ABSTRACT
Søren Kierkegaard’s encounter with the French Catholic theologian and homme de lettres François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon is paradoxically characterized by both continuity and discontinuity. Although a closer analysis easily uncovers the inner logic of Kierkegaard’s reception, it constantly remains confronted with the surprisingly abrupt nature of its phases. It is, however, apparent that from an accidental dialogue partner Fénelon gradually developed into a trustworthy spiritual authority, whose advice eventually played a crucial role in Kierkegaard’s uneasy decision-making in the summer of 1849. Fénelon’s wisdom helped to clear the way for the publication of The Sickness unto Death, and it was instrumental in Kierkegaard’s reconstruction of his integrity as a religious author.
