Can a person prepare to become a Christian? A Kierkegaardian response

Andrew B. Torrance

doi:10.1017/S0034412516000172

Can a person prepare to become a Christian? A Kierkegaardian response

Andrew B. Torrance

School of Divinity

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Is it possible to prepare oneself to become a Christian? For Kierkegaard, there is no straightforward answer to this question, especially since such a transition depends upon a divine activity that is outside the realm of human control. Despite the challenge that this question poses, Kierkegaard's writings do provide us with a way to respond, and this response will be the subject matter of this article. Following an analysis of his position, this article will conclude that, although Kierkegaard recognizes that there are precedent ways of existing that are more conducive to becoming a Christian, it is not helpful to describe them as preparatory.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	199-215
Number of pages	17
Journal	Religious Studies
Volume	53
Issue number	2
Early online date	27 Jul 2016
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1017/S0034412516000172
Publication status	Published - Jun 2017

Keywords

Kierkegaard
Conversion
Donald Mackinnon
Faith
Christianity

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10.1017/S0034412516000172

Torrance_2016_RelStu_PreparetoBecome_AAM
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016. This work is made available online in accordance with the publisher’s policies. This is the author created, accepted version manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0034412516000172
Accepted author manuscript, 261 KB

Aspects of Religious Experiences: Aspects of Religious Experiences: Investigations from Science, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies
Torrance, A. B. (PI)
1/07/16 → 31/03/17
Project: Standard

Cite this

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Can a person prepare to become a Christian? A Kierkegaardian response

Abstract

Keywords

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Aspects of Religious Experiences: Aspects of Religious Experiences: Investigations from Science, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies

Cite this