Søren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling is one of his most acclaimed works on the topics of faith, religious doubt, philosophical dread, and existential angst. Written in 1843, Kierkegaard examines the story of Abraham from the Book of Genesis in his seminal work. Despite the complicated subject matter, Kierkegaard unpacks them into ideas anyone can grasp, becoming a key text in existential philosophy.
The book begins by offering a framework detailing what causes a person to truly arrive at a sense of faith and piety. Kierkegaard believes one must pass through a period of suffering, a type of “dark night of the soul.” Through this period of doubt, we confront our own mortality and come to understand that the pursuit of faith is as much a journey of existential self-discovery as it is a spiritual one.
Kierkegaard then uses the story of Abraham as an example of true faith. In the story, God asks Abraham to sacrifice his own son, Isaac. Though the demand seems cruel and extreme, Kierkegaard argues that Abraham’s unwavering faith proves his willingness to take personal responsibility for his actions and his love for God. It is for this reason that Kierkegaard uses Abraham to exemplify the importance of faith over reason.
Kierkegaard also uses Abraham’s story as an example of the ethical dilemmas we face as humans throughout our lives. The concept of "the teleological suspension of the ethical" utilized by Kierkegaard states that sometimes we must break ethical rules in order to follow a greater path predetermined by God or a higher power. This idea becomes especially important when faced with the decision to commit an act with significant moral implications. Kierkegaard argues accepting a higher power and suspending our own morality to make the best decision is essential, and that this is what Abraham was faced with during his holy trial.
Finally, Kierkegaard explores the idea of a leap of faith and its role in the act of faith. He argues that while faith is often something that humans must struggle to obtain, and actively pursue over long stretches of time, sometimes one must take a leap and accept faith when it presents itself. Kierkegaard believes this is what Abraham was faced with, and that it was his submission to this leap of faith that made him a symbol of faith for centuries to come.
Overall, Fear and Trembling is a novel of deep religious contemplation, existential measurings, and inner conflict. Kierkegaard’s examination of the story of Abraham provides readers with a new appreciation of the importance of faith, both in our spiritual life and our existence as human beings. It is a perfect example of existential thinking, and provides a new avenue of understanding for readers on topics of deep faith, morality, and the power of a leap of faith.
