Kierkegaard's Concept of Faith

by Merold Westphal

Overview

In this book renowned philosopher Merold Westphal unpacks the writings of nineteenth-century thinker Søren Kierkegaard on biblical, Christian faith and its relation to reason.

Across five books — Fear and Trembling, Philosophical Fragments, Concluding Unscientific Postscript, Sickness Unto Death, and Practice in Christianity — and three pseudonyms, Kierkegaard sought to articulate a biblical concept of faith by approaching it from a variety of perspectives in relation to one another. Westphal offers a careful textual reading of these major discussions to present an overarching analysis of Kierkegaard’s conception of the true meaning of biblical faith.

Though Kierkegaard presents a complex picture of faith through his pseudonyms, Westphal argues that his perspective is a faithful and illuminating one, making claims that are important for philosophy of religion, for theology, and most of all for Christian life as it might be lived by faithful people.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802868060
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	08/11/2014
Series:	Kierkegaard as a Christian Thinker
Pages:	294
Sales rank:	903,515
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Merold Westphal is Distinguished Professor of PhilosophyEmeritus at Fordham University and an adjunct professor atAustralian Catholic University. His books have won awardsfrom Choice magazine, the American Academyof Religion, Christianity Today, and The NationalJesuit Honor Society.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Sigla ix

Introduction 1

Part 1 Johannes de Silentio

1 Faith as the Task of a Lifetime 15

2 Faith as Trust in Divine Promises 26

3 Faith as Obedience to Divine Commands 40

4 Interlude - Three Questions In Medias Res 62

5 Faith as the Teleological Suspension of Reason 82

6 Faith as the Highest Passion 102

Part 2 Johannes Climacus

7 Faith as the Reception of Revelation 123

8 Faith as the Happy Passion That Overcomes Offense 148

9 Faith as the Passionate Appropriation of an Objective Uncertainty 162

10 Faith as a Leap and a Striving 183

11 Faith as a Striving Pathos That Goes Against Reason 207

Part 3 Anti-Climacus

12 Faith as Willing to Be Oneself-Before God 231

13 Faith as Contemporaneity with Christ - Without Offense 254

Index of Names and Subjects 278

Index of Scripture References 284

Editorial Reviews

Simon D. Podmore
-- Liverpool Hope University
"Merold Westphal's reputation as one of the most profound and lucid interpreters of Kierkegaard's thought is further confirmed in this compelling and erudite book. . . . This work takes us right into the heart of a vision of Kierkegaard which is at once accessible and eloquent, scholarly and reflective, welcoming and challenging. A true companion to Kierkegaard's thought."

Sylvia Walsh
-- Stetson University
"Likening faith to a many-faceted gem in Kierkegaard's authorship, Merold Westphal examines with the precision of a jeweler's eye twelve facets of faith by three pseudonyms in five texts. To shed light on this complex concept, he brings to bear his notable expertise in ideology critique, philosophy of religion, postmodernism, epistemology, and phenomenology along with a touch of humor and a wealth of illustrations from popular culture and classical literature. . . . An enlightening, enjoyable, and edifying read."

Gordon Marino
-- Hong Kierkegaard Library, St. Olaf College
"A clear, elegantly written, and rigorously argued reading of Kierkegaard's major texts, this book will be a boon to both beginners and advanced scholars. . . . Merold Westphal is one of the doyens of Kierkegaard studies, and this text is one of his greatest contributions to the interpretation of the Danish philosopher/poet."

Mark Tietjen
-- University of West Georgia
"In this volume Merold Westphal illumines a central concept in Kierkegaard's pseudonymous writings - faith in all of its unique facets, their interrelation, and the broader philosophical and theological contexts out of which these ideas emerge and to which they continue to speak. Westphal clarifies and subsequently pushes forward a number of ongoing conversations in Kierkegaard scholarship yet also manages to invite the nonspecialist to hold up a mirror to critique and challenge his or her own trusting relation to God."

M. Jamie Ferreira
-- University of Virginia
"This book is important for a dual audience. Westphal not only contributes significantly to ongoing scholarly debates about Kierkegaard but also offers eminently readable discussions of Kierkegaard's famous texts that will be valuable for those who are new to him."

From the Publisher