Fear and Trembling

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are. The Father of Existentialism, Kierkegaard transformed philosophy with his conviction that we must all create our own nature; in this great work of religious anxiety, he argues that a true understanding of God can only be attained by making a personal 'leap of faith'.

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are. The Father of Existentialism, Kierkegaard transformed philosophy with his conviction that we must all create our own nature; in this great work of religious anxiety, he argues that a true understanding of God can only be attained by making a personal 'leap of faith'.

Kierkegaard's infamous and hugely influential philosophical work on faith, choice and sacrifice In Fear and Trembling Kierkegaard, writing under the pseudonym Johannes de silentio, expounds his personal view of religion through the scene in Genesis in which Abraham prepares to kill his son at God's command. Kierkegaard believed Abraham's unreserved obedience to be the essential leap of faith needed to make a full commitment to his religion. The conviction shown in this polemic - that an individual can have an exceptional mission in life - informed all his later writings, and was also hugely influential for both Protestant theology and the existentialist movement. Translated with an Introduction by Alastair Hannay

Kierkegaard's infamous and hugely influential philosophical work on faith, choice and sacrifice In Fear and Trembling Kierkegaard, writing under the pseudonym Johannes de silentio, expounds his personal view of religion through the scene in Genesis in which Abraham prepares to kill his son at God's command. Kierkegaard believed Abraham's unreserved obedience to be the essential leap of faith needed to make a full commitment to his religion. The conviction shown in this polemic - that an individual can have an exceptional mission in life - informed all his later writings, and was also hugely influential for both Protestant theology and the existentialist movement. Translated with an Introduction by Alastair Hannay

Fear and Trembling is S ren Kierkegaard's profound meditation on faith, ethics, obedience, and the terrifying solitude of the individual before God. Written under the pseudonym Johannes de Silentio, the book returns again and again to the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, asking what it means for Abraham to be called the father of faith when his commanded act appears to stand beyond ordinary moral understanding. First published in 1843, Fear and Trembling became one of Kierkegaard's most influential works and a foundational text in the philosophy of religion and existential thought. Its central problem is stark: can faith require a "teleological suspension of the ethical," and can the single individual stand in an absolute relation to God that cannot be justified by public reason, social morality, or philosophical system? Kierkegaard does not make this question easy. He makes it urgent, painful, and impossible to dismiss. Readers interested in philosophy, Christian thought, existentialism, ethics, theology, and the problem of faith will find Fear and Trembling essential. It remains one of the great works on religious inwardness: a book about Abraham, but also about anxiety, silence, sacrifice, trust, and the terrible demand that faith may place upon a human being.

What if you could explore the profound relationship between faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in life? Fear and Trembling: Kierkegaard's Journey into Faith, Doubt, and Ethics brings you S ren Kierkegaard's groundbreaking exploration of faith and morality, thoughtfully modernized and adapted for today's readers. Written in the 19th century, Fear and Trembling dives deep into the concept of the "leap of faith"-an act of trust and surrender beyond reason. Through the story of Abraham and Isaac, Kierkegaard explores the tension between personal faith, ethical obligations, and the complexity of the human condition. His profound reflections continue to challenge and inspire readers to question the nature of belief, doubt, and sacrifice. This is not just a philosophical work-it's a transformative guide to understanding the struggles of faith, the ethical dilemmas we face, and the courage needed to embrace life's uncertainties. Whether you are a seeker of spiritual wisdom, a student of philosophy, or someone exploring the deeper questions of existence, Kierkegaard's timeless insights will inspire and challenge you. What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation: The Nature of Faith and Sacrifice - Explore the meaning of faith as a personal and transcendent experience beyond logic and reason. Ethics and Moral Dilemmas - Reflect on the struggle between religious obedience, personal responsibility, and societal norms. The Leap of Faith - Discover what it means to take a leap of trust in moments of uncertainty, fear, and doubt. Modernized for Today's Readers - Experience Kierkegaard's profound insights in clear, accessible language tailored for modern understanding. Imagine gaining the tools to confront doubt, explore the meaning of faith, and make choices that align with your deepest convictions. This modern translation makes Kierkegaard's profound wisdom accessible, relevant, and inspiring for readers today. Get your copy today and explore the transformative power of S ren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling .

What if you could explore the profound relationship between faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in life? Fear and Trembling: Kierkegaard's Journey into Faith, Doubt, and Ethics brings you S ren Kierkegaard's groundbreaking exploration of faith and morality, thoughtfully modernized and adapted for today's readers. Written in the 19th century, Fear and Trembling dives deep into the concept of the "leap of faith"-an act of trust and surrender beyond reason. Through the story of Abraham and Isaac, Kierkegaard explores the tension between personal faith, ethical obligations, and the complexity of the human condition. His profound reflections continue to challenge and inspire readers to question the nature of belief, doubt, and sacrifice. This is not just a philosophical work-it's a transformative guide to understanding the struggles of faith, the ethical dilemmas we face, and the courage needed to embrace life's uncertainties. Whether you are a seeker of spiritual wisdom, a student of philosophy, or someone exploring the deeper questions of existence, Kierkegaard's timeless insights will inspire and challenge you. What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation: The Nature of Faith and Sacrifice - Explore the meaning of faith as a personal and transcendent experience beyond logic and reason. Ethics and Moral Dilemmas - Reflect on the struggle between religious obedience, personal responsibility, and societal norms. The Leap of Faith - Discover what it means to take a leap of trust in moments of uncertainty, fear, and doubt. Modernized for Today's Readers - Experience Kierkegaard's profound insights in clear, accessible language tailored for modern understanding. Imagine gaining the tools to confront doubt, explore the meaning of faith, and make choices that align with your deepest convictions. This modern translation makes Kierkegaard's profound wisdom accessible, relevant, and inspiring for readers today. Get your copy today and explore the transformative power of S ren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling .

