith passionately and personally.

Key Takeaways:

- Kierkegaard's philosophy revolves around the concept of "stadia" or stages of life, with the religious stage being the highest form of existence. This stage is marked by a passionate commitment to God, characterized by fear and trembling, as exemplified in the story of Abraham and Isaac. [07:57]

- The "leap of faith" is a central theme in Kierkegaard's thought, illustrating the necessity of embracing life's paradoxes and making decisive commitments in moments of crisis. This leap is not irrational but requires trust in God's presence in the darkness. [13:00]

- Kierkegaard's emphasis on the subjective nature of truth challenges the abstract logic of his contemporaries, advocating for a personal and passionate involvement in the life of faith. This approach calls for a response of unrestrained passion and care for the things of God. [23:13]

- Kierkegaard identified with Biblical figures like Abraham and Job, who faced profound existential crises and suffering. Their stories illustrate the transformative power of faith and the potential for beauty and truth to emerge from pain and despair. [17:33]

- The existential moment of decision, or "augenblick," is a decisive point in one's life where faith breaks into the ordinary structure of existence, defining everything from that moment on. This moment requires a passionate commitment to the paradox of Christ. [16:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:40] - Introduction to Kierkegaard
- [01:28] - Kierkegaard's Passion and Struggles
- [02:20] - The Three Stadia of Life
- [03:12] - The Aesthetic Stage
- [04:16] - Critique of Aesthetic Culture
- [05:12] - The Ethical Stage
- [06:06] - The Religious Stage
- [07:57] - Fear and Trembling: Abraham's Test
- [09:43] - The Temporary Suspension of the Ethical
- [11:23] - The Leap of Faith
- [13:00] - Embracing Paradox in Faith
- [14:33] - The Moment of Decision
- [17:33] - Kierkegaard's Identification with Job
- [21:21] - Sickness Unto Death and Existential Solitude
- [23:13] - Subjective Truth and Passionate Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 22:1-19 - The story of Abraham's test of faith with Isaac.
2. Job 13:15 - "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him."
3. Philippians 2:12 - "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the three stages of life according to Kierkegaard, and how does he describe each stage? [03:12]

2. How does Kierkegaard interpret Abraham's reaction to God's command to sacrifice Isaac? What does he suggest about Abraham's emotional state? [09:43]

3. In what way does Kierkegaard use the story of Job to illustrate his philosophical ideas? [17:33]

4. How does Kierkegaard's concept of the "leap of faith" relate to the story of Abraham and Isaac? [13:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Kierkegaard's idea of the "temporary suspension of the ethical" challenge traditional views of morality, and what implications does this have for understanding faith? [11:23]

2. In what ways does Kierkegaard's emphasis on subjective truth challenge or complement the objective truths found in Christian doctrine? [23:13]

3. How does the concept of "fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12 relate to Kierkegaard's understanding of the religious stage of life? [07:57]

4. What does Kierkegaard mean by the "moment of decision," and how does this concept apply to the life of a believer? [16:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant decision that required a "leap of faith." How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [13:00]

2. Kierkegaard speaks of the importance of passion in one's faith. How can you cultivate a more passionate and personal relationship with God in your daily life? [23:13]

3. Consider the story of Abraham and Isaac. How do you discern when God is calling you to take a step that seems contrary to your understanding of right and wrong? [09:43]

4. Kierkegaard identifies with Job's suffering and faith. How can you find beauty and truth in your own experiences of pain and despair? [17:33]

5. How can you apply the concept of "fear and trembling" in your spiritual journey, ensuring that it leads to growth rather than paralyzing fear? [07:57]

6. Kierkegaard criticized the lack of passion in his culture. In what ways can you actively engage with the "great cares and crises of human existence" in your community? [05:12]

7. Reflect on the idea of "existential solitude" as described by Kierkegaard. How can you reach out to others who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation? [21:21]

Devotional

Day 1: The Journey Through Life's Stages
Kierkegaard's philosophy introduces the concept of "stadia" or stages of life, which he categorizes into three distinct phases: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious. The aesthetic stage is marked by a pursuit of pleasure and a focus on the arts, often lacking deeper engagement with life's profound questions. The ethical stage represents a commitment to moral values and justice, signifying a more advanced level of existence. However, Kierkegaard posits that the religious stage is the ultimate form of existence, characterized by a passionate commitment to God, often accompanied by fear and trembling. This stage is exemplified in the biblical story of Abraham, who faced a profound test of faith when commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac. Kierkegaard's exploration of these stages challenges individuals to reflect on their own journey and consider the depth of their commitment to God. [07:57]

"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: Which stage of life do you find yourself in currently, and how can you move towards a deeper commitment to God today?


Day 2: Embracing the Leap of Faith
The "leap of faith" is a central theme in Kierkegaard's thought, illustrating the necessity of embracing life's paradoxes and making decisive commitments in moments of crisis. This leap is not irrational but requires trust in God's presence in the darkness. Kierkegaard uses the story of Abraham to demonstrate that true faith involves embracing the absurd and trusting in God's promises, even when they seem impossible. This leap of faith challenges individuals to confront their fears and doubts, trusting that God is present even in the most difficult circumstances. [13:00]

"By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.'" (Hebrews 11:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are hesitant to take a leap of faith? How can you trust God more deeply in this area today?


Day 3: The Subjective Nature of Truth
Kierkegaard emphasizes the subjective nature of truth, challenging the abstract logic of his contemporaries. He advocates for a personal and passionate involvement in the life of faith, where truth becomes alive through personal application. This approach calls for a response of unrestrained passion and care for the things of God. Kierkegaard's focus on subjectivity has sparked debates about its implications for the objectivity of Christian doctrine, but his legacy remains a call to engage with faith passionately and personally. [23:13]

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make your faith more personal and passionate today, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding?


