Aaron Simmons returns to shed light on the enduring relevance of Kierkegaard for the church. He argues that faith should focus on lived commitment instead of mere belief. Simmons critiques Christian nationalism, emphasizing its contradiction to authentic Christian values. He advocates for a faith rooted in humility and inclusivity, urging believers to prioritize relationships over success. By championing a more poetic understanding of faith, he encourages embracing uncertainty as a pathway to deeper communal connections and personal growth.
Kierkegaard emphasizes that genuine faith is characterized by a deep, lived commitment rather than mere adherence to doctrinal correctness.
He critiques the intertwining of Christianity with political power structures, advocating for a faith that prioritizes radical love and humility over national identity.
Kierkegaard's philosophy encourages a culture of inclusivity within the church, inviting all, especially the marginalized, into a supportive and compassionate community.
Deep dives
Faith as Lived Commitment
Kierkegaard emphasizes that faith is fundamentally about lived commitment rather than merely holding correct beliefs. This shift redefines Christian life, suggesting that genuine faith involves personal investment and passion, rather than a checklist of doctrinal correctness. For instance, Kierkegaard argues that a person who worships the true God with earnestness yet lacks certainty may embody truth more profoundly than someone who attends church out of obligation and mere identity reinforcement. This approach encourages believers to consider faith as an ongoing journey filled with decisions made in every moment, rather than a singular event or a one-time declaration.
Critique of Christian Nationalism
Kierkegaard critiques the conflation of Christianity with power structures, coining the term 'Christendom' to describe this problematic condition. He asserts that authentic Christianity necessitates a radical relationship with God that contradicts established social structures and their superficial triumphs. This connection between national identity and Christianity leads to a demonic distortion of faith, where the marginalized are viewed as political foes rather than individuals in need of love and compassion. Through this lens, Kierkegaard calls for a return to the core principles of Christianity that prioritize love and humility over political power.
Faithfulness Over Success
Kierkegaard teaches that the true essence of faith lies in faithfulness rather than mere success. Achieving goals and reaching destinations do not define one's journey in life; instead, it is the continuous act of showing up and engaging meaningfully with others that embodies genuine faith. This principle is illustrated through the relationship between a parent and a child, where success is not simply defined by milestones but also by the quality of shared experiences and the struggles along the way. Kierkegaard's perspective on faith encourages believers to find value in their ongoing commitments, embracing the complexities and uncertainties that come with them.
Radical Inclusivity and Hospitality
Kierkegaard models a radical inclusivity that challenges Christian communities to embrace those who are marginalized and suffering. He argues that authentic Christian practice should focus on welcoming all, particularly those who are heavy-burdened, rather than simply aiming to 'save the lost.' This emphasis on hospitality highlights the importance of community as a place of refuge and love, where individuals can offer support to one another. By fostering an environment of inclusiveness, Kierkegaard's ideas encourage churches to actively engage with and uplift those on the fringes of society.
Humility as the Foundation of Confidence
Kierkegaard posits that true confidence is grounded in humility, enabling individuals to embrace the inherent uncertainties of life. He argues that faith requires a commitment to ongoing growth and engagement in the face of ambiguity, rather than the certainty often sought through rigid belief systems. This relationship with uncertainty invites believers to extend their doors to others and explore the unknown, enriching their spiritual journeys in the process. By rejecting the idea of having all the answers, Kierkegaard calls for a faith that is dynamic and adaptable, rooted in the humility that acknowledges one's limitations while fostering genuine relationships with others.
Aaron Simmons is back on the podcast to preview our upcoming reading group - Walking with Kierkegaard. In this conversation we give 5 reasons the church needs Kierkegaard today.
5 Reasons the Church needs Kierkegaard today 1. Kierkegaard reminds us that faith is about lived commitment, not simply about right belief. 2. Kierkegaard helps us see that Christian Nationalism is anti-Christ. 3. Kierkegaard shows what it means to seek faithfulness, rather than success. 4. Kierkegaard stresses the radical inclusivity of the call: "Come all who are heavy burdened." 5. Kierkegaard models what it looks like to see humility as the condition of confidence.
J. Aaron Simmons holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Vanderbilt University and is currently a Professor of philosophy at Furman University in Greenville, SC (USA). He is the President of the Søren Kierkegaard Society (USA) and has published widely in philosophy of religion, phenomenology, and existentialism. Among his authored and edited books are God and the Other: Ethics and Politics After the Theological Turn; The New Phenomenology: A Philosophical Introduction; Kierkegaard’s God and the Good Life; and Kierkegaard and Levinas: Ethics, Politics, and Religion. He and his wife, Vanessa, have been married 20 years and have an 11 year old son, Atticus. Although Aaron loves doing philosophy, he would almost always rather be fishing. Check out Aaron’s youtube channel: “Philosophy for Where We Find Ourselves,” and his TedX talk (also on youtube): “The Failure of Success.”