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Double-mindednessDouble-mindedness is a concept used in the philosophy and theology of the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard as insincerity, egoism, or fear of punishment. The term was used in the Bible in the Epistle of James.[1][2] Kierkegaard developed his own systematic way to try to detect double-mindedness in himself. Søren KierkegaardKierkegaard asked himself: "Do I want to be a Christian or not? Do I want to be a preacher or not? Do I want to be a teacher or not? Do I want to get married or not?" Many people were willing to give him advice, but he felt the decision was ultimately his own. He believed individuals fear making a decision because of external opposition, but this need not stop one from making a decision, as long as one has the capacity to learn through experience whether the decision was a good one. The first type of double-mindedness, willing for the sake of reward or out of fear of punishment, is akin to the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic values. The second type of double-mindedness, willing only to a certain degree, is akin to distraction or half-hearted willing. Each type of double-mindedness is a human weakness and an obstacle to an individual pursuit of greatness and strength towards willing and reaching the Good.[3] To counter double-mindedness, Kierkegaard argued that discipline and clarity of the self is essential and necessary. He believed that double-mindedness isn't evil but a person not recognizing that they are a self-contradiction and double-minded is self-deceit.  References
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