Without Authority

by Søren Kierkegaard, Edna Hatlestad Hong (Translator), Howard Vincent Hong (Translator)

"Without authority," a phrase Kierkegaard repeatedly applied to himself & his writings, is an appropriate title for this volume of five short works that in various ways deal with the concept & practice of authority. "The Lily in the Field & the Bird of the Air" contemplates the teaching authority of these creatures based on three different passages in the Gospels. The first of "Two Ethical-Religious Essays" mediates on the ethics of Jesus' martyrdom; the second contrasts the authority of the genius with that of the apostle. The remaining works--"Three Discourses at the Communion on Fridays" (1849), "An Upbuilding Discourse" (1850), & "Two Discourses at the Communion on Fridays" (1851)--are meditations on sin, forgiveness & the power of love.

Genres: Philosophy

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 1851

About the author

Søren Aabye Kierkegaard was a prolific 19th century Danish philosopher and theologian. Kierkegaard strongly criticised both the Hegelianism of his time and what he saw as the empty formalities of the Church of Denmark. Much of his work deals with religious themes such as faith in God, the institution of the Christian Church, Christian ethics and theology, and the emotions and feelings of individuals when faced with life choices. His early work was written under various pseudonyms who present their own distinctive viewpoints in a complex dialogue.

Kierkegaard left the task of discovering the meaning of his works to the reader, because "the task must be made difficult, for only the difficult inspires the noble-hearted". Scholars have interpreted Kierkegaard variously as an existentialist, neo-orthodoxist, postmodernist, humanist, and individualist.

Crossing the boundaries of philosophy, theology, psychology, and literature, he is an influential figure in contemporary thought.

Reviews

[David Pulliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series of upbuilding discourses knitted together with the theme of authority. Though I should say the second to last one does not fit well in the theme. They are edifying, be read slowly and reread.

[cindy]

Read "An Upbuilding Discourse" for Jesus and Being Human.

[John Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kierkegaard gives new and original meaning to the phrase "as one without authority" in this collection. There is no book published by Kierkegaard entitled "Without Authority," this is indeed a collection of sermons/discourses that Kierkegaard had the opportunity to give. One of the most beautiful parts of reading the sermons is in knowing that Kierkegaard was one of the greatest preachers of his day, though he wasn't a parish pastor or ever ordained and always took very seriously that he actually didn't have authority of any kind in any way. If you know anything about Kierkegaard you'll know that he lived his life with an unquenchable passion which, apparently, came out when he preached, despite having a weak voice at times. Plus, the rich language that SK is capable of employing is in full display throughout, which makes for very enjoyable reading.

Perhaps the greatest intellectual trait that Kierkegaard possessed was the ability to see an entire forest in just one leaf from one tree. It will no doubt be very difficult for anyone to read these discourses without coming away with a much deeper appreciation and understanding for a variety of biblical verses and 'orthodox' ideas. The woman who washes Jesus' feet and the story in Luke about the one who loves little being forgiven little, form the majority of SK's thoughts in this collection, but I promise that at no point will any reader feel like something is being repeated or lingered on for too long. If you are not moved by Kierkegaard's words you'll at least find great interest and food for thought in every sentence of every page.

It is hard to really pinpoint the major or central thoughts that a reader might find here. I suppose, though, that if you need more to convince you to read this book other than that Kierkegaard wrote it, then a hope for a deeper understanding of humility, of what it means to cast one's anxieties upon God, and what it means (and what it takes) to be fully and truly forgiven by God, then this is the book for you.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic collection of (mostly) upbuilding discourses. I say "mostly" because there are two discourses in the middle of the book by H.H. These pseudonymous ethical-religious essays are some of his best: 1) Does a Human Being Have the Right to Let Himself Be Put to Death for the Truth? and his crowning achievement The Difference between a Genius and an Apostle in which he compares Plato to St. Paul.

My favorite upbuilding discourse was based on 1 Peter 4:8 (Love Will Hide a Multitude of Sins). This is one of his Discourses at the Communion on Fridays. I don't think these were ever preached at Frue Church (The Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen) but they would have made for some great devotional material for people attending the Friday Communion services.

[Joe Olipo · Rating 3 out of 5]

contains the oft-referenced, The difference between a genius and an apostle (though a redundant illustration of his other work). The selections below are more profound

Look at the birds of the air; look at the lily in the field

Does a human being have the right to let himself be put to death for the truth

The woman who was a sinner