"only the consciousness of sin is the expression of absolute respect, and just for this reason, i.e., because Christianity requires absolute respect, it must and will display itself as madness or horror, in order that the qualitative infinite emphasis may fall upon the fact that only consciousness of sin is the way of entrance, is the vision, which, by being absolute respect, can see the gentleness, loving-kindness, and compassion of Christianity.
the simple man who humbly confesses himself to be a sinner - himself personally (the individual) - does not need at all to become aware of all the difficulties which emerge when one is their simple nor humble. but when this is lacking, this humble consciousness of being personally a sinner (the individual) - yea, if such a one possessed all human wisdom and shrewdness along with all human talents, it would profit him little. Christianity shall in a degree corresponding to his superiority erect itself against him and transform itself into madness and terror, until he learns either to give up Christianity, or else by the help of what is very far remote from scientific propaedeutic, apologetic, etc. - that is, by the help of the torments of a contrite heart (just in proportion to his need of it) learns to enter by the narrow way, through the consciousness of sin, into Christianity."
- Soren Kierkegaard
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the (nearly) infinite depravity that would murder the Lord of glory beheld in one hand; the (nearly) infinite worth conferred in that death beheld in the other.
this paradox is too harmful and too wonderful for us as we are. a truthful response can only be (in time) rejection or newness. the extreme character of Jesus offers us no other road.
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rest.
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