What are Kierkegaard's key ideas and notable works?

Historical Context

Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) lived in Copenhagen, Denmark, at a time when European philosophy was significantly influenced by both traditional Christian teaching and the emerging influences of rationalism, romanticism, and the waning hold of state-sponsored churches. His upbringing profoundly shaped his work, as he witnessed the tension between a culturally established Christianity and the more personal, inward commitment Kierkegaard believed true Christian faith demands. Because of these influences, he wrote extensively on topics of faith, individual responsibility, truth, and subjective experience, earning him later recognition as a precursor to existentialist thought.

Focus on Individual Faith

Kierkegaard’s writings repeatedly underscore the individual’s direct communion with God, rather than a mere affiliation with formalized religion. He observed the external religiosity of his day and critiqued the complacency he saw within state-aligned churches. On this point, his work resonates with the earnestness encouraged in Scripture: “But an hour is coming, and has now come, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). Kierkegaard believed that authentic faith arises from within, especially when an individual confronts life’s deepest struggles and finds trust in God despite outward uncertainties.

Subjectivity and Truth

A central theme is Kierkegaard’s emphasis on subjectivity. He does not dismiss objective truth altogether but stresses that certain truths—especially concerning one’s standing before God—must be inwardly appropriated. Kierkegaard insisted that true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual but eventually becomes personal. While Scripture acknowledges our fallen nature and our need for transformation (Romans 12:2), Kierkegaard’s approach highlights how each person must individually wrestle with faith to experience its reality. This “subjective truth,” as he called it, aims to echo the biblical principle that genuine faith goes beyond mental assent (James 2:17).

Concept of the “Leap of Faith”

Kierkegaard famously spoke of faith as a leap, describing how rational evidence can lead a person to the brink of decision, but the act of fully trusting in God often requires a willing step beyond pure reasoning. In a way, this is reminiscent of biblical examples of radical trust, such as when Abraham obeyed the divine call without knowing the outcome (Genesis 12:1). Kierkegaard used Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) as an exemplar of how faith ventures beyond human calculation—an illustration found in his notable work, Fear and Trembling.

Despair and the Self

Another pivotal concept for Kierkegaard is despair. In The Sickness Unto Death, he presents despair as the human condition of not being properly grounded in God. Scripture affirms that separation from God is the root problem of humanity (Romans 3:23). Kierkegaard’s cure for despair, in harmony with biblical teaching, involves embracing a true identity found only through reconciliation with God. “You were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaging in evil deeds,” Paul writes, “but now He has reconciled you” (Colossians 1:21–22). This hope of restored fellowship with God directly addresses despair by anchoring the individual’s existence in divine purpose.

Major Works and Their Themes

• Either/Or (1843): Divided into two main sections, it explores aesthetic and ethical ways of life. Kierkegaard illustrates the tension between living for pleasure and committing to an ethical, responsible existence.

• Fear and Trembling (1843): Investigates the faith of Abraham and the paradox of obedience to the seemingly incomprehensible command of God. Emphasizes the “leap of faith” and personal commitment even when reason falters.

• Philosophical Fragments (1844) and Concluding Unscientific Postscript (1846): Here, Kierkegaard addresses the nature of truth, particularly the uniqueness of Christian revelation. He highlights the necessity of personal involvement in discovering eternal truth.

• The Sickness Unto Death (1849): Deals with despair as the result of not relating properly to God. He interprets the human spirit as incomplete unless rooted in divine relationship.

• Works of Love (1847): Focuses on Christian love, drawing on the biblical command to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39). Kierkegaard underscores love as a duty grounded in God’s love for humanity.

• Practice in Christianity (1850): Examines how one follows Christ in practical, day-to-day living, challenging superficial understandings of discipleship.

• Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing (1847): Calls one to wholehearted devotion, a theme resonant with “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Influence on Theology and Apologetics

Kierkegaard’s critique of nominal Christianity and his appeal to personal commitment have stirred both admiration and debate within theological discussions. While he did not craft a traditional apologetics framework based on historical or scientific evidence, his emphasis on the inward transformation aligns with passages urging believers to examine themselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). Many have drawn on his writings to stress that a robust Christian witness must involve heart transformation, not merely intellectual acceptance.

Biblical Correlations and Reflection

In reading Kierkegaard alongside Scripture, there is a resonance with biblical calls to a sincere, wholehearted pursuit of God (Psalm 119:2). Though Kierkegaard’s phrase “leap of faith” sometimes invites misunderstanding, the biblical narrative is replete with examples—Abraham, Moses, the disciples—where faith entails trust in God beyond complete human certainty. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see,” a sentiment Kierkegaard’s work repeatedly illustrates.

Scripture maintains that objective truth is revealed in God’s Word (John 17:17), but Kierkegaard’s caution remains valuable: intellectual acceptance without personal application can leave one still far from “the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13). Multiple biblical accounts show that true faith engages the whole person—mind, will, and heart.

Conclusion

Kierkegaard’s key ideas—including the emphasis on individual responsibility before God, the subjective dimension of genuine faith, the “leap” required to place trust in the divine, and the centrality of Christ—remain influential in both philosophical and theological circles. His explorations of despair, love, and disciple­ship challenge readers to examine their earnestness and authenticity in faith.

His notable works—Fear and Trembling, Either/Or, The Sickness Unto Death, and others—offer enduring reflections on the cost and beauty of a lived-out commitment to God. By highlighting personal engagement and sincerity of heart, Kierkegaard complements Scripture’s call to “serve the LORD with all your heart” (1 Samuel 12:20). His writings testify that an active, wholehearted faith is of far greater value than a merely formal belief, ever pointing individuals toward a deeper, transformative relationship with the One who calls us to Himself.