There will never be enough time for me to post the little investigation into the ethical quandries of Genesis that was inaugurated at Bible study a few weeks ago. So, here is a link to A Puritan’s Mind, specifically an article on Kierkegaard‘s concept of Teleological Suspension*. Since this topic came up in study in passing, I thought I should look it up and read a little. To me the concept that cracked the whole discussion open, that ‘Ah-Ha!’ moment, was being reminded that we all are depraved. I think the article is smashing.
(*look at the section of the article on his (Kierkegaard’s) critics, and you’ll see a bit about this concept, sorry I’m not supplying more links or descriptions of Ethical or Teleological Suspension…)
5pointers 
07/10/2006 at 21:02
Johannes de Silentio’s Teleological Suspension of the Ethical is a doozy, but Silentio does consider that Abraham’s actions ought to be considered abhorrent.
“Therefore, though Abraham arouses my admiration, he at the same time appalls me. He who denies himself and sacrifices himself for duty gives up the finite in order to grasp the infinite, and that man is secure enough…But he who gives up the universal in order to grasp something still higher which is not the universal–what is he doing? Is it possible that this can be anything else but a temptation (Anfechtung)? And if it be possible … but the individual was mistaken–what can save him?”
I think Silentio is saying that you can’t have faith and reason together. If you side with reason, don’t try to assimilate faith, as Hegel tried to do.
07/11/2006 at 11:14
Hello Richard. Sounds like this is a subject of interest to you. I apologize up front that I am a neophyte on the topic and only just started reading about it in the previous weeks.
McMahon seemed to address the issue to my satisfaction here. What were your thoughts on his essay?
While I have not read Hegel or Silentio (only passing references), it seems the dillema is quickly resolved if the reference (frame) of the ethics is God’s holiness and Abraham and Isaac’s personal sinfulness. Forgetting these things, one may quickly find themselves searching for a ‘way out’ via some kind of loophole or suspension. However, in light of these principles (human sinfulness, divine holiness) no such speculation is necessary.
Per the Silentio quote, do you have any recomendations on his works (I really am unfamiliar w/ him, and Hegel) for the uninitiated?
Per the conclusion that faith and reason are exclusive, I fall back on the above statements that, this particular situation that has produced the discussion is misunderstood when the premise of human sin is excluded. Therefore, unless some other case is cited that calls into question the coherence of faith and reason, any conflict remains to be seen.
07/11/2006 at 11:23
Actually Silentio is Kierkegaard (It is one of his pseudonyms, and Silentio is one who “wrote” Fear and Trembling)
07/11/2006 at 12:02
cool, you (me) learn something new everyday! 🙂
Well, “Fear and Trembling” is my starting point for Kierkegaard (Silentio) as far as primary sources go.
thanks anonymous.
07/21/2006 at 11:38
Mark, I was definently clipped in. I don’t think I could equalize the pedal pressure as well w/out the clips. This made getting used to the rollers very nerve racking. Falling down isn’t the same as the road – you’re another six inches higher. Praise God that I caught myself before hitting the ground on the four or five times as I went down.