Redeeming Fatherhood. Some inspirations from Kierkegaard

Three generations. Grand father, father and daughter. Photographed by Almut Furchert

Søren Kierkegaard, the Danish poet and spiritual writer, has struggled all his life with his earthly father. Much of his writings are inspired by his attempt to cope with the tragedy he inherited. Some scholars think that would diminish his work. I have always thought it gives it its heart.

Here is some one who shares his vulnerability, and who turns it into poetry and existential insight.

As a therapist I do not know many people who have never struggled with their earthly father. I think it is part and parcel of our human journey. Having grown up with a perfect father might not be much easier. Too big the shoes to step into. Too big the loss to go on alone.

Then there are absent fathers, cold fathers, overwhelmed fathers, and unfortunately also willingly abusive fathers.

They have shaped family journeys, individual biographies and history. If you want to know about a leader, you might look how he is as a …