A Theological-Biblical Anthropology of Sin in light of a Kierkegaardian Philosophy of Human Subjectivity

Abstract

This thesis seeks to propose a new approach to the anthropology of sin from a rereading of the problem using the concept of subjectivity from the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard. The mischaracterization of the theme of sin in society raises the need for the subject to be revisited by theology, seeking a self-evident approach, therefore, considering human subjectivity.

This research begins by studying the anthropological insights in Kierkegaard’s writings, emphasizing what he wrote about the doctrine of sin. Consequently, a detailed study about his concept of anxiety, despair, untruth, and the relationship with his idea of self is performed. The research also evaluates historically and theologically the arguments raised by Kierkegaard. The concepts presented are especially examined in the biblical narrative. It is argued that theology should consider the human being as a theomorphism and a kinetic self. Moreover, the doctrine of original sin is revisited. A new approach to sin is elaborated, considering its aesthetics and ethical realities concerning human subjectivity.

Some implications are explored for this anthropology of sin, helping theology present sin more effectively and providing a lens for understanding various issues related to anthropology. These implications show that biblical-theological anthropology needs to see the human as a multi-dimensional being to avoid producing an abstract and unidimensional understanding of the human and sin. This research argues for a “kinetic anthropology”, where the human being is conceived not only regarding his substances, as traditionally addressed, but also regarding the multiple ontological relations composing human selfhood, where the God-relation is the main one.