DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Søren Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling (1843) is one of his most well-known works, exploring the nature of faith, ethics, and the paradox of religious belief. Written under the pseudonym Johannes de Silentio, it is an intricate philosophical and theological reflection on the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, questioning what it means to have absolute faith in God. The work is highly rhetorical, often poetic, and deeply introspective, structured around key themes that challenge the reader’s understanding of morality, duty, and divine command.

Let’s explore…

Introduction: Faith as a paradox

Kierkegaard begins Fear and Trembling by emphasizing the uniqueness of faith. He asserts that faith is not simply a rational or ethical matter; rather, it involves a paradox that goes beyond human comprehension. This paradox is embodied in Abraham, who was commanded by God to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Abraham’s willingness to obey is presented as the pinnacle of faith, yet it is also deeply troubling from a moral perspective. This creates a tension between the ethical and the religious, a central concern of the book.

Kierkegaard contrasts faith with the universal ethics advocated by philosophers like Immanuel Kant, who argued that morality is based on rational principles applicable to all. Abraham’s decision, however, appears to defy universal moral law, since killing one’s child is ethically indefensible. Yet, Abraham is considered the father of faith, not a criminal, leading to the question: What makes faith different from mere obedience or fanaticism?

The story of Abraham: The knight of faith

Kierkegaard presents Abraham as the «knight of faith,» a figure who operates beyond the ethical realm. According to conventional morality, Abraham should have refused God’s command. Instead, he moves forward, believing that God’s promise (that Isaac would become the father of a great nation) would still somehow be fulfilled. This paradox, believing in two contradictory things at once (that Isaac must die and that he will live), is what defines true faith.

Johannes de Silentio distinguishes Abraham’s faith from the purely aesthetic or ethical life. The «knight of resignation»—a person who gives up everything for a noble cause—would accept that Isaac must be lost, but Abraham does not resign himself to this loss. Instead, he maintains an absolute trust in God’s goodness and power, even when reason suggests otherwise. This is what makes Abraham’s act an expression of true faith rather than despair or ethical compromise.

The teleological suspension of the ethical

One of the most important concepts in Fear and Trembling is the «teleological suspension of the ethical.» Kierkegaard argues that Abraham’s faith required him to suspend ethical norms for a higher divine purpose (telos). In most cases, ethical duties should be upheld above all else. However, in rare instances, faith demands obedience to a divine command that transcends ethical law.

This idea is controversial because it suggests that morality is not the highest authority. If taken to an extreme, it could justify unethical actions in the name of faith, a danger Kierkegaard acknowledges but does not fully resolve. His point is not to promote blind obedience but to illustrate that faith is an individual, deeply personal struggle that cannot be justified by external reasoning.

The movement of faith: The double movement

Kierkegaard describes faith as requiring a «double movement»: first, the movement of infinite resignation, where the believer gives up what they love; second, the movement of faith, where they receive it back through trust in the divine.

Abraham’s test illustrates this. If he were merely resigned, he would sacrifice Isaac in sorrow, accepting loss as inevitable. But Abraham’s faith is greater: he lets go of Isaac but simultaneously believes that God will return him. This paradox is incomprehensible to reason, yet it defines faith.

The knight of faith, in contrast to the tragic hero, operates in a different realm. A tragic hero, like Agamemnon (who sacrifices his daughter for the greater good), acts within the ethical sphere, while Abraham acts on a higher plane of trust in God. Kierkegaard suggests that this kind of faith is rare and cannot be explained in ethical terms.

Faith and the absurd

One of the most striking aspects of Fear and Trembling is its discussion of the «absurd.» Abraham’s faith in God is absurd because it defies all rational and ethical understanding. He believes that Isaac will both die and be saved, an impossible contradiction. Faith, therefore, is not about logical certainty but about embracing the absurd with complete trust.

Kierkegaard contrasts this with the rationalist view that faith must be based on evidence or reason. He argues that true faith is not about proving God’s existence or justifying belief logically. Instead, faith is a personal commitment that goes beyond reason, embracing uncertainty and paradox.

The individual and the universal

Kierkegaard also explores the role of the individual in relation to the universal. In ethical systems, individuals are expected to act in ways that align with universal moral principles. However, faith requires a «leap» beyond these norms. Abraham’s story shows that the individual can be in a direct, absolute relation to God that surpasses universal ethics.

This emphasis on individuality is central to Kierkegaard’s existentialist philosophy. Unlike philosophers who seek objective truths, Kierkegaard insists that faith is a subjective experience. The struggle of faith is deeply personal, requiring the individual to wrestle with doubt, fear, and the unknown.

Reflections on modernity and faith

Kierkegaard critiques modern society for its lack of true faith. He suggests that many people claim to be Christians but do not actually live by faith. Instead, they conform to social norms and ethical principles without ever confronting the paradox of belief.

He also criticizes those who reduce religion to mere ethics or rationality. Faith, he argues, is not about following moral rules or intellectual arguments; it is about a radical trust in God that defies comprehension. The modern world, with its emphasis on reason and ethics, struggles to understand the kind of faith Abraham embodies.

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Fear and Trembling is not an easy book. It does not offer simple answers but instead presents faith as a difficult, often terrifying, journey. Abraham’s story forces readers to question their own beliefs: Do they have the courage to trust in something beyond reason? Are they willing to embrace the absurd?

Kierkegaard does not suggest that everyone should imitate Abraham—his faith is exceptional. Instead, he challenges readers to reflect on the nature of their own faith. Is it merely ethical and rational, or does it involve a deeper, more paradoxical trust?

Ultimately, Fear and Trembling remains one of the most thought-provoking works on faith and the individual’s relationship with the divine. It rejects easy answers, forcing readers to confront the complexities of belief, sacrifice, and trust. Kierkegaard’s insights continue to influence theology, philosophy, and existentialist thought, making his exploration of faith as relevant today as it was in the 19th century.