Søren Kierkegaard’s famous book titled The Sickness Unto Death is a philosophical work that examines the concept of despair and the relationship between the individual and God. The book is structured around a series of reflections on the nature of despair, its causes, and its relationship to faith.
Kierkegaard argues that despair is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, and that it is caused by a lack of understanding of the self and the relationship between the self and God. He distinguishes between two types of despair: despair at the finite and despair in the face of the infinite.
Despair at the finite is caused by a sense of dissatisfaction with the world and the limitations of the human condition. This type of despair is characterized by a sense of emptiness and a lack of purpose or meaning in life. Kierkegaard argues that this type of despair can be overcome through the realization that true fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with God.
Despair in the face of the infinite is caused by a sense of inadequacy in the face of the infinite and the divine. This type of despair is characterized by a sense of fear and anxiety, as the individual is overwhelmed by the vastness and incomprehensibility of God. Kierkegaard argues that this type of despair can only be overcome through a deep and personal relationship with God.
Kierkegaard also distinguishes between two types of self: the finite self and the infinite self. The finite self is the external and temporal aspect of the self, while the infinite self is the internal and eternal aspect of the self. The infinite self is the aspect of the self that is in constant communication with God, and that is capable of achieving true fulfillment and meaning.
Kierkegaard argues that the individual must strive to become aware of the infinite self and to develop a relationship with God in order to overcome despair. He suggests that this can be achieved through a process of self-examination and reflection, in which the individual becomes aware of their own limitations and the need for a relationship with God.
One of the key themes of “The Sickness Unto Death” is the relationship between the individual and God. Kierkegaard argues that the individual must take responsibility for their own relationship with God, and that this relationship cannot be based on external rules or doctrines. He suggests that the individual must develop a personal relationship with God, based on trust, faith, and love.
Kierkegaard also critiques the concept of sin and forgiveness in “The Sickness Unto Death.” He argues that the traditional Christian understanding of sin and forgiveness is too simplistic, and that it fails to fully address the complexity of the human condition. He suggests that sin is not simply a matter of breaking external rules or laws, but rather is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. The individual must overcome sin by developing a deep and personal relationship with God.
Throughout the book, Kierkegaard emphasizes the importance of personal choice and responsibility. He argues that the individual must take responsibility for their own life and their own relationship with God. The individual must be willing to make difficult choices and to take risks in order to achieve true fulfillment and meaning.
Finally, Kierkegaard emphasizes the importance of suffering in the development of faith. He argues that suffering is necessary in order to fully understand and appreciate the depth of one’s relationship with God. Suffering can help the individual to overcome despair and to develop a deeper understanding of the self and the relationship between the self and God.