Theism and Dostoevsky and Kierkegaard - Essay Example

The form of theism which may be termed to be, “radical theism” that may result in a manifestation of existentialism.
From a general definition existentialism is largely a philosophical movement that stresses three main foundations namely, “individual existence, freedom, and choice”. In essence, there are numerous philosophical viewpoints that relate to existential philosophy. However, the main distinguishable and most common suggestion is that; essence follows existence. Hence, existentialism conditions that; man exists and in that existence man outlines himself as well as the world in his/her own partiality, In addition, he is left to wander between choice, freedom, and existential anguish or fear (Webb, Toussaint and Dula,n.p).

Basically, theism is also founded on the freedom to choose an individual’s god(s), and this may be based on their fears, anguish, desires, confusion, and/or misery. As such, in the case of radical theism, the believer is so much dependent on these gods that it can result in existentialism. For instance, in the book chapter rebellion and grand inquisitor by Dostoevsky, the Inquisitor poses the question- who is right; “Thou who didst reject, or he who offered?” He further elaborates that, by he who offered to turn stones to bread, the individual is deprived of their free choice since they are bribed and in case they rebel and reject the offer they will die of hunger. Similarly, in criticizing traditional theism mainly the Roman Catholics and the Jesuits- which they observed as being an army (Commander being the Roman High Priest) was only in existence for their thirst for power. It is stated. “……. They may not believe in God, that is also possible, but your suffering Inquisitor is simply-- a fancy!” (Dostoevsky,n.p) This is a clear indication that radical theism as observed by Dostoevsky may indeed result in existentialism since it is only through individual existence, choice, freedom that a belief can flourish.

Moreover, in Kierkegaard’s fear and trembling problem I and problem II, it can be noted that the most basic question in problem It is on whether there is a teleological suspension of the ethical. In this problem, ethics is defined as the telos meaning, the end goal, of all outside itself, and there is no telos outside the ethical. Similarly, in problem II, the big question is n whether an individual has a duty to God. It is noted that if this is the case, then there is no universal expression that defines radical theism. Equally, by the knights of faith such as Abraham only obeying God for his own gains he fails to have an ethical or moral orientation.

Problema II notes that faith ought to be that paradox that the inner is greater than the outer hence a single individual should relate categorically to the entire as a single individual (Palmer,n.p) (Kierkegaard,n.p).
Therefore, both philosophers mainly seem to be critics of traditional theism. Though they profess to be radical theists their stands are movers more by their philosophical thoughts and they advocate for a universal gain rather than personal gain for one's actions and beliefs. For instance, by recognizing Agamemnon, as a hero for his actions were in favor of the whole society and questioning Abrahams's ethics they are more inclined to existentialism rather than theism. Read More