Bierkergaard: The Writings of Soren Kierkegaard

Imagine if Soren and C.S. Lewis met over tea or an ale and had something to say to each other as friends? I hypothesize a bit about what they might say to each other and other matters about Joy. If you wish to read my thoughts about the Buffalo Tragedy, follow this link http://bierkergaard.blogspot.com/2022/05/buffalo-shooting.html?m=1

Soren and C.S. Lewis writings on Joy is today’s topic. Some reflection on the mass shooting in Buffalo is discussed and how to view it in light of eternity.

Soren starts to really bring the Silence, Listen to God, and Obedience process into focus. He is clear and unequivocal. You cannot serve two Masters (as Jesus said). Ambivalence is not an acceptable response. It is dangerous.

God wants us to be silent and to obey him. Good that he is patient, as Soren writes in his book “The Lily of the Field and the Bird of the Air.”

Today, May 5 in 1813, Soren was born in Copenhagen. I reflect a bit on what makes him the unique thinker that he is and why we must laud people like him.

I finally conclude this three episode trilogy on Soren & Social Media. Can I hear an “Amen?” Shout out to Norway where this podcast is Number 1 for Spirituality! My people!

We continue to go in-depth on Soren’s conflict with The Corsair and its relevance to Social Media. I give some ideas about how to interact with social media and not let the crowd drown out needed voices.

How would or should have Soren interacted with The Corsair? How does this instruct us on our interactions with others on Social Media and how does being silent help? This is a big topic so be patient as I work through this.

Soren offers surprising advice on how to respond to trouble, trial, and tribulation. Be silent.

We get into the public vs. private side of life. Soren had high highs and low lows. That didn’t make him a hypocrite. It made him human.

Who knows why the John Updike essay in the 2005 New Yorker is titled this. Maybe I should read it again. In this episode, I delve into Soren’s conflict with The Corsair. Actually can hear birds chirping a bit in the background!

Soren speaks about the anxiety we experience concerning the future. The expectancy of faith is the antidote for this condition.

Soren writes that real joy always lies on the far side of suffering. What do you think? First 20 minutes before Soren writings or so are housekeeping items. So, fast forward as needed. But does provide some updates on important things.

Soren writes that “Anxiety is the Dizziness of Freedom.” Give it a listen to learn more. Correction: Slave owner was Philemon, not Titus. The danger of relying on memory.

Listen in as Soren & I develop a case for why institutions can be downright dangerous.

Tom Becker is the Curator of The Row House Forum. He’s a smart guy BUT not super informed about Soren. So, see what happens when Tom takes on the Soren K. Quote that “Faith sees best in the dark.”

We continue to walk through this Upbuilding Discourse. Correction: It was not Seward that was nearly beaten to death by a Southerner on the Senate Floor. It was Sumner. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_of_Charles_Sumner?wprov=sfti1

Joe Biden in his recent address to the Polish people in Warsaw utilized a Soren quote about “Faith Seeing Best In The Dark.” Or reasonable paraphrase. Biden’s life has been marred by tragedy. He speaks with clarity in what will go down in history (hopefully) as a great speech. Giving hope to the Ukrainians.

What does faith mean. It is faith in something. Soren takes us to the deep end.

What does faith mean? Listen in as I grapple with it. With the help of Soren.

This is the Preface for his book where Soren expresses faith that these writings will find its readers. He uses some lovely and figurative illustrations.

What did Soren mean by “Upbuilding” and what can we learn from this understanding of offering our ideas and observations to others?

Soren was an outsider. He enjoyed the role. It was also a reality that went beyond his own trait to court controversy.

We go into a little more depth on yesterday’s quote, who I am, and surprisingly, some career advice from a former high school counselor.