In Fear and Trembling, Søren Kierkegaard's infamous and controversial work made a lasting impression on both modern Protestant theology and existentialist philosophers such as Sartre and Camus. This Penguin Classics edition is translated from the Danish with an introduction by Alistair Hannay. Writing under the pseudonym of 'Johannes de silentio', Kierkegaard expounds his personal view of religion through a discussion of the scene in Genesis in which Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son Isaac at God's command. Believing Abraham's unreserved obedience to be the essential leap of faith needed to make a full commitment to his religion, Kierkegaard himself made great sacrifices in order to dedicate his life entirely to his philosophy and to God. The conviction shown in this religious polemic - that a man can have an exceptional mission in life - informed all Kierkegaard's later writings. His 'teleological suspension of the ethical' challenged the contemporary views of Hegel's universal moral system, and was also hugely influential for both protestant theology and the existentialist movement. Alastair Hannay's introduction evaluates Kierkegaard's philosophy and the ways in which it conflicted with more accepted contemporary views. This edition also includes detailed notes to complement this groundbreaking analysis of religion, and a new chronology. Danish-born S¢ren Kierkegaard (1813-55) wrote on a wide variety of themes, including religion, psychology, and literature. He is remembered for his philosophy, which pioneered the idea of the Absurd, and was influential and in the development of 20th century existentialism. His other works include The Sickness unto Death , Either/Or , and Papers and Journals , all of which are available in Penguin Classics. If you enjoyed Fear and Trembling , you might like Kierkegaard's The Sickness unto Death , also available in Penguin Classics.

In Fear and Trembling, Søren Kierkegaard's infamous and controversial work made a lasting impression on both modern Protestant theology and existentialist philosophers such as Sartre and Camus. This Penguin Classics edition is translated from the Danish with an introduction by Alistair Hannay. Writing under the pseudonym of 'Johannes de silentio', Kierkegaard expounds his personal view of religion through a discussion of the scene in Genesis in which Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son Isaac at God's command. Believing Abraham's unreserved obedience to be the essential leap of faith needed to make a full commitment to his religion, Kierkegaard himself made great sacrifices in order to dedicate his life entirely to his philosophy and to God. The conviction shown in this religious polemic - that a man can have an exceptional mission in life - informed all Kierkegaard's later writings. His 'teleological suspension of the ethical' challenged the contemporary views of Hegel's universal moral system, and was also hugely influential for both protestant theology and the existentialist movement. Alastair Hannay's introduction evaluates Kierkegaard's philosophy and the ways in which it conflicted with more accepted contemporary views. This edition also includes detailed notes to complement this groundbreaking analysis of religion, and a new chronology. Danish-born S¢ren Kierkegaard (1813-55) wrote on a wide variety of themes, including religion, psychology, and literature. He is remembered for his philosophy, which pioneered the idea of the Absurd, and was influential and in the development of 20th century existentialism. His other works include The Sickness unto Death , Either/Or , and Papers and Journals , all of which are available in Penguin Classics. If you enjoyed Fear and Trembling , you might like Kierkegaard's The Sickness unto Death , also available in Penguin Classics.

First published in 1843 under the pseudonym Johannes de silentio ("John of Silence"), Soren Kierkegaard's richly resonant Fear and Trembling has for generations stood as a pivotal text in the history of moral philosophy, inspiring such artistic and philosophical luminaries as Edvard Munch, W. H. Auden, Walter Benjamin, and existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre. Now, in our era of immense uncertainty, renowned Kierkegaard scholar Bruce H. Kirmmse eloquently brings this classic work to a new generation of readers. Retelling the biblical story of the binding of Isaac, Fear and Trembling expounds on the ordeal of Abraham, who was commanded by God to sacrifice his own son in an exceptional test of faith. Disgusted at the self-certainty of his own age, Kierkegaard investigates the paradox underlying Abraham's decision to allow his duty to God to take precedence over his duties to his family. As Kierkegaard's narrator explains, the story presents a difficulty that is not often considered-namely, that after the ordeal is over and Isaac has been spared at the last moment, Abraham is capable of receiving him again and living normally, even joyfully, for the rest of his days. Almost inexplicably, "Abraham had faith and did not doubt." Deftly tracing the autobiographical threads that run throughout the work, Kirmmse initially, in his lucid and engaging introduction, demystifies Kierkegaard's fictive narrator, Johannes de silentio, drawing parallels between Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and the author's personal "sacrifices." Ultimately, however, Kirmmse reveals Fear and Trembling as a fiercely polemical volume, designed to provoke the reader into considering what is actually meant by the word "faith", and whether those who consider themselves "true believers" actually are. With a vibrancy almost never before seen in English, and "a matchless grasp of the intricacies of Kierkegaard's writing process" (Gordon Marino), Kirmmse here definitively demonstrates Kierkegaard's enduring power to illuminate the terrible wonder of faith.

