Book Review: Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard

Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard translated by Lee M. Hollander

Soren Kierkegaard was a Danish theologian, philosopher, and pundit in the mid-1800s. He struggled through life with melancholy, often putting up a light-hearted exterior. He also struggled with his Christian faith. His father was a dour and difficult man and not much of a Christian. He did leave much of himself in his son. Higher education gave Soren a taste of the intellectual life and he spent a lot of time, especially later in life, reflecting on and arguing with others about faith. This book excerpts several passages to give a broad overview of his style and content.

Diapslamata (from Either--Or Part I)--Kierkegaard reflects on the nature of humor and sorrow. Poets are so focused on sorrow, as if their work is the product of their sorrow. Fans who want more poetry in a way want more suffering for the poet. Kierkegaard, being melancholic, has the tendency to wallow in melancholy as well but has sought out humorous aspect to help him cope with reality. 

The Banquet (From Stages on Life's Road Part I)--Kierkegaard imitates Plato's Symposium by having five male friends get together for a party where they discuss love, specifically love between a man and a woman. Each friend has a unique viewpoint on the issue, from the youngest member who speaks with passion about how comically misadventured lovers are, to John the Seducer who speaks cynically and happily from his abundance of experience. A lot of different ideas are present with no seeming solution though the writing ends when the revelers leave and happen upon an actually happy couple who deal with each other in heartfelt ways.

Fear and Trembling--This classic text takes a deep dive into Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac on Mount Moriah (see Genesis 22). Abraham is the Father in Faith for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, so his ultimate expression of faith in God deserves serious consideration. Kierkegaard looks at the story from Abraham's point of view, trying to understand his mind and heart. What is the core of faith that Abraham expresses in following God's order to kill his only son? The text is fascinating and brings up challenging questions.

Preparation for a Christian Life--"Come hither unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt 11:28) is the starting point for this reflection. Kierkegaard emphasizes the shocking choices of Jesus to help the sick, the lame, the outcast, and even the possessed. These aren't people who are going to give Jesus anything in return. The authorities (religious, intellectual, and secular) are jealous and befuddled by His actions. Why identify with the most miserable people? If Jesus is really God, as He claims, you'd think He'd have higher ambitions. Secular and Church historians have tried to fill the gap here. Kierkegaard rejects these interpretations as inauthentic understandings of Jesus, colored by time and consequences of His actions. Kierkegaard gives no clear substitute other than an extremely personal awareness of one's own sinfulness and how we are more like the wretches Jesus helped in His time.

The Present Time--Kierkegaard casts a sarcastic eye on the lackadaisical piety of his contemporary Christians. They behave more like club members who include all and require very little in the way of life commitment to Gospel teachings or ideals. He mocks Baptism and Confirmation as sacraments that are more of an excuse to have a family party than to follow the New Testament. Making the decision to follow in Christ's footsteps is not something that infants or teenagers are qualified to do according to Kierkegaard. It's more of a plan by "ordained ministers" to keep their ministry going and to obligate people in their childhood to vows that they might not take as adults. The text is shockingly cynical.

Kierkegaard is a bit difficult to read. In a way, he is like Nietzsche, his writing very artistic and has a deeper, often buried, meaning. Unlike Nietzsche, Kierkegaard is a theistic existentialist and takes the humble life of Jesus Christ (which should be imitated by Christians) as the highest life. Doing the will of God, not your own will, is what is important. Discerning God's will seems like it was tough for Kierkegaard, and that difficulty comes through in his writings.

Mildly recommended--this is not the easiest read, it requires patience and probably multiple readings. I have another book with Fear and Trembling in it which I will read sooner rather than later, probably in the next year.