leap

In describing the leap, Kierkegaard agreed with Gotthold Ephraim Lessing Kierkegaard’s use of the term “leap” was in response to “Lessing’s Ditch” which was discussed by Lessing in his theological writings. Both Lessing and Kierkegaard discuss the agency one might use to base one’s faith upon. Lessing tried to battle rational Christianity directly and, when that failed, he battled it indirectly through what Kierkegaard called “imaginary constructions”. Both were influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In 1950, philosopher Vincent Edward Smith wrote that “Lessing and Kierkegaard declare in typical fashion that there is no bridge between historical, finite knowledge and God’s existence and nature.“

Leap of Faith