Soren Kierkegaard: Training in Christianity
Theology in the time of plague
Ever since the depths of the COVID19 pandemic lockdown, I have been part of a theological reading group hosted by my former church history professor at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Gary Hansen. Over the last few years a rotating group of clergy, professors, and lay folks have gathered every Friday to discuss theological texts from Christian history. We have gone as far back as Augustine, spent time with medieval mystics, explored the Reformation with Calvin and Luther, and traversed the 20th century with writers like CS Lewis and Evelyn Underhill.
Still reading together five years later
As our most recent book was coming to a close, Dr. Hansen asked for suggestions on what should come next. My request was Training in Christianity, the 1850 work by philosopher and theologian Soren Kierkegaard. Much to my surprise, the group acceded and Vintage Spiritual Classic’s version of Walter Lowerie’s 1941 translation was being delivered to readers in the US, Canada, England, and New Zealand.
There were two primary reasons I wanted to read this text. First, although I had read his more philosophical works like Fear and Trembling, I had never experienced any of his explicitly Christian writing. Training in Christianity was published later in his life and Kierkegaard considered it one of his most important books.
Secondly, the reason he considered it so important was that it served as his attempt to put Christianity back into Christendom. He was disturbed by the lack of faithfulness he saw in the establishment church and was calling on his culture to become more radically conformed to the example of Jesus. In an era where American culture has come increasingly under the sway of Christian nationalism, this message seems more pertinent than ever.
Our encounter with Kierkegaard begins this week. To help ground my own thought process, I hope to journal my way Training in Christianity and share my reflections here.
If you are unfamiliar with the life of Soren Kierkgaard, The School of Life YouTube channel offers the following brief introductory video:
Hey, Mike! Thanks for the shout out about the theological reading group. So glad you suggested this book. I’m finding it much more accessible than I thought. And honestly, it’s high time I learned some Kierkegaard first hand.
Glad you’ll be blogging the book.
Blessings,
Gary
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your kind words. I’m also enjoying the chance to read a different part of Kierkegaard’s corpus. I appreciate you stopping by and organizing this group and look forward to our next conversation.
Mike