Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th-century Danish philosopher, is often heralded as the father of existentialism. His prolific writings delve into the intricacies of human existence, emotion, and belief, providing a rich foundation for later existentialist thinkers. Among his many influential works, “The Sickness Unto Death” stands out for its profound exploration of despair, selfhood, and the human condition. This text, deeply rooted in Christian theology, yet universal in its existential themes, examines the nature of despair, not as a mere emotional state, but as an existential condition deeply intertwined with the concept of self and identity.
In “The Sickness Unto Death,” Kierkegaard presents a nuanced and complex view of the human self as a relation that relates to itself and to the divine. This work challenges readers to confront their own existential realities and consider the profound implications of self-awareness, freedom, and the pursuit of authentic existence. Through his exploration of these themes, Kierkegaard lays the groundwork for what would later be recognized as key elements of existentialist philosophy.
Kierkegaard and Existentialism
Although Søren Kierkegaard himself never used the term “existentialism,” his philosophical inquiries deeply influenced this movement. His work “The Sickness Unto Death” exemplifies many themes that later existentialists would explore. Central to these themes is the concept of despair. Kierkegaard views despair not merely as a transient emotional state but as an existential condition reflecting a fundamental disconnection from one’s true self. This emphasis on individual experience and subjective reality is a cornerstone of existential thought.
In this work, Kierkegaard delves into the nature of the self, defining it as a complex relation that must relate itself to its own self and, ultimately, to the divine. This intricate understanding of selfhood reflects existentialism’s focus on individual existence, self-awareness, and the pursuit of authenticity. He posits that individuals are responsible for imbuing their lives with meaning, confronting their existence, and navigating the complexities of freedom and choice.
Moreover, Kierkegaard discusses the paradoxical nature of human existence, particularly in relation to faith. His concept of the “leap of faith” – embracing beliefs beyond rational justification – prefigures existentialism’s engagement with the absurd and the limits of human reason. This leap is about confronting the irrational and often paradoxical aspects of existence, a theme that would significantly influence later existential philosophers.
Kierkegaard also explores the notion of “anxiety” or “dread” as an intrinsic part of the human condition. This anxiety is linked to the dawning realization of one’s freedom and the overwhelming possibilities it entails. The focus on personal responsibility and the burdens of freedom is a theme that would later be central in the works of existentialist philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus.
“The Sickness Unto Death” is a seminal work that prefigures many existentialist ideas. Kierkegaard’s exploration of despair, freedom, and the complex nature of the self aligns closely with existentialism’s later development as a philosophical movement.
Biblical Metaphors and Spiritual Themes
Kierkegaard frequently employed biblical narratives to illustrate his existential and philosophical ideas. In “The Sickness Unto Death,” he uses the story of Lazarus from the Gospel of John as a powerful metaphor. This biblical account, where Jesus declares Lazarus’s illness is not a “sickness unto death,” but for the glory of God, sets the stage for a deeper exploration of existential despair and spiritual awakening.
In Kierkegaard’s interpretation, Lazarus’s physical death and subsequent resurrection by Jesus are not just miracles but also symbols of spiritual rebirth. The “sickness unto death” is transformed from a physical ailment into a metaphor for spiritual despair – a condition of being lost to oneself and disconnected from the divine. Lazarus’s eventual physical death after his resurrection can be seen as devoid of existential despair, having been transformed by his direct encounter with the divine in the form of Jesus.
This story, as used by Kierkegaard, exemplifies the transition from a state of spiritual death to one of awakened existence. It symbolizes the journey from existential despair to a state of spiritual health and wholeness, achieved through a deep, personal connection with the divine. In Lazarus’s resurrection, Kierkegaard finds a profound metaphor for the awakening of the self to its true nature and its relationship with God.
This interpretation is further enriched by the story of the healing of the blind man in John 9, which Kierkegaard might have seen as another metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. The blind man, upon being healed by Jesus, not only gains physical sight but also undergoes a spiritual awakening. This contrasts sharply with the Pharisees, who, despite their physical sight, remain spiritually blind, unable to recognize the divine significance of Jesus’ actions.
Kierkegaard’s use of these biblical stories underscores his view that true spiritual health comes from an existential encounter with God, surpassing mere religious formalities. These narratives illustrate the transformative power of divine interaction, leading to the overcoming of existential despair and the attainment of spiritual insight.
The Healing of the Blind Man in John 9
The story of Jesus healing the blind man in the Gospel of John (Chapter 9) serves as a profound metaphor within Kierkegaard’s existential framework. This narrative, when viewed through an existential lens, represents not just the restoration of physical sight, but more importantly, the opening of spiritual eyes. The blind man’s journey from physical blindness to spiritual insight mirrors the existential journey from despair to enlightenment.