First published in 1843 under the pseudonym Johannes de silentio ("John of Silence"), Soren Kierkegaard's richly resonant Fear and Trembling has for generations stood as a pivotal text in the history of moral philosophy, inspiring such artistic and philosophical luminaries as Edvard Munch, W. H. Auden, Walter Benjamin, and existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre. Now, in our era of immense uncertainty, renowned Kierkegaard scholar Bruce H. Kirmmse eloquently brings this classic work to a new generation of readers. Retelling the biblical story of the binding of Isaac, Fear and Trembling expounds on the ordeal of Abraham, who was commanded by God to sacrifice his own son in an exceptional test of faith. Disgusted at the self-certainty of his own age, Kierkegaard investigates the paradox underlying Abraham's decision to allow his duty to God to take precedence over his duties to his family. As Kierkegaard's narrator explains, the story presents a difficulty that is not often considered-namely, that after the ordeal is over and Isaac has been spared at the last moment, Abraham is capable of receiving him again and living normally, even joyfully, for the rest of his days. Almost inexplicably, "Abraham had faith and did not doubt." Deftly tracing the autobiographical threads that run throughout the work, Kirmmse initially, in his lucid and engaging introduction, demystifies Kierkegaard's fictive narrator, Johannes de silentio, drawing parallels between Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and the author's personal "sacrifices." Ultimately, however, Kirmmse reveals Fear and Trembling as a fiercely polemical volume, designed to provoke the reader into considering what is actually meant by the word "faith", and whether those who consider themselves "true believers" actually are. With a vibrancy almost never before seen in English, and "a matchless grasp of the intricacies of Kierkegaard's writing process" (Gordon Marino), Kirmmse here definitively demonstrates Kierkegaard's enduring power to illuminate the terrible wonder of faith.

Fear and Trembling is S ren Kierkegaard's profound meditation on faith, ethics, obedience, and the terrifying solitude of the individual before God. Written under the pseudonym Johannes de Silentio, the book returns again and again to the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, asking what it means for Abraham to be called the father of faith when his commanded act appears to stand beyond ordinary moral understanding. First published in 1843, Fear and Trembling became one of Kierkegaard's most influential works and a foundational text in the philosophy of religion and existential thought. Its central problem is stark: can faith require a "teleological suspension of the ethical," and can the single individual stand in an absolute relation to God that cannot be justified by public reason, social morality, or philosophical system? Kierkegaard does not make this question easy. He makes it urgent, painful, and impossible to dismiss. Readers interested in philosophy, Christian thought, existentialism, ethics, theology, and the problem of faith will find Fear and Trembling essential. It remains one of the great works on religious inwardness: a book about Abraham, but also about anxiety, silence, sacrifice, trust, and the terrible demand that faith may place upon a human being.

First published in 1843 under the pseudonym “Johannes de silentio” (John of Silence), Soren Kierkegaard’s richly resonant Fear and Trembling has for generations stood as a pivotal text in the history of moral philosophy, inspiring such artistic and philosophical luminaries as Edvard Munch, W.H. Auden, Walter Benjamin and existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre. Retelling the biblical story of the binding of Isaac, Kierkegaard expounds on the ordeal of Abraham, who was commanded to sacrifice his son in an exceptional test of faith. Disgusted at the self-certainty of his own age, Kierkegaard investigates the paradox underlying Abraham’s decision to allow his duty to God to take precedence over his duties to his family. Now, in a new era of immense uncertainty and dislocation, renowned Kierkegaard scholar Bruce H. Kirmmse, in his accessible translation and engaging introduction, eloquently brings this classic work to a new generation of readers, demonstrating Kierkegaard’s enduring power to illuminate the terrible wonder of faith.

First published in 1843 under the pseudonym “Johannes de silentio” (John of Silence), Soren Kierkegaard’s richly resonant Fear and Trembling has for generations stood as a pivotal text in the history of moral philosophy, inspiring such artistic and philosophical luminaries as Edvard Munch, W.H. Auden, Walter Benjamin and existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre. Retelling the biblical story of the binding of Isaac, Kierkegaard expounds on the ordeal of Abraham, who was commanded to sacrifice his son in an exceptional test of faith. Disgusted at the self-certainty of his own age, Kierkegaard investigates the paradox underlying Abraham’s decision to allow his duty to God to take precedence over his duties to his family. Now, in a new era of immense uncertainty and dislocation, renowned Kierkegaard scholar Bruce H. Kirmmse, in his accessible translation and engaging introduction, eloquently brings this classic work to a new generation of readers, demonstrating Kierkegaard’s enduring power to illuminate the terrible wonder of faith.