Kierkegaard reflects on James
July 19, 2011
“[James's words] are by one of the Lord’s apostles, and if we ourselves have not deeply perceived their meaning, we nevertheless dare to trust that they are not casual and idle words, a flowery expression of a flimsy thought, but that they are faithful and unfailing, tried and tested, as was the life of the apostle who wrote them” (Kierkegaard, Eighteen Upbuilding Discourses, 32, quoted in Bauckham, Wisdom of James, 11).
Kierkegaard also mentioned in his writings that the first chapter of James, especially vv. 17-21, was his favorite passage of Scripture: “my first, my favorite text, my first love, even my only love — to which one returns again and again and again and always” (Kierkegaard, quoted in Bauckham, Wisdom of James, 160).
Good stuff Andy. I always found it interesting that Kierkegaard was a big fan of Luther and yet Luther didn’t care much for James and Kierkegaard consistently called it one of his favorites. Have you ever read “Works of Love?” One of my all time favorites.
I’ve read a piddly amount of Kierkegaard, but I’m on my way to the library in just a few minutes, and I think I might just check out “works of love.” Thanks for the recommendation!