Day 4: Faith in the Midst of Suffering
Kierkegaard identified with Biblical figures like Abraham and Job, who faced profound existential crises and suffering. Their stories illustrate the transformative power of faith and the potential for beauty and truth to emerge from pain and despair. Kierkegaard's own life was marked by intense feelings and struggles, yet he found solace in the stories of these figures who trusted God amidst their trials. This perspective encourages individuals to see their suffering as an opportunity for growth and deeper faith. [17:33]

"Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful." (James 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you find beauty and truth in your current struggles, trusting that God is working through them?


Day 5: The Moment of Decision
The existential moment of decision, or "augenblick," is a decisive point in one's life where faith breaks into the ordinary structure of existence, defining everything from that moment on. This moment requires a passionate commitment to the paradox of Christ. Kierkegaard challenges individuals to recognize these moments in their own lives and respond with a commitment to faith that transcends ordinary understanding. This decisive moment is an opportunity to redefine one's life in light of a deeper relationship with God. [16:31]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: Can you identify a recent moment of decision in your life? How can you commit to a deeper faith in response to this moment?

Quotes

Kierkegaard said, "Let others complain that our age is wicked, my complaint is that it is paltry." That it lacks passion. He said, "When I become depressed with my own culture, and the world around me, I inevitably am drawn back to the Old Testament where I encounter people who are real. They lie. They steal. They cheat. They commit adultery. And yet, in the midst of all of this, they have this passionate pursuit of the God who is." [05:03]

He saw that the highest or the deepest stage along life's way was stage three, which he defined as the religious stage of human existence. Now, a passion for religion and for the things of God is what marked this philosopher's life, and his thinking. I mentioned earlier that as a college student I read everything I could get my hands on from Kierkegaard including: Purity Of Heart, Fear And Trembling, Attack Upon Christendom, A Concluding Unscientific Postscript, Either Or, and others. [07:02]

In this religious stage, life in its existential passion is marked, according to Kierkegaard, by the twin characteristics of fear and trembling. He wrote a book by this title in which the hero of the story is the Biblical patriarch Abraham. You recall Abraham's existential anguish when God called him to the supreme test whereby he was commanded of God to take his son, the son whom he loved – Isaac, and to take him to Mount Moriah, and there to kill him and offer him as a sacrifice unto God. [07:57]

And so, how does Abraham respond to this existential crisis? He does it by taking a leap of faith, and embracing the paradox of the moment. And now, what Kierkegaard does at this point is that he uses this illustration in the life of Abraham to illustrate the whole substance of a passionate Christian life. Because, the Christian faith is a pilgrimage that requires the existential leap. The time comes where you have nothing in front of you but darkness and yet you have the command of God to move ahead. [12:28]

Now, for Kierkegaard, the existential leap of faith was not something that was patently irrational or absurd. But, it was something that on the surface seemed to be irrational and absurd. And, what Kierkegaard is saying is that that’s the risk that a person has to take if they are going to be a follower of Christ. Christ himself is the supreme paradox. In Christ, in his incarnation, we have the intersection of the infinite with the finite, the eternal with the temporal, the unconditioned with the conditioned. [13:51]

And so, one must passionately commit oneself to this Christ of Scripture in a moment of crisis that later became called, by theologians, the crisis of existential "entscheidung" or decision. And this moment of passion is the moment of faith that defines a true authentic Christian's life. That takes place – he uses the term as I said "moment." The existential moment that is of decisive significance for one's whole existence. [14:43]

The other person with whom Kierkegaard so closely identified from Biblical literature in addition to Abraham was the person of Job. Because, Job was the man who knew the profound depths of suffering and of pain, and who was threatened every minute of his existence with despair. And yet, out of his pain came insights into truth, into love, and into faith. You remember Job in the midst of his affliction crying out, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him." [17:02]

One of the things that he was concerned about was how pain and suffering can be translated into beauty, though the one who is experiencing the anguish and pain that produces the beautiful, is not fully appreciated by the public. He’s speaking here of the woes and miseries suffered by the poet or the artists. He gave two illustrations about that. In one he told the story of a man who worked in a theatre and his role was to play the part of a clown. [18:11]

Now, for Kierkegaard, one of the great legacies he gave to 20th century theology was his emphasis on the subjective aspect of truth. He was not interested in the cold abstract logic of Hegel, or of abstract speculative philosophy or theology. He wrote a vehement attack against the institutional church for its dead orthodoxy and formalism in his attack upon Christendom, and said that in his passion to recover the personal dimension of authentic truth, that truth is subjectivity. [22:42]

Now, there’s a debate as to whether he really meant what he said. Was he simply saying that truth doesn't come alive until it has the personal application and appropriation by the individual or, as some of his followers claimed, truth itself is reduced to personal subjective preference. If that is the case, then of course, Kierkegaard has undermined the Christian faith that he is espousing by setting the stage for a later relativism that would negate the objective truth of the word of God. [23:33]

But the basic concern of Kierkegaard at this point, I don't think, was to give us a complete new epistemology of the philosophy of truth, but rather to call his generation and future generations to a passionate subjective involvement into the life of faith. That’s his legacy to me. I believe that theology should be rational, cogent, coherent, logical and all of that. But, that our response to that which is objectively true should be a response of unrestrained passion and care as we show our love for the things of God. [24:17]

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Transcript
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