Practice in Christianity - Classic Text | Alexandria
Practice in Christianity (Danish: Indøvelse i Christendom), published in 1850 under the pseudonym Anti-Climacus, stands as one of Søren Kierkegaard's most profound and challenging works of religious philosophy. This seminal text, appearing late in Kierkegaard's authorship, presents a radical interpretation of Christian faith that confronts readers with the demands of authentic Christian existence in the modern world.
The work emerged during a period of significant religious and social upheaval in 19th-century Denmark, when the established Lutheran Church had become, in Kierkegaard's view, complacent and accommodating to secular culture. Written in three parts, Practice in Christianity develops its argument through a careful examination of Christ's invitation to "come hither," the possibility of taking offense at Christianity, and the challenge of becoming contemporary with Christ. Kierkegaard chose to publish under the pseudonym Anti-Climacus, whom he considered to represent an ideal Christian consciousness higher than his own, allowing him to articulate the most demanding vision of Christian existence.
The text's revolutionary impact lies in its insistence that true Christianity requires a contemporary relationship with Christ, rejecting both historical distance and institutional mediation. Kierkegaard's work introduces the concept of "contemporaneity" (simultaneity), arguing that each individual must encounter Christ as a present reality rather than a historical figure. This radical approach challenged both academic theology and conventional church practice, inspiring later existentialist philosophy and influential theological movements like Dialectical Theology.
Practice in Christianity continues to resonate with modern readers through its unflinching examination of authentic faith in an increasingly secular world. Its critique of institutionalized religion and emphasis on personal commitment speaks to contemporary spiritual seekers, while its philosophical depth continues to engage scholars across disciplines. The work's enduring mystery lies in its ability to challenge readers to confront their own relationship with faith, raising the persistent question: What does it mean to be truly Christian in any age? This tension between historical Christianity and contemporary faith remains as relevant today as when Kierkegaard first posed it, making Practice in Christianity a perennial source of spiritual and philosophical insight.