Works of Love
Quick Summary
Søren Kierkegaard's Works of Love (1847) is a philosophical exploration of Christian ethics, focusing on the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself. Kierkegaard contrasts this commanded love with spontaneous forms like erotic love and friendship, which he argues are rooted in self-love and are exclusionary.1
He posits that commanded love is not preferential; it extends to everyone, including enemies, and requires conscious effort rather than natural inclination. This ethical demand, originating from Christ, must manifest outwardly through actions of love. Kierkegaard criticizes the Church of Denmark for diluting this strenuous ideal into mere "leniency," failing to emphasize the personal and active nature of Christian faith and love. His work challenges individuals to move beyond societal norms and embrace a demanding, yet essential, form of love.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
