Kierkegaard's Theology of Encounter

Kierkegaard's Theology of Encounter provides a theoretical framework that brings the unity of Kierkegaard's 'middle period' into relief. David Lappano analyses Kierkegaard's writings between 1846 and 1852 when the socially constructive dimension of his thought comes to prominence, involving two dialectical aspects of religiousness identified by Kierkegaard: they are the edifying and the polemical. How these come together and get worked out in the lives ofindividuals form the basis of what can be called a Kierkegaardian 'social praxis'. Lappano argues that the tension between the edifying and the polemical can be coherently maintained in a communicative life that is also characteristic of a militant faith. This militant faith and life is presented as a criticalguard against absolutisms, fundamentalisms, and intellectual aloofness; but the 'militant' individual is also utterly dependent, in need of edification and critique, and therefore chooses the risk of encountering others, seeking relationships out of a commitment to the development of people and communities in co-operation. Therefore, not only does this dialectic provide readers with an important theoretical framework for understanding Kierkegaard's 'middle period', it is also a valuableresource for a constructive analysis of active social living suitable for theology in the twenty-first century.

Overall, Lappano's book is a well — written, well — argued, and much — needed interpretive encounter with Kierkegaard that is particularly useful for readers interested in the theological significance of Kierkegaard's thought., Lappano's book is a prime example of why Kierkegaard studies are exciting at the moment. It is not only interesting in terms of the dialogue and development of scholarship itself, but because Kierkegaard's thought is presented in compelling ways for present circumstances. The world needs the best of Kierkegaard, which Lappano deftly presents, and perhaps less of the venemous worst of Kierkegaard. That is, we need more critical, 'militant' social beings capable of resisting all absolutisms and fundamentalisms of the self and society, grounded in an edifying and polemical life such as the one Lappano constructs and commends., [A]n interesting and fruitful exploration of Kierkegaard's social theory, offering up an area of his thought often neglected, and it will hopefully bring further attention and engagement with Kierkegaard's theology of encounter.

David Lappano is based at the Centre for Christian Studies.