Why Love Alone Endures

On the Eternal Value of True Interpersonal Love and its Triadic Dimension According to Søren Kierkegaard

Abstract

In his treatise Works of Love, published in 1847, Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) provides a detailed interpretation of what is meant by the “abiding of love” according to 1Cor 13:13. Based on this interpretation, Kierkegaard’s understanding of God as the “intermediate determination” in all true interpersonal love will be explained and his evaluation of both self-love as well as love for partners and friends will be reconstructed and assessed. Finally, Kierkegaard’s understanding of which love endures for eternity is summarised.