Tornar-se cristão : o Paradoxo Absoluto e a existência sob juízo e graça em Søren Kierkegaard

Abstract

The thesis analyzes the Absolute Paradox under the perspective of becoming a Christian. The argument is developed, that the process of becoming a Christian happens under judgment and grace, when encountering the Absolute Paradox. In the first part, a paradoxical articulation between Anthropology and Christology is elaborated. In the first chapter the possibility of original sin is analyzed making use of the concept of anxiety. This reflection is mainly anthropological and aims to investigate the constitution of the human being, keeping in mind the question of how sin is possible, and not in stating the actuality of sin. In the second chapter, the understanding of the christological Paradox is developed according to Kierkegaard and it is argued that the encounter of the individual with the Paradox happens under judgment and grace. This argument has a central role in the thesis, in understanding the concept of Paradox in Kierkegaard, as well as in the comprehension of the significance of becoming a Christian. In the second part of the thesis the relation between judgment and grace is analyzed under new nuances. In the third chapter the anthropological understanding of Kierkegaard is deepened, taking his understanding of the self as basis. From this concept the categories of despair and sin, as well as faith as cure to sin, are analyzed. Up from this development I argue that to become a self is a process that happens under judgment and grace. In the fourth chapter Christ is presented as simultaneously prototype and redeemer, and the importance of Christian discipleship is stressed as following Christ. Developing the notion of discipleship, it is elaborated a reflection on Christian love, stressing the commandment of loving one s neighbor and the manifestation of love in works. The category of edification is developed as a way of love. Finally I turn back to the concept of paradox arguing that Christian discipleship happens continually under judgment and grace. In my final reflections some important concepts of the thesis are related to questions of our own theological context.