Community in the Theology of Søren Aabye Kierkegaard

Author

Nicholas Coffman, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Theology

Department

School of Theology and Seminary

First Advisor

Bill Cahoy

Subject Categories

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

This work began as a term paper for an Independent Learning Project with Dr. Cahoy and Ben Durheim. From our discussions, it became clear that on a literal level, Kierkegaard’s vision of Christianity is largely individualistic in emphasis. This work critiques this assertion through a wider engagement of several texts, illustrating the seminal Christian position of Kierkegaard. The analysis begins with secondary source appraisals of Kierkegaard as theologian, to clarify this endeavor as distinct from an exclusively philosophical pursuit. Next, Kierkegaard’s major psychological understandings are addressed, revealing hidden potential for the role of community in authentic faith. Finally, this work asserts amidst several secondary scholarly positions that Kierkegaard’s writings reflect an orthodox Christian theology of community, lacking in detail, but solid in foundation. It is the thesis of this graduate paper that Kierkegaard’s work affirms an inward God relationship beyond the point of accessibility for the contemporary era, while depositing the necessary pieces to build a viable theology of community. I offer my thanks to Bill and Ben, whose insights have made this exposition possible.

Recommended Citation

Coffman, Nicholas, "Community in the Theology of Søren Aabye Kierkegaard" (2008). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 751.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/751