The Idea For Which I Can Live Or Die

Abstract

This paper looks at the Kierkegaardian leap of faith and considers whether it is possible for an existential therapist to make such a leap. It is argued that for Kierkegaard the ‘how’ of faith – a passionate commitment to one’s own subjective truth – is inextricably linked with the ‘what’ of faith – namely a leap into the arms of a creator God. Consequently, it is problematic to take Kierkegaard’s leap of faith as a general inspiration to follow one’s own truth. It is also argued that Kierkegaard’s leap of faith possibly represents an attempt to step outside of relationship with others and, as such, is not necessarily an option for an existential therapist whose subjective truth is always in the process of being co-created in relationship.