kierkegaard

recently I read some writings by Soren Kierkegaard. He definitely has some very strong opinions about the mediocrity of Christianity in the “modern age” (‘modern’ considering he wrote in 1800s Denmark ha)
some things I found interesting:

“how wretched and miserable it is to find in a person many good intentions but few good deeds.”

“it is only all too easy to understand the requirements contained in God’s Word (“Give all your goods to the poor.” “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the left.” “If anyone takes your coat, let him have your cloak also.” “Rejoice always.” “Count it as sheer joy when you meet various temptations” etc.) The most ignorant, poor creature cannot honestly deny being able to understand God’s requirements. But it is tough on the flesh to will to understand it and then to act accordingly. Herein lies the problem. It is not a question of interpretation, but action.”

“Nowadays we can become or live as Christians in the most pleasant way and without ever risking the slightest possibility of offense. All we have to do is start with the status quo and observe good virtues. We can continue to make our lives comfortable by scraping together the world’s goods, as long as we stir into the pot what is Christian as a seasoning, an ingredient that almost serves to refine our enjoyment of life. This kind of Christianity is but a religious variation of the world’s unbelief…”

“We could at least be truthful before God and admit our weakness instead of reducing the requirements.”

“A revolutionary age is an age of action; ours is the age of advertisement and publicity.”

“Our age is without passion. Everyone knows a great deal, we all know which way we ought to go and all the different ways we can go, but nobody is really willing to move.”