Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th-century Danish philosopher, is widely regarded as the father of existentialism. His work profoundly challenged traditional Hegelian philosophy and Christian dogma, emphasizing the importance of individual subjectivity, faith, and the inherent paradoxes of human existence. Kierkegaard’s understanding of religion wasn’t about adherence to doctrines but a deeply personal and passionate relationship with God. His assertion that “The function of prayer is not to influence God but rather to change the nature of the one who prays” is a radical departure from conventional notions of prayer as a means of securing divine intervention. This statement highlights a shift in focus from an objective, transactional view of faith to a subjective, transformative one.
Understanding Kierkegaard’s Context
Kierkegaard critiqued the established Church of Denmark for its perceived superficiality and its accommodation of worldly values. He believed that true faith required a “leap of faith” – a passionate, subjective commitment to God despite the absence of rational proof. He distinguished between different ‘stages on life’s way’ – the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious – arguing that only the religious stage involved a genuine relationship with the divine, characterized by paradox and inwardness.
Deconstructing the Statement
Kierkegaard’s statement isn’t a denial of God’s omnipotence or responsiveness. Rather, it’s a claim about the *primary effect* of prayer. He argues that attempting to ‘influence’ God implies a certain level of control or manipulation, a presumption of understanding God’s will. This, he believed, is fundamentally flawed. True prayer, according to Kierkegaard, is not about getting what one wants, but about aligning oneself with the divine will.
The Transformative Power of Prayer
The ‘change’ in the one who prays isn’t merely emotional or psychological. It’s a deeper ontological shift. Through prayer, the individual confronts their own finitude, sinfulness, and dependence on God. This confrontation leads to humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to surrender to the divine.
- Subjectivity and Truth: Kierkegaard believed that truth is subjective. Prayer isn’t about discovering objective truths about God, but about the individual’s subjective experience of faith.
- The Paradox of Faith: Prayer often involves asking for things that seem impossible or contradictory. This embrace of paradox is central to Kierkegaard’s understanding of faith.
- Becoming a Self: Through the struggle and self-examination inherent in prayer, the individual comes to define themselves authentically, not through societal expectations but through their relationship with God.
Illustrative Examples
Consider the example of a person praying for healing. If their prayer is solely focused on achieving physical health, they are attempting to ‘influence’ God. However, if their prayer involves accepting whatever God’s will may be – even if it means suffering or death – and finding meaning in that acceptance, then the prayer is transformative. The individual isn’t necessarily healed physically, but they are changed spiritually, gaining strength, resilience, and a deeper understanding of their own mortality.
Another example can be found in the story of Job. Job doesn’t attempt to bargain with God or demand an explanation for his suffering. Instead, he wrestles with his faith, questioning God’s justice while ultimately reaffirming his belief. This struggle, rather than a specific answer to his prayers, is what transforms Job.
| Prayer as Influence | Prayer as Transformation |
|---|---|
| Focus on desired outcome | Focus on aligning with divine will |
| Transactional – seeking a reward | Relational – deepening connection |
| Presumes understanding of God’s plan | Acknowledges the mystery of faith |
Conclusion
Kierkegaard’s statement challenges us to reconsider the purpose of prayer. It’s not a tool for manipulating the divine, but a pathway to self-discovery and spiritual growth. By shifting the focus from ‘getting’ to ‘becoming,’ prayer becomes a profoundly personal and transformative practice. This perspective offers a powerful antidote to the superficiality and self-centeredness that often characterize modern religious life, urging individuals to embrace the paradoxes of faith and cultivate a genuine, subjective relationship with the divine.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.