It’s never been easier to go with the flow. Social media, groupthink, and the constant need for approval can drown out that quiet voice inside. But Søren Kierkegaard, writing well over a century ago, cuts through the noise with a simple challenge: choose faith—not popularity.
For Kierkegaard, true faith means standing before God as an individual. It’s not about blending in, keeping the peace, or doing what everyone else expects. It’s about listening closely to your own conscience, even when it sets you apart from the crowd.
Why Public Opinion Can Be a Trap
Kierkegaard wasn’t against community—but he saw how easy it is to hide in it. The more we worry about what others think, the more we risk losing touch with who we really are. He warned that popular opinion often rewards compromise, not truth.
Real faith, he argued, doesn’t always make sense to others. It’s not always neat or popular. But it’s honest. It asks: What is God asking of me in this moment?—even if the answer means swimming against the tide.
Faith Is Risky—and That’s the Point
Faith, in Kierkegaard’s eyes, is deeply personal. It’s not second-hand or borrowed from someone else’s beliefs. And it’s never automatic. It involves risk, doubt, and the possibility of being misunderstood.
But that’s where it becomes powerful. In choosing faith over comfort, you’re not just believing in something—you’re becoming someone. Someone rooted, thoughtful, and unafraid to stand alone if needed.
A Timely Reminder
In today’s world of curated lives and constant comparison, Kierkegaard’s call is more relevant than ever. Don’t follow the crowd just because it’s easier. Choose a path shaped by inward conviction, not outward approval.
👉 Want to dig deeper into Kierkegaard’s thinking?
Check out The Sickness Unto Death: A Modern Translation for the 21st Century at www.thesicknessuntodeath.com – it’s a modern, accessible take on one of his most powerful works.