My dad passed away last Thursday. In this episode, I reflect on his life. Kierkegaard had a very complex relationship with his father also. No matter what our fathers did or did not say and do in this life, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and made provision for us in Christ. My dad was reading the "Four Loves" by C.S. Lewis which I did not know until my brother and I cleaned out his room at the Assisted Living facility on Monday. That has given me great encouragement that my dad was seeking and finding before he passed from this world. This episode is dedicated to George Bierker, 1935 to 2026.

Kierkergaard saw Christendom, where all are Christians, to be in direct contradiction to the Scriptures where the faith is presented as both kindness and severity. God doesn't water down the Gospel to make it agreeable to those who are perishing.

We are not to love the things of the world but love the people in the world. The love of things of the world is idolatry. The love of people is a commandment. Christendom loves the things that the world provides. While its heart is far from God.

One of my best friends passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, 4/18. I talk about him, what he taught me and what we experienced as good friends of 4 decades. I weave in some Kierkegaard and also share an essay that I am working on about stillness. I will miss Todd so very much yet so happy that our paths met all those years ago when we were in our 20's!

Kierkegaard writes of the "Poor Simpleton" who believes in the Church Militant based on his reading of what the Bible and Jesus says.

Kierkegaard writes that one does not become a Christian by being born in Christendom. Instead, it is being born-again by Faith in God. Put personal updates mostly at the end besides talking about Sam the dog.

Kierkegaard continues to develop the idea that the Triumphant Church is just another term for a Worldly Church. As a side note, based on the stats for the podcast, it seems like the listeners of Bierkergaard enjoy the foray into my personal life stories. I know that is not everyone's cup of tea but many more seem to like it versus not.

Kierkegaard demonstrates the errors of the Triumphant Church vs. the Militant Church. In a culture where almost everyone is a Christian is likely a culture where few are. I get into a riff on bitterness at the front of the episode.