Kierkegaard for beginners

I just finished reading Donald D. Palmer's quirky little book 'Kierkegaard For Beginners.' It was published as part of "A Writers and Readers Beginners Documentary Comic Book" philosophy series. While a bit of a challenge for me to read due to the structure, I did find it helpful in learning a bit about the Danish philosopher/theologian best known for introducing what would become known as Existentialism.

I've always been interested in Kierkegaard, but honestly never knew much about him. The same regarding Existentialism and, really, philosophy in general. I feel like I've now tipped the tip of one toe in the ocean of knowledge, but I know more than I did before, so it was a worthwhile read.

Some of the things I learned:

- Kierkegaard published a ton of short books, under fourteen different pseudonyms, thereby disclaiming all responsibility for their content.

- While Kierkegaard was a proponent of indirect communication, he did at one point openly call out the Danish Lutheran Church for preaching what he called "lemonade twaddle." Haha.

- His thoughts on dread, despair, and the three spheres of existence (aesthetical, ethical, and religious) totally nailed me (I have been living an aesthetical existence these past too many years, and need to change that). 

- The difference between objective and subjective truth, and how our existence is so subjective (and true). Which is the bridge to Existentialism... summed up in these couple paragraphs:

"When I am done saying everything that can be said about myself (my name, where I was born, what my ancestry is, what my job is, where I live, how I feel, etc.), there is still something left over -- MY EXISTENCE. My existence cannot be thought, and it is not sufficient simply to point at it, as in the case of the green book."

"My existence must be lived. It must be existed..."

 

And, there ya have it. I was glad to actually read a book again. It seems it's been awhile. This one was a fun way to learn a little sumthin' too!

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2 Timothy 1:7-10

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."