Kierkegaard and the New Nationalism: A Contemporary Reinterpretation of the Attack upon Christendom (New Kierkegaard Research)

Nationalism is a globally resurgent phenomenon. From Britain to India to the United States of America, we find nations vociferously reasserting their own sovereignty, ethnic composition, and intrinsic superiority. Thomas J. Millay demonstrates how Kierkegaard’s ascetic voice speaks directly to our present crisis. Kierkegaard and the New Nationalism: A Contemporary Reinterpretation of the Attack upon Christendom analyzes the late writings of Kierkegaard in light of this new relevance, for Kierkegaard’s attack upon Christendom is also an attack upon nationalism. For Kierkegaard, taking on nationalism is not simply a matter of undermining false identity constructions. Attacking nationalism is a matter of renunciation: it requires ascetic discipline, such that the selfish motives at the core of one’s identity construction are uprooted and replaced by a self-giving love marked by the willingness to suffer. A 2023 Choice Reviews Outstanding Academic TitleNationalism is a globally resurgent phenomenon. From Britain to India to the United States of America, we find nations vociferously reasserting their own sovereignty, ethnic composition, and intrinsic superiority. Thomas J. Millay demonstrates how Kierkegaard's ascetic voice speaks directly to our present crisis.Kierkegaard and the New Nationalism: A Contemporary Reinterpretation of the Attack upon Christendom analyzes the late writings of Kierkegaard in light of this new relevance, for Kierkegaard's attack upon Christendom is also an attack upon nationalism. For Kierkegaard, taking on nationalism is not simply a matter of undermining false identity constructions. Attacking nationalism is a matter of renunciation: it requires ascetic discipline, such that the selfish motives at the core of one's identity construction are uprooted and replaced by a self-giving love marked by the willingness to suffer. "'Kierkegaard and the new nationalism' argues for the relevance of Kierkegaard's 'attack upon Christendom' within our current situation of resurgent nationalism. Kierkegaard's ascetic voice calls his readers not simply to critique nationalism, but to renounce it, thereby striking at nationalism's self-assertive core."-- Provided by publisher Contents 8 Preface 10 Acknowledgments 18 Abbreviations 20 Ch01. The Attack 26 Ch02. Concepts 80 Ch03. An Evolving Martyrdom 94 Ch04. Asceticism in the Streets 114 Ch05. Kierkegaard’s Critique of Nationalism Reconsidered 128 Ch06. Some Perspectives on Destruction 148 Conclusion 166 Bibliography 180 Index 186 About the Author 190