After Socrates: Episode 16 - Kierkegaard, Jesus and Suffering

In this episode, John and Christopher explore the philosophical connections between Socrates and Kierkegaard, discussing the role of paradox, irony, and the self. They delve into Kierkegaard's stages of life - aesthetic, ethical, and religious - and his critiques of Christendom and societal expectations. The conversation also covers Kierkegaard's complex relationships with love and society, his I-Thou relationship with God, and the resolution of paradox in human existence. Throughout the discussion, Chris and John emphasize the profound nature of dialogos, the ontological claim about Christ as the Logos, and the challenges of discussing sin and its associations.

00:00 - Introduction
00:58 - Section 1: Socratic Paradox and Kierkegaard's Stages of Life
10:12 - Section 2: Kierkegaard's Critique of Christendom
20:03 - Section 3: Kierkegaard's Suffering
30:00 - Section 4: Kierkegaard's Struggle with Society and Love
40:15 - Section 5: Lingering Connection and the Teleological Suspension of the Ethical
50:00 - Section 6: Kierkegaard's I-Thou Relationship with God and the Resolution of Paradox
01:00:08 - Section 7: Dialogos, Shifting Modes of Identification, and the Concept of Sin

[iamlovingawareness]

The bond here is incredible; from the beginning of this project; through all the mini series; it is these two who have stuck me so strongly. A friendship that I am so glad to see happen. It’s not the propositional that draws me but the looks they give. The sensitivity they have toward the conversation is what draws me. Authentic. Pure, and heartfelt. I will give my life to that kind of relationship.

[MarkDouglass-dtky]

This is the best and most nuanced discussion of Kierkegaard I have heard. Fabulous.

[kiki]

Seeing as Christopher drew so heavily on The Sickness unto Death throughout his talk, I think it is only right to quote how Kierkegaard ends that book: "The formula for that state in which there is no despair at all: in relating itself to itself and in wanting to be itself, the self is grounded transparently in the power which established it. Which formula in turn, as has frequently been remarked, is the definition of faith."

[jg]

This series is truly amazing work; I do not think I have experienced such joy and acceptance with life prior to attempting to understand Socrates. Thank you John

[Elements]

Beautiful discourse! "i don't Know" is the simple essence of the "midwifery" of the Neo-Platonic Phantasy. This contemplative practice and its internal psychology brings forth unfolds, manifests... is the feminine, the Divine Mother the vehicle through whom the through-relation of the Self is unfolded in all subtle worlds.... - a cloathing, a psychical vestment - a new weaving - that orients and elevates us toward Being... We may dare to say it is the Divine Phantasy who always is in Potentia...

[thomasbrandenburg]

Fun fact: Regina went on to live an interesting and fairly long life (82), sailing across the ocean to the Danish West Indies (present day: US Virgin Islands) where she married the governor who had been a tutor of hers in her youth.

[martinchikilian]

I'm loving these conversations between John and Chris. As others said too, it's evident how much both of them appreciate being in conversation with each another and, besides the content itself of what they're pronouncing, seeing that human dynamic is a very positive thing.

In terms of something else, I'd like to explore how to take the different stages and their transitions into our daily practices. I feel, for one, that the practice of asking oneself "who am I" could integrate some Kierkegaardian knowledge.

[reitsmacbkdw]

"Suffering oneself", wow! I never heard that before but it resonates very strongly. Thanks!
I don't choose the body or situation I am born into but I am not a victim. I suffer myself in the body and situation I find myself. I can seek to improve both but there is a place for exploring/embracing/relishing the possibilities of serving God within these limits.

[bobwilkinsonguitar]

Uploaded the moment I opened my browser - What a joy! Can't wait to hear this Dialogue continued. Socrates and Kierkegaard would be pleased!

[mills]

Wow! What a gut punch about infinitizing yourself. Very good stuff. Thank you two for another incredible dialogue.

[shogun]

Great episode as always, I will say that it goes from a dialogue to seeming that Christopher is monologuing what and how he prepared to speak beforehand

[Ykpaina]

The first three minutes blew my mind into ordered I see standing and accepting of the paradox that is my deep religious Informed by my culture and community of Ukrainian Catholic belief but my constant forging I to new frontiers of knowledge and exploration I feed a quest along a path that threads my being along through life .

[mariog]

An episode I’ve been waiting for, John. Thank you for a great conversation! I’ve been following each episode and truly you have inspired me; to become enlightened! But like Socrates. To follow his path. Truly John, for those who listen, you have given us a gift. How could one follow the enlightened path without himself first catching on fire?

[Joeonline]

Chris has been great during these Kierkegaard episodes. As an avid Kierkegaard reader myself, some of his points have been very helpful. John, as always, is a great listener and partner in dialogos. Thanks gentlemen

[missh]

That's me in the audience "Wooo Amen, yes yes yes. Thank you Jesus". Soooo deeeep in the phew wee! I can't believe I made it through this in one go 😅. Oh lordy, there was no need for more takeaways hh ... Thank you both for making this free to access. Happy Egg Hunting to all. Pageau has a stash hhh.

[tracywilliamsliterature]

Brilliant. Respect & thanks from Tracy in Wales.

[BrodesG]

Christopher is cooking in this episode!!!

[KevinFlowersJr]

For the people who handle Dr. Vervaeke's YT channel: As of today (9 April 2023), episodes 14 & 16 are missing from the After Socrates playlist

Keep up the good work everyone 👍🙏

[monster]

Kierkegaard's stages really seem to converge nicely with the child, the adult, and the sage.

[zoomerpastor]

Been waiting in anticipation for this conversation ever since last week! Thank you John!