Session 7 - Rising Atheism and Kierkegaard

The late 19th century saw the rise of the first aggressive atheists in the Western intellectual tradition. Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud launched a tradition of criticism against Christianity that was less concerned whether Christianity is simply false, but more that it is dangerous, deceptive, and debilitating. This hostile tradition continues today with the same message, just new messengers. At the same time, Christian philosopher Soren Kierkegaard raises objections to the Christendom culture of Denmark, where everyone was “born” a Christian, but few really cared about their faith. Kierkegaard makes pointed criticisms of vacuous Christian living of his own world that carry a valuable message for us today.