Risible Christianity?: Kierkegaard versus Žižek

This article brings to light the idiosyncratic presuppositions and demythologizing aims of Slavoj Žižek’s deconstruction of Christianity. My goal is to discuss critically this secularist reinterpretation of theology by taking a close look at the questionable hermeneutic strategies and even plain distortions of Žižek’s (favourable) treatment of Kierkegaard. Particular attention will be paid to the doctrinal-salvific foundations of Kierkegaard’s authorship, which are almost completely ignored by the Slovenian philosopher. From a theological standpoint, by delineating the oddities and limitations of Žižek’s approach, the article hopes to contribute to a competent discussion of the most recent resurgence of atheism.