In this biblical account, the blind man’s encounter with Jesus leads to a transformative experience. His physical healing is an outward manifestation of an inward spiritual awakening. He comes to recognize Jesus as a prophet and eventually as the Son of Man, indicating a profound understanding and existential transformation. This reflects Kierkegaard’s emphasis on the individual’s personal encounter with the divine as essential for overcoming existential despair.
The contrast between the blind man and the Pharisees in this story is particularly striking from an existential perspective. The Pharisees, despite their physical ability to see, are depicted as spiritually blind. Their inability to recognize the significance of Jesus’ miracle symbolizes a deeper spiritual malaise — an inability to see and embrace existential truths. In Kierkegaardian terms, this spiritual blindness could be likened to the “sickness unto death,” a state of despair resulting from a disconnection with one’s true self and with the divine.
Thus, the healing of the blind man extends beyond a mere physical cure. It represents an awakening to existential realities, a journey from the darkness of despair to the light of spiritual understanding. This story beautifully encapsulates Kierkegaard’s notion that the ultimate cure for the “sickness unto death” lies in a profound, personal encounter with the divine, leading to an authentic understanding of oneself and one’s place in relation to God.
The Existential Journey: From Self-Realization to Divine Encounter
In the narratives of Lazarus and the blind man from the Gospel of John, we can discern a clear existential progression, resonating deeply with Kierkegaard’s philosophy. This journey encompasses a movement from self-realization to a transformative encounter with the divine, culminating in the overcoming of existential despair.
Self-Referential Relation (Existential Awareness): The first crucial step in this journey involves the individual’s realization of their own existence and condition. Kierkegaard emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself as a ‘self’ – a relation that relates to itself. In the biblical narratives, this corresponds to Lazarus confronting his mortality and the blind man facing his blindness. Both are initially defined by their respective conditions, setting the stage for their transformative encounters.
Encounter with the Divine (Relationship with God): The next critical phase is marked by a direct, personal interaction with the divine. For Lazarus, this is embodied in Jesus’ act of raising him from the dead, while for the blind man, it is Jesus’ healing touch. These divine interventions are symbolic of the existential encounter with God that Kierkegaard views as essential for transcending despair. This moment of contact signifies a profound shift, where physical healing mirrors an inner spiritual rebirth.
Transformation and Overcoming Despair: The culmination of this existential journey is the overcoming of despair, the “sickness unto death.” For both Lazarus and the blind man, their physical transformations are outward signs of a deeper, spiritual metamorphosis. This journey from existential despair to spiritual enlightenment is achieved through a deep, personal connection with the divine, transforming their understanding of self and their relationship with God.
These biblical stories, interpreted through Kierkegaard’s existential lens, illustrate a journey of self-awareness, divine encounter, and spiritual awakening. This path reflects the existential process of overcoming despair and achieving a state of spiritual health and authenticity.
The Journey’s End: Embracing Existential Enlightenment
Our exploration of Kierkegaard’s “The Sickness Unto Death” through the lens of the biblical narratives of Lazarus and the blind man from the Gospel of John reveals the profound depth of existential philosophy. These stories, when interpreted existentially, illustrate a journey from despair and spiritual blindness to enlightenment and authentic existence. Kierkegaard, often regarded as the father of existentialism, uses these narratives to express the critical importance of personal transformation and the existential encounter with the divine.
In these stories, physical ailments and their miraculous cures serve as powerful metaphors for existential despair and the transformative power of divine intervention. The journey of Lazarus and the blind man reflects the existential path from a state of “sickness unto death” — a state of being lost to oneself and disconnected from the divine — to a state of spiritual health and self-realization. This transformation underscores Kierkegaard’s central message: true spiritual awakening and the overcoming of despair are rooted in a deep, personal relationship with God.
Kierkegaard’s existentialist perspective, as reflected in these biblical interpretations, challenges us to consider our own existential condition. It invites us to reflect on our relationship with ourselves and the divine, encouraging a journey towards authentic selfhood and spiritual enlightenment. His philosophical insights remain profoundly relevant, offering a lens through which we can examine our own lives and the deeper existential questions that define the human experience.
Kierkegaard’s use of biblical metaphors in “The Sickness Unto Death” not only enriches our understanding of Christian theology but also provides a compelling existential framework. This framework helps us navigate the complexities of self, despair, and the pursuit of authentic existence, revealing the enduring power and relevance of his existential thought.
Image by 1866946
Tom’s Blog 