ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasises the role of authority in Kierkegaard's conception of Christianity's truth, and analyses the rhetorical construction of religious authority in his authorship. It returns to theology in its stricter sense, and so to the Continent. The concept of authority is basic to Kierkegaard's unique theological approach. The Point of View for my Work as an Author provides useful evidence to this effect. In general Kierkegaard is ambiguous about Luther. Though a Lutheran, his entire theology is an argument with Danish Lutheranism, which is typical of modern Christendom, and for which he often blames Luther himself. Kierkegaard's conception of the Christ-event as a paradox incapable of rational appropriation is of course reminiscent of Luther. In Philosophical Fragments he presents revelation as the overturning of the Socratic model of knowledge. Though this work generally conforms to a philosophical, analytical style, it recalls Luther in its account of faith as defiant scandal and folly.
