Carlos De Guzman

02/16/16
121188

TH

151 J
Soren Kierkegaards 3 Stadia of Lifes Way
In Udo Goebels article on philosopher and theologian Soren
Kierkegaards 3 Stadia of Lifes Way, Goebel indicates the difficulty in
finding and perceiving the relevance of the Christian faith in our culture
today. Amidst all the distractions technology and popular culture has to
offer us, the task of contemplating and realizing a genuine religious and
spiritual Christian life becomes intimidating. In his paper, Goebel suggests
that an application of Kierkegaards work and philosophy can serve as a
guide towards resisting indifference and embracing life. In his paper,
Goebel gives mention to Kierkegaards Three Stages of Lifes Way,
which he instead refers to as the three stadia, these being the aesthetic
stadium, the ethical stadium, and the religious stadium. The first stadium
is that of the aesthetic, which concerns itself with the pleasures and
beauties of life. The aesthetic involves a preoccupation towards ones self,
and seeking that which gives pleasure to ones life. Be it through the
perpetuation of sex, money, or material belongings, such a stadium of life
becomes more and more apparent in todays culture. The next stadium is
that of the ethical, which relates to the presence of social rules that
govern the actions of each individual. Unlike the first stadium, wherein the
focus is more towards ones passion, the ethical calls for an individual to
take responsibility for his life and his actions, forming a commitment to

ones self and a genuine awareness of right and wrong. It is a shift in focus
from the self towards the good of people. The third stadium is the
religious, focusing on the individuals obedience and complete faith in
God. Moving along these three stadia is necessary for people to find
relevance and meaning in their faith. Exploring ones life intently sets the
foundations of realizing our own significance, and the value of upholding
our faith in the context of the world today.