Translator's Preface - 6
Introduction - 12

Stemming - 18

I - 20
II - 23
III - 24
IV - 26

Praise for Abraham - 28
References - 41

Expectation - 61
References - 100

Question 1: Is there a teleological suspension of the ethical? - 117
References - 137

Question 2: Are there absolute obligations toward God? 149
References - 169

Question 3: Was it ethically justifiable for Abraham to hide his attempts from Sarah, Eliezer, and Isaac? - 177
References - 237

Index - 265

1.
The Background and Main Themes of Fear and Trembling

Abraham's Faith: Kierkegaard explores the paradox of faith through the scene where Abraham follows God's command to sacrifice his son Isaac.
This story raises the question of the conflict between ethics and faith, and shows how Abraham becomes a knight of faith by transcending ethical judgment and obeying God's command.

The Paradox of Faith: Kierkegaard defines faith as “believing in the impossible,” that is, “the act of accepting a paradox that cannot be rationally understood.”
Abraham's actions are utterly unacceptable by ethical standards, but they are justified only in his relationship with God.

Personal Existential Decision: Fear and Trembling emphasizes that faith is not simply a matter of religious practice or doctrinal understanding, but requires personal existential decision and passionate commitment.

2.
Key Concepts

Knight of Faith: Abraham embodies the ideal of faith, symbolizing a person who transcends the ethical judgments of the world and follows God's commands.
The knight of faith establishes a relationship with the transcendent God through a religious decision that transcends reason and ethics.

The Tension Between Ethics and Faith: Kierkegaard emphasizes the tension between ethical norms and religious obedience, and questions the moment when faith can transcend ethics.
He describes this as the “suspension of the ethical,” explaining that faith is a transcendent dimension that transcends universal human ethics.

3.
Questions for the Reader

In this book, Kierkegaard poses the following question to his readers:

ㆍWhat is faith?
Faith is not a mere emotion or rational conviction, but a decision to entrust everything to God.
Do you have these beliefs?

ㆍCan you act like Abraham?
If you were torn between ethical judgment and God's command, what would you decide?

ㆍIs faith personal or universal?
Faith is not simply a part of social and institutional religion, but is realized in the absolute relationship between God and the individual.

4.
Why should I read it?

Fear and Trembling is a philosophical and theological classic that deeply explores the essence of faith and the problems of human existence.
ㆍA deep reflection on the essence of faith: This book goes beyond simply telling a story of religious faith, offering universal insights into human life and choices.
ㆍThe importance of existential decisions: Kierkegaard urges readers to make their own existential decisions and leads them to discover the meaning of life for themselves.
ㆍThe intersection of philosophy and faith: It addresses philosophical topics such as the conflict between faith and reason, and ethics and belief, and stimulates deep thought.

5.
Who do you recommend it to?

ㆍA person who ponders the essence of faith and belief.
ㆍPhilosophical and theological readers who wish to explore the relationship between ethics and religion, reason and faith.
ㆍPeople who want to think deeply about the meaning of life and personal decisions.

Fear and Trembling invites you on a journey that confronts existential questions and leads you to discover the true meaning of faith.
Face the challenges and questions Kierkegaard poses with courage.

ㆍAre there any duties that transcend ethics?
A philosophical and religious masterpiece dealing with the essence of faith and existential decisions.
ㆍExploring the essence of faith and transcendent decisions that transcend ethical life through the story of Abraham and Isaac.