Hans Nielsen Hauge and Soren Kierkegaard: Activists for Christian Awakening and Social Change

Abstract

Hans Nielsen Hauge (1771-1824) and Soren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855) were two powerful activists for Christian awakening and social change in their home countries and beyond. Just as the two countries were joined together governmentally until Norway’s independence in 1814, both men were closely joined spiritually while living and working apart in their respective circles of societal influence. Both men had transformational religious awakenings of their Christian faith that propelled them into the public square. Both men were prolific writers whose works instigated church reform and societal influence. This article considers important similarities between Hauge and Kierkegaard and explores their shared roles as prophets, missionaries, and social reformers within the theoretical framework of communication theory for dialogue and social change.