
The orthodox doctrine of the incarnation affirms that Christ is both truly divine and truly human. This, however, raises the question of how these two natures can co-exist in the one, united person of Christ without undermining the integrity of either nature. Kenotic theologians address this problem by arguing that Christ 'emptied' himself of his divine attributes or prerogatives in order to become a human being.David R. Law contends that a type of kenotic Christology is present in Kierkegaard's works, developed independently of the Christologies of contemporary kenotic theologians. Like many of the classic kenotic theologians of the 19th century, Kierkegaard argues that Christ underwent limitation on becoming a human being. Where he differs from his contemporaries is in emphasizing the radical nature of this limitation and in bringing out its existential consequences.The aim of Kierkegaard's Christology is not to provide a rationally satisfying theory of the incarnation, but to highlight the existential challenge with which Christ confronts each human being. Kierkegaard advances 'existential kenoticism', a form of kenotic Christology which extends the notion of the kenosis of Christ to the Christian believer, who is called upon to live a life of kenotic discipleship in which the believer follows Christ's example of lowly, humble, and suffering service. Kierkegaard thus shifts the problem of kenosis from the intellectual problem of working out how divinity and humanity can be united in Christ's Person to the existential problem of discipleship.
Does Søren Kierkegaard’s work contain a distinct form of kenotic Christology that shifts the focus from metaphysical speculation to existential practice? David R. Law, a scholar of 19th-century theology, examines Kierkegaard’s writings to argue that the philosopher developed an independent model of Christ’s self-emptying. By analyzing the intersection of divine limitation and human discipleship, Law demonstrates how Kierkegaard moves beyond traditional intellectual debates regarding the incarnation to emphasize the practical, suffering-oriented nature of the Christian life.
What You Will Find
Scholars recognize this text as a significant contribution to the study of Kierkegaard’s theological depth, particularly regarding his departure from contemporary kenotic thinkers. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous resource for those investigating the intersection of existentialism and classical Christian doctrine.
Page Count:
320
Publication Date:
2013-03-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0199698635
ISBN-13:
9780199698639
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