Some years ago, I used to love apologetics. In fact, I thought it was a very important apart of Christian engagement in the world. However, over the past year and a half, I have scaled back on that belief completely. I don’t really find much place for apologetics in my understanding of Christianity; particularly, when it comes to proving that God exists.
Doubtless, my downgrade of apologetics has largely coincided with my embrace of many existentialist themes and values. Not in small part due to my reading of Kierkegaard. For as some of you who read my blog know, Kierkegaard is my favorite philosopher, and while reading him the other day, I thought he made a very good and provocative point on the activity of proving God’s existence.
Kierkegaard writes,
…So rather let us openly mock God, as has been done before in the world: this is always preferable to the demeaning air of self-importance with which one would prove God’s existence. For to prove the existence of one who is present is the most shameless insult, since it is an attempt to make him ridiculous; but regrettably people haven’t the faintest idea of this and out of sheer seriousness see it as a pious undertaking…[Instead, however,] one proves [God's] existence by worship – not proofs. – Concluding Unscientific Postscript
What Kierkegaard is arguing here is very consistent with his existentialist bent. He would argue that a genuine Christian should not be composed of belief in a “sum of dogmas” but true “inward” passion in and for the absurd fact that God has become man – against all reason – to save man. This Christian will inevitably believe, really and truly, in the presence and nearness of God in their midst. God is not some far off, distant, ruler, but he’s here. In being so present, it would therefore be an “insult,” as Kierkegaard says, to turn around and try to prove his presence.
I think Kierkegaard is right. I mean, if any of you were introducing your mother to your friend, would you then, while your friend is directly beholding your mother, begin to prove the existence of your mother to your friend? That would be non-sense. Your mother is standing right there! Kierkegaard is arguing the same way.
Of course, there are many questions and issues that could be brought up in relation to what Kierkegaard says. For example, how does the Bible go about doing apologetics? Or, what about people who don’t believe in God? Certainly, he is not “present” in their mind. Thus, Christians have to “prove” his presence. I will hold off in addressing these points. Instead, I’ll ask you:
-What are your thoughts about Kierkegaard’s attitude toward proving God’s existence?
-Do you think apologetics should be an important part of Christian engagement in the world?
-How would you go about proving God’s existence…or would you?
Cheers.
