Full Idea
Either Abraham was a murderer, or we confront a paradox higher than all mediation. His story therefore contains the teleological suspension of the ethical, and he becomes higher than the universal. If not, he is not a tragic hero or the father of faith.
Clarification
'Teleology' concerns ultimate purposes
Gist of Idea
Either Abraham rises higher than universal ethics, or he is a mere murderer
Source
Søren Kierkegaard (Fear and Trembling [1843], p.49)
Book Reference
Kierkegaard,Søren: 'Fear and Trembling', ed/tr. Hannay,Alastair [Penguin 1985], p.49
A Reaction
A nice dilemma for Christian thinkers who want to reconcile reason and morality with religion. [SY]