Kierkegaard the Christian : Book Review

"Kierkegaard the Christian" by Robert B. Scheidt presents a comprehensive analysis of the profound religious philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard. Through a deep exploration of Kierkegaard's writings, Scheidt uncovers the Christian beliefs that were a central aspect of his thought, shedding light on his significant influence on theology and philosophy.

What sets this book apart is Scheidt's skillful examination of the journey Kierkegaard undertook from skepticism to Christian faith. By tracing the development of his ideas, readers gain a clear understanding of the reasoning behind his belief in Christianity. One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to challenge traditional notions of objective religious doctrines by emphasizing Kierkegaard's focus on subjective truth and the importance of the individual's personal relationship with God.

Scheidt's gift for making complex ideas accessible is evident throughout the book. Through clear and concise explanations, readers can grasp Kierkegaard's concepts of faith, despair, and the teleological suspension of the ethical. This helps to untangle the intricacies of his thought and uncovers the profound implications behind his ideas.

Furthermore, Scheidt provides insightful analysis and interpretation of various works by Kierkegaard. By dissecting these works, readers gain a more nuanced understanding of Kierkegaard's Christian perspective and how he grappled with existential questions. This deepens the reader's engagement with the book, allowing them to appreciate the depth of Kierkegaard's beliefs and the thought process that informed them.

In summary, "Kierkegaard the Christian" is an excellent introductory resource for those interested in Christian philosophy and the work of one of its most influential figures. Scheidt's thoughtful exploration of Kierkegaard's Christian beliefs provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of his unique perspective. This book is a valuable asset for anyone looking to delve into the intersections of theology, philosophy, and the pursuit of faith and reason.

What are readers saying?

The book "Kierkegaard: The Christian" by author Robert B. Scheidt has received diverse feedback from readers. While some readers found the book to be a profound and insightful exploration of the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard's Christian beliefs and their influence on Christian thought, others were disappointed and felt that it fell short of providing a comprehensive overview of Kierkegaard's Christian philosophy.

The readers who praised the book found it to be a thorough analysis of Kierkegaard's writings, offering clear explanations and interpretations that enhanced their understanding of his ideas. They commended the author for his accessible writing style, which made the complex subject matter understandable to a wide range of readers. These readers appreciated the way Scheidt delved into various aspects of Kierkegaard's thoughts, providing valuable insights into his religious perspective.

On the other hand, the readers who were dissatisfied with the book felt that it lacked a comprehensive exploration of Kierkegaard's overall philosophical contributions. They believed that Scheidt focused too narrowly on specific aspects of Kierkegaard's theology while neglecting other important elements. Some readers also found the book to be overly academic and dense, lacking a coherent structure that hindered their engagement with the material.

A recurring point made by several reviewers was that the book contained a significant amount of jargon and assumed a certain level of prior knowledge about Kierkegaard and Christian theology. This made it challenging for readers who were less familiar with these subjects to fully grasp the concepts presented in the book.

In summary, opinions on "Kierkegaard: The Christian" by Robert B. Scheidt were divided. While it resonated with readers who appreciated its in-depth exploration of Kierkegaard's Christian beliefs, others felt that it did not provide a sufficient overview of his overall philosophical contributions. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Kierkegaard's thoughts on Christianity, this book may offer valuable insights. However, readers looking for a more comprehensive analysis might find it necessary to consult additional resources.

Kierkegaard Christianity Existentialism