Overview

Kierkegaard has often been regarded as a gloomy thinker yet, as an evangelist, his aim was to discover the joy of the truth of Christianity. Both Kierkegaard's belief and his doubt in his own work were the result of his attempt to comprehend the exceptional experiences of biblical characters and to examine what he found most puzzling or offensive. 'The Joy of Kierkegaard' brings together the writings of one of the most influential of Kierkegaard scholars. These essays argue that Kierkegaard's most original thought arises from his struggle with biblical passages and that joy underpins his profound exploration of spiritual alienation.

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9781845532727

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Reviews

'Hugh Pyper's contribution to the study of Kierkegaard is exceptional. Many of the essays gathered into this volume began as conference presentations and those who had the privilege - and joy! - of hearing them will know what to expect and will be grateful for this collection. As Pyper makes clear, the truly Kierkegaardian joy is something distinct from simple humour and although there is plenty of that here too the book also tackles some of the most serious themes of Kierkegaardian faith and its possible meaning for contemporary readers. As the sub-title indicates, Kierkegaard's relation to the Bible is a central theme in all of these essays and Pyper's expertise as a biblical scholar helps him to uncover threads and connections overlooked by the increasing number of Kierkegaard readers who are biblically illiterate. At the same time, he has a strong sense for the complexities of language to which recent philosophers such as Derrida have drawn attention and he takes us on many breath-catching journeys through the shifting and myriad interactions of Kierkegaard's text, its biblical intertext, and our context of 20th and 21st century philosophy and literature. These qualities are further enhanced by a vigorous, engaging, and wonderfully clear stlye characteristic of the best kind of teacher and - last but not least - by a consistent awareness of the real human issues that Kierkegaard and his commentators are dealing with. This is a book to read and re-read many times, and will be welcomed by students, teachers, and researchers at all levels.' George Pattison, Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, Oxford University 'Kierkegaard had an intimate familiarity with the Biblical writings and the Bible is everywhere written into his authorship. Hugh Pyper's book aims to make this point manifest. He argues provocatively and persuasively that Kierkegaard's philosophical and ethical thought is the result of his confrontation with Biblical texts and that the entire authorship points toward the scandalous but life-enhancing good news proclaimed in the Bible.' Niels Jorgen Cappelorn, Professor of Kierkegaard Studies and Director, Soren Kierkegaard Research Centre Foundation, Copenhagen 'Professor Hugh Pyper has been taking notes on Soren Kierkegaard for decades. In this volume, Pyper enlists his Danish Socrates to come to grips with some of life's most perplexing problems. For example, the world is a buffet of pain and suffering. How then can God command us to rejoice? Or again, we are commanded to forgive and yet there are many deeds that seem unforgivable? A joy to read, The Joy of Kierkegaard offers powerful responses to these and other questions. Rigorously argued and elegantly written, it is a book that both the Kierkegaard scholar and novice will want to absorb.' Gordon Marino, Professor of Philosophy and Director, Hong Kierkegaard Library, St. Olaf College, Minnesota

Author Information

Hugh Pyper is a Professor in the Department of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield.

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