Kierkegaard

by Lee C. Barrett III

Abingdon Pillars of Theology is a series for the college and seminary classroom designed to help students grasp the basic and necessary facts, influence, and significance of major theologians. Written by noted scholars, these books will outline the context, methodology, organizing principles, primary contributions, and key writings of people who have
shaped theology as we know it today.

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) "foresaw, the power of mass culture to numb the human spirit has only waxed in strength and virulence. The prostitution of religion to legitimate self-aggrandizing ideologies has become a veritable global industry. The reduction of neighbor-love to the most minimal standards of decent behavior has devolved
to the point where slightly altruistic celebrities are heralded as Christ-like saints. The deep yearnings of the human heart are being suffocated by trivial amusements, technological toys, and the manipulation of the psyche. Now, perhaps more than ever, Christianity needs an aggravating Socrates to disturb its complicity with a culture of individual self-gratification and corporate
self-deification." from the book

Lee C. Barrett, III is Mary B. and Hanry P. Stager Chair in Theology, Professor of Systematic Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Genres: Philosophy

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2010

About the author

Lee C. Barrett III is Stager Professor of Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[Kevin Ressler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful introduction into the challenges of Kierkegaard. It made me want to actually explore the writings of Kierkegaard myself, which I had not previously desired because I'd heard it was difficult and that one had to read extensively to get his points through the proliferation.

I especially appreciated the way in which Barrett used one character repeatedly to help understand how to read Kierkegaard through his fictional characters.

[Jacquie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction, much easier than reading Kierkegaard himself. I must admit, lee is a friend of mine, so I may be biased (but probably not... I have no trouble saying I don't love all of his writing!) :)