Soteriology Before Epistemology: Kierkegaard's Theology of Divine Revelation

Abstract

In this study I examine the role of divine revelation within the thought of Søren Kierkegaard. For Kierkegaard, I contend, divine revelation is first and foremost a soteriological matter. Although his writings address many interesting and important epistemological issues, when it comes to the matter of divine revelation, these issues play more of a supporting role. This study builds upon the work of Steven M. Emmanuel. To my knowledge, Emmanuel’s book Kierkegaard and the Concept of Revelation is the only published monograph devoted specifically to addressing Kierkegaard’s account of divine revelation. While Emmanuel’s book has brought greater attention to the theme of revelation within Kierkegaard’s thought, the subject deserves further consideration. For example, Emmanuel’s book only examines three of Kierkegaard’s writings: Philosophical Fragments, Concluding Unscientific Postscript to “Philosophical Fragments,” and The Book of Adler. While these three works are certainly essential to understanding Kierkegaard’s account of divine revelation, this study intends to show that the inclusion of several other works (especially Anti-Climacus’s writings) offers a more comprehensive description of Kierkegaard’s views. Along with addressing other key works, I also attempt to situate my discussion of divine revelation within the larger purpose of Kierkegaard’s authorship. Kierkegaard saw himself primarily as a religious author, from beginning to end. As a religious author, Kierkegaard set himself the task of reintroducing Christianity into Christendom. In this study I contend that soteriological concerns (the question of becoming and being a Christian) are really at the heart of Kierkegaard’s discussion of divine revelation.