Be(com)ing a Christian Is Not a Social Identity: Kierkegaard and the Refusal of Social Roles

Abstract

This paper examines aspects of Kierkegaard’s authorship in relation to contemporary identity politics. Specifically, it argues that several pseudonymous voices in Kierkegaard’s works and identity politics share the contention that ethics presupposes concrete practical identities in order to function. Given this, one conception of liberalism, predicated on procedural equality, is not viable. However, it also argues that other voices in Kierkegaard’s oeuvres press beyond identities and proffer a radically new way to make sense of differences and equality, one predicated on infinity.

Keywords

• Kierkegaard
• identity politics
• ethics
• infinity