Fear and Trembling (Penguin Classics)
by Soren Kierkegaard
|
List Price: Our Price: $5.78 You Save: $8.22 (59%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.86 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Fear and Trembling (Penguin Classics)
Book Review: One of Kierkegaard's best works
Summary: 5 Stars
In this book, Kierkegaard examines the story of Abraham (almost) sacraficing Isaac, and he explores the implications this has for our faith (or more accurately, he interprets this story in light of his existentialist beliefs). While I do not at all agree with his conclusion that faith is absurd and cannot be reached by reason, this is an immensly deep and well writen work. Even if you do not agree with Kierkegaard, this book is a wonderful theological book (while unsound in some places, he does get some things right), and I cannot imagine a person who would not learn something from this book. If nothing else, you can see the line of reasoning behind the theory of one of the greatest philosophers who ever lived. Surely this is worth a few dollars and a few hours.Book Review: Kierkegaard Missed It
Summary: 3 Stars
God had revealed Himself to Abraham on numerous occasions. Abraham saw God, talked with God, had promises fulfilled by God. One cannot isolate Abraham's faith in the 'sacrifice' of Isaac from what Abraham had already experienced God to be. At this point Abraham knows there is one God and that He can be trusted. From this LOGICAL line of thought, Abraham can conclude that no matter what happens God will be true to Himself. There is no need for a suspension of ethics, based upon who God already revealed himself to be. From this standpoint there is faith, but notice there is no 'leap of faith' totally devoid of reason. This is what Kierkegaard missed. It is unfortunate that this existentialist thought has so permeated the secular and theological world.Book Review: A most interesting read ...
Summary: 4 Stars
This was one of my earliest reads when I willingly drifted into the land of theology and philosophy - and in this book the author touches heavily on both.
He basically had a very tough time with God asking Abraham to sacrifice his own son, and this book discusses in great length the many aspects of those 3-4 days that must have been hell for the old patriarch.
Parts of the book are an easy read - I found myself really absorbed. Other parts are more difficult and you could skip over them and still get a good feeling for what he's trying to say. Not easy, but not too hard. Good for thinking. Many after him have commented on this work - read it yourself !
Book Review: Certainly Seminal.
Summary: 5 Stars
Most of what I read 30 years ago for college classes remains a blur, but this text, along with "Sickness Unto Death," stands out as a notable exception. It appealed to my romantic nature and ironic temperament, and confirmed my suspicions of all organized religions while leaving room for faith--an insane leap into a relationship that by relating itself to itself is grounded transparently in the power that posited it. Somehow it made sense then, and still does. No one describes romantic fixation and unrequieted love as carefully yet passionately as Kierkegaard, then transforms it from mere narcissistic stasis into life-affirming energy.Book Review: Kierkegaard Philosophy Influences My Major Work on Jesus.
Summary: 5 Stars
As a student of Theological Studies in the University in Toronto, I was learning all about christian philosophy. The one that made so much impact is Fear and Trembling. The dialogue rendered so poetically between Abraham,his son Isaac and God makes my pen turn red. It is so full of allegory that motivated me to write modern verses in Tamil Language about the Life of JESUS CHRIST. I was able to retrace His steps in Jerusalem and Bethelehem - during my Holy Land Journey in 2000. I lived the scenes that are evoked in the Holy Bible.