31/03/2025
Existentialists—What does it mean to actually become a Christian?
Søren Kierkegaard, the 19th-century Danish philosopher and theologian, believed the answer wasn’t found in tradition, rituals, or cultural identity. Instead, he argued that becoming a Christian is a radical, inward, lifelong journey.
Here’s what Kierkegaard would likely say:
1. Christianity isn’t inherited — it’s chosen.
You don’t become a Christian by being born into a Christian nation or attending church. You become one through personal commitment and daily obedience.
2. Don’t admire Christ — imitate Him.
It’s easy to admire Jesus from a distance. Kierkegaard challenged us to follow Him closely — even when it’s uncomfortable, sacrificial, or unpopular.
3. Faith requires risk.
Becoming a Christian involves confronting your own limits and making a leap of faith. It’s not about certainty; it’s about trust in the face of paradox.
4. It’s an inward transformation.
True Christianity isn’t just about what others see. It’s about what God sees — the state of your soul, your integrity, your surrender.
5. Stand alone before God.
At some point, we must all stop hiding behind the crowd and answer personally to Christ. That’s where authentic faith begins.
“The greatest danger to Christianity is not heresies or atheism — but the admiring believer who refuses to follow Christ.”
— Kierkegaard
Whether you’re a seeker, a skeptic, or someone who grew up around religion, Kierkegaard invites us to dig deeper — not to settle for appearances, but to pursue the truth with fear and trembling.
